March

 

 

Sunday

1st March

Margam Park

Leader: Lucy Davies

8.5 miles

Tel: 07772-0784492

Moderate

 

 

 

Description:

 

A forestry and parkland walk around Margam Country Park.

 

The walk will include a visit to the Bro Stone with amazing views over Port Talbot, towards Swansea and the Glamorgan Coast.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to the Twelve Knights in Margam.

 

The ‘Bro’ Stone at the Pulpit above Margam Country Park

 

 

Assistance Dogs Only

Start:

Starting Place:

 

10:00 a.m.

Margam: Margam Lakeside

Directions:

·       Leave Swansea on Fabian Way (A483).

·       Head east on M4.

·       Leave M4 at J38, signposted Margam.

·       Take 1st exit, signposted A48 Pyle.

·       Turn 1st left, signposted Margam Stones Museum.

·       After 350 yards (at right-hand bend in road), turn left.

·       Turn right.

·       After about 340 yards, park on right beside the pond.

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: apples.pinch.swimsuits

Post Code: SA13 2TA

Lat/Long: 51.5636, -3.7295

 

GR:

SS

802 863

 

High above Margam, looking towards Port Talbot Steel Works

 

Panoramic views over the surrounding area

 

 

Thursday

5th March

Gorseinon

 

Leaders: Christine Roberts & Ruth Stephens

4 miles

Tel: 07766-345561 (CR) or 07542-101802 (RS)

Easy Access

 

 

 

Description:

 

From the car park, we will go via Parc Melin Mynach and continue through Grovesend.

 

Returning to the start along the Active Travel Path.

 

Stiles: No stiles

Toilets: At Pub afterwards

Terrain: A bit of mud in the park, otherwise tarmac paths and pavements.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Maerdy in Gorseinon.

(Please note that Dogs are not allowed in the pub or Beer Garden).

 

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Gorseinon: Car Park opposite ASDA

Directions: 

·       Join A4240 in Gorseinon

·       At crossroads by Toby Restaurant, turn north on Heol y Mynydd.

·       At roundabout, take 1st exit.

·       With ASDA to your right, turn left into the car park opposite.

 

(You can use the Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: lookout.fuss.discloses

Post Code: SA4 4BT

Lat/Long: 51.6695, -4.0356

 

GR:

SS

593 987

 

 

Saturday

7th March

Crofty

Leader: Dave Stephens

5 miles

Tel: 07864-020630

Leisurely

 

 

 

Description:

 

A lovely walk with great views over Loughor Estuary.

 

We will join the Wales Coast Path around Salthouse Point to ‘The Lynch’ before a climb to Wern Common.

 

A walk along an old railway track, now an Active Travel Path will bring us to an ascent to Hermon Capel.

 

We then return via Graig y Coed.

 

There will be good views of Bury Inlet and the Carmarthenshire Coast.

 

Stiles: To be advised on the day

Toilets: None.

Terrain: Although leisurely, there will be a couple of ascents onto the hillside above Crofty and Penclawdd.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to GG’s Gelato in Penclawdd.

 

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Crofty: Industrial Estate (near Jasons Tyres)

Directions: 

·       Head west on North Gower Road (B4295).

·       Pass through Penclawdd.

·       Turn 1st right after passing the playing fields (on the left).

·       Continue through this industrial area and park on street near Jasons Tyres.

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: samplers.apron.escorting

Post Code: SA4 3SL

Lat/Long: 51.6381, -4.1301

 

GR:

SS

526 954

 

 

Sunday

8th March

Mynydd Gelliwastad and Gellionen

 

Leader: Paul Scutchings

9 miles

Tel: 07725-856484

Moderate

Ascent: 1,400ft / 427m

 

 

Description:

 

Weather permitting, we will have great views on this walk.

 

Initially, we will follow the valley of Cwm Clydach, ascending Gelliwastad via paths around Craig-cefn-parc.

 

We will descend via Graig Felen into Clydach.

 

Following a disused rail line to Trebanos, we will pick up a steep path ascending to Gellionen Chapel.

