January

Thursday 1^st January		New Year’s Day Clyne Gardens and Country Park Peter’s Birthday Walk
Leader: Peter Jones					6 miles
Tel: 07840-542048			Leisurely
Description: Come celebrate Peter’s birthday with a walk through Clyne Garden and into Swansea’s only country park. You can see Peter’s previous walk in Clyne on our web site. Starting at the graves of dogs owned by the Vivian family, we’ll descend towards the Woodman Inn, (with a stop at public conveniences on the way). Crossing a few roads and the ‘Roman’ Bridge, we’ll enter the country park along the old tramway.  We’ll then join an active travel path that will take us past the old ‘new’ mill with its mill leat to the ‘Washing Place’, otherwise known as ‘Olchfa’. We then join an old main road used by merchants to bring Gower produce to Swansea Market.  This rural and Beech Tree-lined thoroughfare is scheduled to be transformed into another active travel route so see it now before it changes. We’ll have our packed lunches outside the Railway Inn at Killay where you can buy a drink. We’ll then join the spine path of Clyne Country Park.  Taking care to avoid the cyclists, we’ll then leave that path and make the steep ascent out of the valley to pass Keeper’s Cottage. Subject to the weather, we should have a magnificent view over Swansea Bay from this high vantage point. The estate path then brings us to the top of Mill Lane for the return to the start. Stiles: No Stiles Toilets: Clyne Gardens, Railway Inn Terrain: Walking Poles recommended. One steep ascent (taken slowly), mud in places, uneven surfaces, Active Travel Paths and countryside paths. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Woodman.
				Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Clyne Gardens: St. Catwg Walk Entrance: Dogs Cemetery
Directions: · From Mumbles Road at Blackpill, ascend Mayals Road. · Turn First right into Westport Avenue. · Use on-street parking on Westport Avenue. · Walk up to First right (St. Catwg’s Walk) · (Note: keep St. Catwg Walk clear for emergency vehicles).
(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)
What3Words: still.prop.fleet						Post Code: SA3 5ED
Lat/Long: 51.5967, -4.0068							GR:	SS	611 905
Descending through Clyne Gardens
Stopping to admire the view over Swansea Bay

Saturday 3^rd January		Copper Quarter
Leader: Andrew Morgan					6 miles
Tel: 07719-409504					Leisurely
Description: A gentle walk from the Morfa Copperworks area that passes through the historic industrial area of Swansea along both sides of the River Tawe. If you have been thinking of trying a group walk for the first time then come along and meet Swansea Ramblers.  We’ll look forward to meeting you. Our walk takes us along the west side of the River Tawe, following a road built over the Swansea Canal.  We then cross the bridge over the Hitachi Train cleaning facility to join the Hafod Active Travel Path.  (Although the river is nearby, we will not be able to see it until we are near the city centre). Passing by the chapel of the famous one-eyed preacher, Christmas Evans, we descend under the tall arches of the Great Western Railway to cross the road to the riverside WII Ack-ack Gun. We then cross the main road near Sainsburys and visit the Merchant Navy memorial.  This commemorates the sailors who risked their lives to bring much needed supplies into war-torn Britain.  Crossing the Sail Bridge, we’ll make our way to the South Dock Basin and cross the Marina Lock gates. Following the River Tawe to the sea, we’ll continue to the end of the West Pier for views over Swansea Bay. Our return journey begins by crossing the Trafalgar Bridge to head north along the east bank of the barrage. Crossing the main road again, we continue on the east side of the river, walking along an Active Travel Path built on a former railway which itself was built on an old canal. Further north, we pass the last remaining remnants of the canal before finishing with a short ascent of a man-made hill which gives us a 360-degree vista over the area. Stiles: There are no stiles on this walk Toilets: At marina entrance Terrain: Mostly flat with well-surfaced paths. There will be some steps to ascend/descend. Sand under foot when crossing to the pier. See photographs of a previous walk in this area. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to a local venue.
Group gathered at White Rock
A Rainbow over The West Pier
			Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Morfa: White Rock Car Park
(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)
Directions: · Car Park is on east side of the River Tawe, south of Morfa Park & Ride. · Join the A4217 large roundabout south of Swansea.com (Liberty) Stadium · From the roundabout, descend west on narrow slip road to the riverside (N.B. This is NOT the A4067 roundabout by Swansea.com Stadium).
What3Words: gives.tribune.area				Post Code: SA1 2HP
Lat/Long: 51.6369, -3.9333						GR:	SS	663 949

