May

Saturday 2^nd May			Margam and the Pulpit Walk
Leader: Lucy Davies				6 miles
Tel: 07772-784492				Leisurely


Description: Come and enjoy extensive views over Margam Country Park as we make our way to the ‘Bro Stone’ pulpit, high above the Victorian Mansion. If we have a clear day, once we get to the Pulpit Viewpoint, we will have views over to Devon, Somerset and the Gower Peninsula. Hopefully, we will be fortunate to see some of the deer that roam the park. The Rhododendrons and Bluebells should be out to add to more colour to the walk. See more photographs of Lucy’s previous walk in Margam. Stiles: None Toilets: At the mansion Terrain: · Some ascents of the hillside. · Possibility of mud. · Some paths have rocky surfaces. Social after Walk Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Twelve Knights Pub.

Deer in Margam Park

Margam Mansion

Bro Stone at the Pulpit

Walking through Margam Park
		Assistance Dogs Only
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Margam: Country Park: Layby on A48 near park entrance. N.B. Limited parking in layby. *Car share if possible as parking in the country park costs £8.50.* The walk starts from the layby - so if you do park in the country park, walk back to the layby to meet Lucy.
Directions: · M4: Head east to Jct 38, signposted Margam. · At roundabout, take 1st exit onto A48. · After about 300 yards, the layby is on the right.
*(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: unsigned.backtrack.charm					Post Code: SA13 2TF
Lat/Long: 51.5606, -3.7302						GR:	SS	798 858


The mansion at Margam

Rhododendrons above Margam

Sunday 3^rd May		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 1^st exit onto B4291 to Clydach. · Cross 1^st mini roundabout, signed Craig Cefn Parc. · At 2^nd mini roundabout, take 2^nd 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

Saturday 9^th May *N.B. Two walks today*		Two Bluebell woods near Llandeilo *A Figure of Eight Walk*
Leader: Andrew Morgan					4 miles & 4 miles
Tel: 07719-409504			Leisurely


Begin walking with Swansea Ramblers on a short stroll, - either in the morning or afternoon (or do both). See the photographs of Bluebells at Coed Tregib See the photographs of Bluebells at Dinefwr See the National Trust video of Bluebells at Dinefwr

Bluebells in the nature reserve

Morning Walk Description: A walk that takes us through the dazzling display of Bluebells in the Woodland Trust Reserve of Coed Tregib. We will cross the suspension bridge over the River Towy to visit the Woodland Trust SSSI reserve of Coed Tregib. Here we will find a hidden woodland full of Bluebells and if we are quiet and very lucky, maybe spot one or two Fallow Deer before they disappear again into the woods. Also, the woods are usually full of birdsong as they declare their territory. If you’ve not walked in this area near Llandeilo then you will be very pleasantly surprised by the display of Bluebells. Just ask those who did it last year! After the morning walk you have the option to see even more Bluebells on the afternoon walk or to spend time in the town of Llandeilo. Depending on how long the morning walk lasts, we will have a longer or shorter lunch break in Llandeilo. Stiles: One Stile Toilets: In the Car park (Coin operated) Terrain: · Mud very possible if weather has been wet. · Brambles and other undergrowth. · Uneven paths with exposed tree roots. · Quiet road to walk.

