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Swansea Ramblers


White Rock History Walk

A 6-mile stroll in Swansea's Industrial past

3rd January 2026

Leader: Andrew Morgan




Swansea Ramblers visited White Rock where Copper smelting made Swansea the Copper Capital of the world.

It had snowed overnight but 25 of us turned up to enjoy a walk in the sunshine.

Copperopolis has long disappeared but a few historic structures remain.

After seeing some of the industrial remains, we headed south to Bethesda where the famous orator, One-eye Christmas Jones is buried.

We had lunch at the Merchant Navy War Memorial then continued to the West Pier.

We had a tea-break on the beach sitting on a washed-up tree then headed north to return to White Rock.

Another lovely walk with Swansea Ramblers   



Swansea Ramblers offer a range of walks for most abilities.

Try an easy walk of 2-3 hours or our longer strenuous mountain walks for the experienced walker.

Maybe you'd like to explore walking for the first time with a friendly group of people?
- Come with Swansea Ramblers!

If you'd like to try a Swansea walk then do come along and find out what the great outdoors is all about.

It won't cost you anything to come along and see if walking is for you.
You'll be very welcome to join us for three free walks.

If you enjoy walking with us and want to come on even more of our walks, just become a member.

When you join us for a Swansea Walk, ask us about the other walks and social events we do.






Photographs



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Leader Andrew Morgan


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Visiting the site of the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks


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The end of the industrial shed still houses museum exhibits
but will move to provide Penderyn with more space



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Some exhibits rust in the elements


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Snow had fallen overnight


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A memorial to the Copper workers


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The old works canteen, now part of Penderyn Distillery


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We had a closer look outside the remaining engine house


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Only two Chimneys remain in this area


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The rear of the copperworks


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We walked more or less where the Swansea Canal once ran


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Then crossed the Hitachi train cleaning facility


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Heading south by the Tawe


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One of the War Memorials


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We passed The Princess of Wales Dock


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And crossed the barrage


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Then into the dunes


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And onto the beach


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We walked to the end of the Pier to see the views


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Then back on the beach we had a coffee stop in warm sunshine


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Swansea seafront


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Then we began our return journey


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And finished at White Rock with a 360-degree view of the area





Ordnance Survey map of the route walked
Resizable and draggable
(Can be reset to original dimensions by refreshing the page)




All photographs Copyright  Andrew Morgan 2026
All rights reserved



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