 

Eventually we return to the start via the Cwm Clydach walking route.

 

Toilets: None.

Terrain:

  • A couple of steep climbs.
  • Approximately 1,400 feet of Ascent.
  • Potential for mud!!
  • Sticks recommended.

 

Social after walk:

After the walk we will visit The Millers Arms, Ynystawe.

 

 

Assistance Dogs Only

Start:

Starting Place:

 

10:00 a.m.

Craig Cefn Parc: RSPB Reserve Car Park

Directions: 

·       From M4 J45 Ynysforgan, head north on A4067 to Glais Roundabout.

·       Take 1st exit onto B4291 to Clydach.

·       Cross 1st mini roundabout, signed Craig Cefn Parc.

·       At 2nd mini roundabout, take 2nd exit, signed Craig Cefn Parc.

·       Continue 1 mile on Vadre Road/Lone Road

·       N.B. After passing the New Inn (on the right) -

·       Bear left to cross the bridge

·       Immediately turn right into the long narrow parking area.

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: residual.nags.hospitals

Post Code: SA6 5SY

Lat/Long: 51.7065, -3.9068

 

GR:

SN

683 026

 

 

Wednesday

11th March

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 2nd 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.

 

 

Saturday

14th March

Mynydd y Gwrhyd and Llangiwg

Leader: Mike Clarke

5 miles

Tel: 07837-411220

Leisurely

 

 

 

Description:

 

N.B. We will meet in Lidl’s in Pontardawe from where we will share cars to the start of the walk (there is limited parking at the start of the walk).

 

Come along with Mike and enjoy a gentle and beautiful upland-walk around the Gwrhyd Mountain range.

(with stunning views in all directions).

 

We’ll also walk past the ancient Llangiwg Church on our way.

 

See the photos of this great walk when Mike led it previously.

 

Stiles: One Stile.

Toilets: In Lidl’s and after the walk at The Gwachel.

Terrain: Uneven ground. Gentle climbs. There may be some mud.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Gwachel.

 

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Pontardawe: Lidl Car Park (Bottom of car park).

Directions: 

·       Follow A4067 north from M4.

·       Take 2nd left off roundabout at Pontardawe.

·       Take 2nd left off 2nd roundabout to join A474.

·       Take 1st exit at mini roundabout, into retail centre.

·       Lidl’s car park is to the left.

·       Park at bottom of car park.

 

What3Words: complain.motor.salary

Post Code: SA8 4AG

Lat/Long: 51.7178, -3.8505

 

GR:

SN

722 037

 

One of the views along the way

 

 

Saturday

21st March

A Morning LINEAR Walk:

Gowerton to Penclawdd

(see the other entry for the afternoon walk)

Leader: Peter Jones

4.5 miles

Tel: 07840-542048

Leisurely

 

 

 

Description:

 

N.B.  This is a linear walk starting in Gowerton and finishing in Penclawdd.

 

Peter will also lead a second linear walk back to Gowerton or you may wish to catch a 116 bus back from Penclawdd to Gowerton.

 

This is a lovely inland walk to Penclawdd along lesser-used paths and Bridleways.  From the Golf Course, there will be fine views over Loughor Estuary.

 

After joining Cefn Stylle Road for a few hundred yards, we’ll descend to a footpath with more views across the estuary before joining the Active Travel Path into Penclawdd.

 

In Penclawdd we will stop for lunch. You may like to visit the café or enjoy Fish and Chips whilst looking out across the Loughor Estuary (or maybe have an ice-cream in GG’s Gelateria!).

 

You will then have the option to join Peter on the afternoon walk back to Gowerton.

 

Terrain: Brambles and undergrowth along the way.  Some ascent, some mud. Busy roads to traverse, including 500 yards along Cefn Stylle Road.

Stiles: There are 2 stiles along the way.

Toilets: There are toilets available in Penclawdd.

 

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 p.m.

