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 place. Photo: J. Davies |
Map: OS Explorer 165 or Landranger 170
Distance: 2¼ or 2¾ miles / 3.5 or 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 or X25 from Swansea; frequency: every hour daytime. 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 or X25 to Swansea; frequency: every hour. Services 122 & 132 to Neath; frequency: every half hour.
Sundays: No suitable services
Bus times
Tickets
From Swansea: First Day Swansea Bay; prices as of spring 2011: £4.40 adult, £2.80 child
From Port Talbot and Neath: First Day Neath Port Talbot; prices as of spring 2011: £4.00 adult, £2.80 child
Updated 17.05.11