Sunday 4^th January			3 Cliffs and 3 Kings
Leader: Mary Williams					10.5 miles
Tel: 07743-347777		Moderate
Description: This is a circular walk visiting landmarks associated with 3 of our kings. The walk will also take place just before Epiphany, which is called ‘The Festival of the 3 Kings’ in Spanish-speaking countries.  Starting from Southgate Car Park, we will walk to Pennard Garden Society Wellness Garden where a tree has been planted to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. From there, to the summit of Cefn Bryn where a memorial celebrates the opening of The Gower Way by Prince Charles. We will visit King Arthur's Stone which is believed to have been visited by King Henry VII’s army on their way to victory at Bosworth.   Our last landmark will be the King Arthur Hotel. We will return via Cefn Bryn and along the coastal path via Great Tor to Southgate Car Park.  Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to the Southgate Club.
				Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
10:00 a.m.	Southgate: National Trust Car Park (Charge - but free for NT members).
Directions: · From centre of Swansea, follow the A4067, Mumbles Road. · At Blackpill, turn right at lights onto B4436, Mayals Road. · Continue straight through Kittle and Pennard to NT car park at Southgate.
(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)
What3Words: zaps.navigate.tripled						Post Code:  SA3 2DH
Lat/Long: 51.5670, -4.0878							GR:	SS	553 874

Saturday 10^th January		Summer House Hill and Swansea Vale
Leader: Clive Rees						6.5 miles
Tel: 07969-378750			Leisurely
Description: A walk through the Lower Swansea Valley. We’ll walk from Llansamlet to the River Tawe where we will have our first coffee stop. We then follow the riverside path of the Tawe southward and stop at Fendrod Lake for our lunch.  There is a café with toilets opposite. After that, there will be a gentle ascent eastward towards Pentredwr on well-surfaced paths that pass by Winch-wen and Trallwn. Crossing a busy road, we’ll follow paths and quiet streets onto Summer House Hill.  Here we will have a second coffee stop to give us time to admire the extensive 360-degree view over Crymlyn Fen together with the valleys of Swansea and Neath. From Summer House Hill, you have the option to continue on the walk for just over a mile OR to leave the walk to return to the start (a half-mile away) via Heol Hafty then turn left onto Frederick Place and right onto Bethel Road. The rest of us will continue by descending into Cwm Crymlyn on the border with Neath Port Talbot. Here the path is rough so you’ll appreciate bringing your poles. Joining another Active Travel Path, we pass through the now abandoned village of ‘The Grove of Battles’, or ‘Llwynbrwydrau’ although you’ll be hard-pushed to see it! This is on the old border of two Marcher Lordships, Gower and Glamorgan. Following this path, we suddenly arrive back at our start point and consider it time to drive over to the Bowen’s Arms! Stiles: No Stiles Toilets: In pub at end of walk | Northey Lights Café at Fendrod for customers. Terrain: Mixture of Active Travel Paths, pavements and muddy paths.  Walking Poles recommended. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to Bowen’s Public House. (A short drive from where we are parked).
				Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Llansamlet: Frederick Place: Railway Station Car Park
Directions:  · Head east on A48 towards M4 J44 · Before reaching M4, (at traffic lights on cross roads), turn right onto Frederick Place. · Turn left at Station sign. · Drive into the car park behind the surgery.
(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)
What3Words: lined.having.spell					Post Code: SA7 9BL
Lat/Long: 51.6611, -3.8842							GR:	SS	697 974