Gowerton: Gorwydd Road Car Park

Directions: 

·       Head west on the B4295 Cockett to Gowerton Road

·       Continue west through traffic lights at Sterry and Station Roads

·       The car park is immediately on the north side of the B4295 bypass

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: colleague.modest.horns

Post Code: SA4 3EE

Lat/Long: 51.6488, -4.0371

 

GR:

SS

591 964

 

Peter leading a previous walk through Penclawdd

 

 

Saturday

21st March

An Afternoon LINEAR Walk:

Penclawdd to Gowerton

(see the other entry for the morning walk)

Leader: Peter Jones

3.5 miles

Tel: 07840-542048

Leisurely

 

 

 

Description:

 

N.B.  This is a linear walk starting in Penclawdd and finishing in Gowerton.

 

The walk one-way to Gowerton is about 3.5 miles. Those wishing to return to Penclawdd could catch a 116 bus from Gowerton. 

 

We will begin our walk along the Penclawdd Foreshore (with a small section that may be wet and muddy). We then join the Tarmacadam Active Travel Path eastward.

 

From here we cross the B4295 at the Rake and Riddle to join the inland section of the Wales Coast Path. 

 

From the hills over which the coast path travels, we will have fine views above the Loughor Estuary and beyond.

 

We then continue east on an enclosed Bridleway until we reach Cefn Stylle Road. A short distance on the road brings us to an awkward stile.

 

Continuing through a field and woodland, the coast path emerges onto Brynymor Road where our walk finishes.

 

Terrain: Some ascent, some mud and a Bridleway with a rocky surface.

Stiles: There is one stile (awkward) along the way.

Toilets: There are toilets available in Penclawdd.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Farmers Arms in Swansea Road, Waunarlwydd.

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

2:00 p.m.

Penclawdd: Foreshore Car Park (free)

Directions: 

·       From Gowerton, follow B4295 westward to Penclawdd

·       Negotiate the double bend in the village

·       Pass over the pedestrian crossing

·       Turn immediately right into the car park

              (The Chip shop is to the left and GGs is to the right)

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: pining.skillet.area

Post Code: SA4 3YF

Lat/Long: 51.6429, -4.1038

 

GR:

SS

545 958

 

Peter leading a previous walk through Penclawdd

 

 

Sunday

22nd March

3 Cliffs and 3 Kings

 

Leader: Mary Williams

10.5 miles

Tel: 07743-347777

Moderate

 

 

 

Description:

 

A repeat attempt to complete this circular walk visiting landmarks associated with 3 of our kings.

(Unfortunately, the walk on 4th January was hampered by icy conditions underfoot!).

 

Starting from Southgate Car Park, we will walk to the Pennard Garden Society Wellness Garden where a tree has been planted to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III.

 

From there, we walk via the summit of Cefn Bryn to a memorial which celebrates the opening by (the then) Prince Charles of The Gower Way Long Distance Path.

 

We will continue to 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 then return to Southgate car park via Cefn Bryn and along the coastal path, passing Great Tor. 

 

 

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: Pennard Cliffs: National Trust Car Park (Charge)
(free for NT members).

Directions: 

·       From Swansea, head south on A4067, Oystermouth Road

·       Turn right to ascend B4436, Mayals Road (after The Woodman Inn)

·       Follow B4436 through Kittle

·       Continue straight on at junction where B4436 turns right

·       Follow road through Southgate Village to roundabout

·       Park in the cliff-top car park

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: zaps.navigate.tripled

Post Code:  SA3 2DJ

Lat/Long: 51.5670, -4.0878

 

GR:

SS

553 874

 

 

Wednesday

25th March

West Cross to the Pier (and back!)

 

Leader: Ken Rees

4 miles

Tel: 07982-790853

Easy Access

 

 

 

Description:

 

A gentle walk on easy surfaces, providing an introduction to walking with Swansea Ramblers.

 

This will be a leisurely 4-mile walk along the promenade from West Cross Inn to the Pier and back.

 

There will be lovely views across Swansea Bay.

 

Stiles: None

Toilets: Oystermouth Square | Knab Rock

Terrain: Level walking, no hills. Good surfaces, mostly tarmacadam.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The West Cross Inn.

