WALK 10: PONTARDAWE - GODRE’R GRAIG ALONG SWANSEA CANAL


 

The Swansea Valley is at its most beautiful and tranquil along the canal, well separated from the main road through the valley. The canal is in the ownership of British Waterways for first part of the walk though from Ynysmeudwy onwards, it is part of a linear nature reserve managed by Neath Port Talbot Council.

Photo: J. Davies

 

Map: OS Explorer 165 or Landranger 170

Distance: 5 miles, 8 kilometers there and back; allow 2 hours

Terrain: Easy, along canal towpath

Start: Pontardawe Herbert St; Grid Reference SN723039

Bus there: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru X20 from Swansea; frequency every hour. 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 after 100 yards, turn right on to the Swansea Canal towpath. Follow this path in a northerly direction to Ynys Meudwy where you cross the B4603 road before continuing along the canal but now entering part of a nature reserve. From Godre’r Graig, retrace your steps to Pontardawe. Alternatively, you can pick up a 120 or 125 bus at Ynys Meudwy to ride back to Pontardawe.

Finish: Pontardawe Herbert St; Grid Reference SN723039

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!