Sunday 11^th January			Horton and Port Eynon
Leader: Mike Clinch					8 miles
Tel: 07970-878393		Ascent: 700ft (213m)
					Moderate
Description: A circular walk from Horton past Overton Cliff and around the coast to Port Eynon. As well as fabulous views, points of interest include: Evidence of how the sea level has changed. A walled sea cave once used by smugglers. Evidence of past industrial activity. The remains of a sunken forest. Stiles: Several Stiles (both of wooden and stone construction). Toilets: At Horton Car Park. Terrain: Varied and includes road, fields and woodland with some paths being rocky and narrow. There are also a couple of short but challenging climbs. I’m anticipating mud in places. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The King Arthur in Reynoldston.
				Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
10:00 a.m.	Horton: Car Park at Horton Bay (charge)
Directions: · Follow A4118 west to Scurlage. · Continue on the same road towards Port Eynon. · Take first left then the next right, signposted for Horton.
(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)
What3Words: mixer.intention.snows						Post Code: SA3 1LQ
Lat/Long: 51.5484, -4.2029							GR:	SS	473 855

Wednesday 14^th January	Path Maintenance Team Come and help us keep the paths open to walk
Coordinator: Clive Scott
Tel: 07369-299198
Email: path.maintenanceATswansearamblers.org.uk  (N.B. Replace ‘AT’ with @)
Description: On or around the 2^nd Wednesday of each month, we assist the City & County of Swansea to maintain the network of footpaths.  The actual day we go out will depend on the work schedule of the council’s Countryside Access Team. Our volunteer work may include everything from pruning and strimming to stile repairs and bridge building. All are welcome to take part, so if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with our team, please contact the coordinator to find out more information.

Thursday 15^th January		Social Evening: Evening Meal at The Bay View (Plus, Leaders’ meeting to plan the next programme)
The Bay View Hotel
We will be visiting the Bay View Hotel where we can enjoy a Thai meal. Please note this will be on a Thursday evening. Our previous social events with a Thai meal at the Bay View have always been enjoyed by us. While the social is taking place, we will also be putting together the next programme, so if you are able to lead a walk, please think about a one (or more) that you could do for the group.  New Leaders: If you have never led before then have a chat with us; we will help you get started.  Maybe you could begin with an easy walk such as an evening stroll or a short walk on a Sunday or weekday. It’s not as hard as you think!
Enjoying a previous social at the Bay View Hotel
Parking: On-street parking is available in Francis Street and around the Guildhall.
Meet:	Meeting Place:
7:00 p.m.	The Bay View Hotel: (Near Guildhall)
Directions:  The Bay View Hotel is on junction of Oystermouth Road (A4067) and St. Helen’s Road, near the Guildhall.
What3Words: covers.games.supper			Post Code: SA1 3UL
Lat/Long: 51.6127, -3.9591				GR:	SS	644 922

Saturday 17^th January		Details to Follow
Leader: Morag Eddyshaw			TBA miles
Tel: 07751-444535	Leisurely

Saturday 24^th January		Neath Abbey
Leader: Clive Rees				6 miles
Tel: 07969-378750				Leisurely
Description: We will be walking along the Tennant Canal to Aberdulais where there is that fabulous old aqueduct. Then back along the Neath Canal into Neath itself where we can see the castle. Stiles: There are no stiles on this walk Toilets: In Neath Town Centre Terrain: There are no hills at all so it’s a good walk if one is a bit unsteady. Social after walk Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Bowens Arms (Skewen).
			Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Neath Abbey
Directions:  · Head east on Fabian Way (A483) · Join M4 towards Carmarthen in the A465 (Neath) lane, to leave at the next junction. · At the M4 roundabout, take the 3^rd exit to join the A465. · Exit left at sign for Neath Abbey Industrial Estate. · At T-Junction, turn right. · You can park at the end of this road OR · Turn right to park nearer the Abbey (if there is space).
(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)
What3Words: gloves.grabs.inform					Post Code: SA10 7DW
Lat/long: 51.6609, -3.8274						GR:	SS	737 973