 

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

West Cross:

Parking on opposite side of road from West Cross Inn (Free)

Directions: 

·       From Swansea, follow the coast road (A4067) through Blackpill.

·       Take 2nd exit at mini roundabout in West Cross.

·       Take 1st left onto West Cross Lane.

·       Almost immediately, turn 1st left into Alderwood Road.

·       Follow road past shops to free car park.

·       (Additional on-street parking available off West Cross Lane).

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: ideal.highs.strain

Post Code: SA3 5JD

Lat/Long: 51.5860, -4.0010

 

GR:

SS

614 893

 

 

Saturday

28th March

Mynydd Drumau

 

Leader: David Kealaher

5 miles

Tel: 07542-769421

Moderate

Ascent: 800 ft / 243 m

 

 

 

Description:

 

From the main road, we will cross by Swiss Cottage and proceed up a lane.

 

We will join the Bridle path which winds gradually up onto the top of Drumau Mountain.  Here we will see Careg Bica, the ancient Standing Stone.

 

We will follow the ridge to the Trig Point where commanding views can be seen over the Neath Valley.

 

The walk will then descend through woodland paths to return to the start point.

 

Stiles: There are two stiles on the walk.

Toilets: In the Glyn Clydach after the walk.

Terrain: There will be an ascent of the hillside.

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Loft Bar, Glyn Clydach Hotel.

 

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Neath Abbey: Glyn Clydach Hotel (Car share where possible)

Directions: 

·       Follow A465 to the Neath exit.

·       At roundabout, take 1st exit onto A474.

·       At next roundabout, take 1st exit onto A4230.

·       At a double mini roundabout, turn right uphill on Longford Road.

·       After 1 mile, turn right into hotel car park at sign for Glyn Loft

·       Park on left before reaching the main car park of the venue.

 

(You can use the Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: vines.slam.flats

Post Code: SA10 7AJ

Lat/Long: 51.6762, -3.8291

 

GR:

SS

736 991

 

 

June

 

 

 

Saturday

13th June

Parkmill, Penmaen and Three Cliffs

 

Leader: Christine Rees

6 miles

Tel: 01792-403547 or 07967-716568

Leisurely

 

Description:

 

We’ll walk part of ‘The Gower Way’, through Park Woods to emerge onto lower Cefn Bryn. 

 

There we will have an iconic view of Three Cliffs Bay, considered one of the best beaches on the Wales Coast Path.

 

At Penmaen, we’ll stop at picnic benches for an early lunch.

 

We then join the Wales Coast Path with lovely views over Oxwich before heading towards Three Cliffs for a short coffee break.

 

We’ll follow Pennard Pill to Parkmill then ascend the lane back to the cars. 

 

See photographs of Christine’s previous walk in this area.

 

The walk is all on paths with one sandy downhill section.

 

Car-share is recommended since we cannot guarantee a space in a car park on the day.  Please arrange lifts beforehand where possible.

 

Stiles: There are no stiles.

Toilets: Heritage Centre Car Park just before the walk ends.

Terrain:

  • Gradual ascent to Penmaen on good paths. 
  • Descent to Three Cliffs Bay on rougher track.
  • Sandy path (Possibly some mud in places). 
  • Last section ascends back to the car park.

 

 

Social after walk:

Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Gower Inn.

 

Descending towards Three Cliffs Bay

 

Dogs remain on short leads

Start:

Starting Place:

 

11:00 a.m.

Parkmill: Park Wood Car Park (Green Cwm)

N.B. LIMITED PARKING:  Please car share where possible.

 

Directions:

·       From Swansea, follow A4118.

·       Pass through Parkmill.

·       Turn right before following main road uphill.

(i.e. Just beyond Gower Heritage Centre, signposted, Parc Le Breos).

·       Turn left on single track road.

·       Car park is a third of a mile uphill.

 

(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)

What3Words: roaring.reclusive.gourmet

Post Code: Unreliable

Lat/Long: 51.5863, -4.1111

 

GR:

SS

538 896

 

Three Cliffs from Penmaen Burrows