Afternoon Walk Description: We’ll walk through Llandeilo into Dinefwr Park, making our way through the parkland. We will explore the parkland which has the famous Dinefwr White Park Cattle which are often in front of the mansion of the Lords of Dynevor, now owned by the National Trust. The paths through the parkland will lead us towards Castle Wood (Coed y Castell), owned by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. This woodland will be full of Bluebells, so bring your camera. Click the link to see images of Coed y Castell (Castle Wood). We’ll have a tea stop just below the ancient Dinefwr Castle. From this high vantage point, we will have great views along the Towy Valley. We’ll descend to the abandoned old church of Llandyfeisant then ascend through more Bluebell woodland to reach Penlan Park. Here we will have great views over the town and surrounding hills. Stiles: None. Toilets: In the town car park (Coin operated) Terrain: Some mud. Road walking through the town. Grassland and woodland. Brambles and undergrowth. Exposed tree roots. Undulating countryside with an ascent to Coed y Castell. Social after walk Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The White Horse Inn.
				Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m. And	Llandeilo: Car park on right of main street. (Pay and Display). Both walks start from here.
1:40 p.m.*	**(The afternoon may start a little later than advertised if the morning walk overruns (Lots of Bluebells to see!).* Ring for an update if we have not arrived back by 1:45 p.m.**).
Directions: · Head west on M4 to Pont Abraham Roundabout · Take 2^nd exit onto A48 · Just before Cross Hands Roundabout, exit left on slip road · At mini-roundabout, turn right and head to a 2^nd mini-roundabout. · Take 2^nd exit onto A476 (the bypass for Cross Hands). · Continue approximately 7 miles. · Turn left onto A483 at Ffairfach lights, signposted Llandeilo. · Follow main road (Rhosmaen Street) in town. · Turn right at crossroads into Crescent Road. · Turn right into car park (Pay & Display).
*(You can use the Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: slept.comply.loved						Post Code: SA19 6HN
Lat/long: 51.8836, -3.9904							GR:	SN	631 224


The bridge across the Towy

Bluebells in Coed Tregib

Bluebells in Dinefwr

The panorama from the bandstand

Thursday 14^th May		SA1 *Wellbeing Walk*
Leader: Lynne Esson				Up to 1 hour
Tel: 07754-435221 or 01792-845845					Easy Access


Description: Another of our monthly ‘Wellbeing Walks’. These walks are very short and are measured by time and not distance. From Sainsbury’s we will walk round parts of the Marina. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments into Sainsbury’s for a coffee/tea.

			Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
10:00 a.m.	SA1: Sainsburys Car Park - rear entrance of coffee shop
*(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: lonely.fence.soda						Post Code: SA1 8JA
Lat/Long: 51.6201, -3.9344							GR:	SS	661 930

Saturday 16^th May		Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Leader: Joanna & Mike Craddock				6 miles
Tel: 07870-549588 (MC)				Leisurely


Description: A circular walk from the Reserve with fine views of Coast and Country. This reserve is considered one of the best habitats for wildlife in Wales. It forms part of the last remnant of a very extensive dune system that once linked the River Ogmore with Gower. Stiles: To be Advised. Toilets: At the visitor centre. Terrain: Sandy and uneven in places. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to the Prince of Wales Inn.

			Assistance Dogs Only
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Kenfig: Nature Reserve Car Park N.B. Parking machines are card payment only.
Directions: · From M4 Junction 38, take first exit onto A48. · Pass by Margam Country Park. · Take first right onto B4283. (signposted for Porthcawl 6 Miles and Kenfig Industrial Estate). · After two miles, turn right at cross roads. · Follow brown tourist duck signs for the reserve. · Go past The Angel Pub and The Prince of Wales Inn. · Reserve is on the right-hand side of road. · Observe one-way entrance/exit system.
*(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: umbrellas.hurry.prompting					Post Code: CF33 4PT
Lat/Long: 51.5157, -3.7276						GR:	SS	802 810

Sunday 17^th May			Colby Woodland Gardens
Leader: Lucy Davies					9 miles
Tel: 07772-784492		Moderate



Colby Garden
Description: A lovely Spring walk through forestry and farmland around and through beautiful Colby Woodland Gardens. Hopefully the gardens will be in full bloom and all the Rhododendrons on full display. Stiles: None. Toilets: At the National Trust Visitor Centre. Terrain: Farmland and some gravel paths. Some ascent. Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to a suitable venue.

