WALK 9: CWM DU GLEN, PONTARDAWE

Hidden from, but very close to, the town centre, this walk is an absolute delight with its deep wooded ravine and cascading waterfalls. The walking can be quite wet underfoot and the path is steep in places Photo: J. Davies

Map: OS Explorer 165 or Landranger 170

Distance: 2¼/2¾ miles, 3.5/4.5 kilometres

Terrain: Easy to moderate on footpaths and minor roads with a short ascent and descent; allow 1½ hours.

Start: Pontardawe Herbert St; Grid Reference SS723039

Bus there: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru X20 from Swansea; Service 122 or 132 from Neath; frequency every half hour daytime.

Sundays: No suitable services.

Walk: Alight at the Jubilee Pontardawe stop which is close to the town centre. From the stop, turn left into Herbert St and walk to the Cross (¼ mile). The entrance to Cwm Du Glen is across the road and is marked by an interpretive board. The walk takes you up the valley of the River Clydach along a deeply wooded ravine with numerous cascades. You can follow this to the green bridge and turn left up the hill. This will take you to Glanrhyd Plantation, turn left and come out on a minor road, follow this for ¼ mile, turning by left a chapel on a footpath back to the river and Pontardawe Cross.

Finish: Pontardawe Herbert St; Grid Reference SS723039

Facilities: Pontardawe town centre has a number of pubs and cafes serving refreshments and bar meals. There are toilets in Herbert St.

Bus back: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru Services X20 to Swansea, frequency every hour; Services 122 & 132 to Neath. Frequency: every half hour.
Sundays: No suitable services.

Tickets: First Day Swansea Bay tickets are valid from Swansea and Neath; holders of Welsh concessionary bus passes can travel free!