				Assistance Dogs Only
Meet:	Meeting Place:
09:15 a.m.	Cross Hands: Heol Parc Mawr
Directions (To meeting place): · Take M4 westbound. · At Pont Abraham roundabout, join A48 westbound. · Take slip road just before the Cross Hands roundabout. · Turn right at T-junction, (at end of slip road). · Cross the next mini roundabout (i.e.2nd exit). · Turn first left onto Heol Parc Mawr.
*(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: soonest.blunders.composers						Post Code: SA14 6RB
Lat/Long: 51.7964, -4.0794							GR:	SN	567129


The coast path at Amroth
Start:	Starting Place:
10:00 a.m.	Amroth: Colby Woodland Gardens Car Park (Pay & Display)
Directions (To starting place): · Head west, first on M4 then A48. · At Carmarthen roundabout, head west on A40 for St. Clears. · At St. Clears, take 1^st exit onto A477. · Pass through Llanteg. · At crossroads, turn left, sign-posted for National Trust 1.5 miles. · Turn right and descend to car park.* * (N.B. Sat Nav may want to continue further on A477, to turn left at sign for Amroth)
*(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: zebra.stems.whirlwind						Post Code: SA67 8PP
Lat/Long: 51.7412, -4.6690							GR:	SN	158 080


Things to see along the way

Tuesday 19^th May		Social Event: Canoeing on the Swansea Canal
Organiser: Joanna Craddock
Tel: 07870-549915


Canoeing on the Swansea Canal in 2024
Description: We are once more arranging our popular Canoe Social on the Swansea Canal at Clydach. This will be followed by an optional meal in the community café in the park. The meal will need to be prebooked and details will be circulated to participants in due course. Payment for the Canoe will be in advance (£5) but you will pay for the meal on the day, direct to the venue. Canoes can either be single seater, two-seater or three-seater. Please advise your choice when booking and the organiser will try to match you where possible to that size Canoe.

Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Clydach: Coed Gwilym Park
Directions: · Head north on A4067. · At Ynysforgan (M4) Roundabout, take 4^th exit to continue on A4067. · At next roundabout (Glais), take 1^st exit onto B4291. · At Clydach mini roundabout, take 2^nd exit (B4603, Pontardawe Road). · After a quarter of a mile, turn right into car park. · (If full, find nearby on-street parking). · Walk short distance from car park to visitor centre.

What3Words: shed.towns.uncouth			Post Code: SA6 5NS
Lat/Long: 51.6981, -3.8815				GR:	SN	700 016

Saturday 30^th May			Llanmadoc Hill
Leader: Morag Eddyshaw					6 miles
Tel: 07751-444535		Leisurely


Description: A walk with panoramic views of Gower and beyond. From Cwm Ivy, we'll make a gradual ascent up Llanmadoc Hill. From there, (if the weather favours us), we should be able to enjoy views all round Gower. We'll then descend the other side of the hill into the village of Llangennith. We’ll join the coastal path to take us back to our starting point. Stiles: Toilets: After the walk Terrain: A gradual ascent onto one of the highest points in Gower. Grassland, rough paths, sand, dunes, uneven surfaces Sheep and horses likely so dogs must remain on leads Social after walk: Afterwards, we will go for refreshments to The Cwm Ivy Café.

				Dogs remain on short leads
Start:	Starting Place:
11:00 a.m.	Llanmadoc: Cwm Ivy Car Park N.B. Pay & display now in operation (£5 to park, Card only)
Directions: · Head west to Llanrhidian via the B4295 or B4271. · From Llanrhidian, continue west through Oldwalls towards Llangennith. · Pass through Burry Green. · Take next right at Kennexstone Farm camp site. · Follow Britannia Inn sign to continue north across common. · Steeply descend into Llanmadoc. · At junction turn left to continue west towards the church. · Turn right in front of the church and descend. · Turn first right into camera-controlled car park (Remember to pay by card).
*(Members can use the FREE Ramblers App as a Sat Nav to all our walks)*
What3Words: wiping.sleepy.sidelined						Post Code: SA3 1DJ
Lat/Long: 51.6185, -4.2547							GR:	SS	440 935