Spring is here and we are finally free to resume exploring our beautiful city! We’ve put together a few ideas for some lovely walks in the local area, all with easy access for those of you who don’t have a car.
Clyne Gardens
For those of you not familiar with Clyne, it is a botanical garden overlooking Swansea Bay. You will find the entrance to the gardens next to The Woodman (approx. 20 minute walk from Singleton Campus).
During May, Clyne in Bloom is celebrated. This is when the award winning blossoms of Clyne Gardens are at their most beautiful. You’ll find plenty of Instagrammable spots at Clyne Gardens, from a Japanese Bridge, the Admirals Tower, Clyne Castle and the bluebell Wood. There are also panoramic views of Swansea Bay.
You’ll also find The Touring Tea Room parked up in the gardens, a vintage caravan providing tea, coffee, cake and copies of The Happy News! Perfect place to spend a sunny spring afternoon.
Kilvey Hill
Looking for some more stunning views of Swansea Bay and beyond? Kilvey Hill is your next stop. Located on the Eastern side of Swansea, the walk incorporating Kilvey hill is a 1.3 mile trail loop.
Kilvey Hill is a young woodland and refuge for wildlife in the city. It is one of Swansea’s largest fringe woodlands and at the top on a clear day you can see as far as the Brecon Beacons.
If you’re an early riser, this is the perfect walk to enjoy a sunrise view. Check out #KilveyHill for inspo. You’ll find the entrance to the woodland walk here
Langland to Caswell
A firm favourite to locals and visitors to Swansea, the Langland to Caswell stretch of The Wales Coastal Path is a beautiful out and back route of 2 miles. Bookended by two blue flag beaches, this walk boasts highlights such as the gorgeous green beach huts at Langland, beautiful wildflowers and wildlife – it is common to see grey seals and sometimes even porpoises basking in the summer sunshine.
To get to Langland you can get the 3A bus (from the bus station, the guildhall or Singleton Campus), this takes you directly to Langland bay in approx. 30 minutes. If you’re a keen hiker you could forego the bus journey and start the walk by following the coast from Swansea Bay all the way to Langland and then Caswell.
Rosehill Quarry
A hidden nature reserve tucked behind Mount Pleasant, Rosehill Quarry contains a wide variety of habitats including woodland, heathland, scrub and wetlands. You can spot foxes and foxgloves, royal fern and red admiral butterflies as well as old field boundaries and hedge banks dating back to the Enclosures Act of the 18th Century.
The site is Swansea’s first community park, containing several ponds, a stream and a waterfall. There is a BMX track, picnic tables and a Cretan labyrinth – It is said that walking the labyrinth can produce a feeling of calm and wellbeing.
You can either get to Rosehill Quarry via the top exit of Cwmdonkin Park (in Uplands) or there is an entrance on Terrace Road, Mount Pleasant.
Mumbles Hill
Another local nature reserve and more spectacular views of Swansea on a clear day you are able to see as far as Devon. Start your walk on Mumbles road next to The Mermaid. There is a set of steps which curve to the left though some woodland and take you to the top of Mumbles Hill.
Another great place for spotting wildlife, 40 species of birds and hundreds of species of butterflies, bees and bugs have been recorded on the hill.
Defensive gunnery positions were built on the hill in World War II. Remnants of the 623rd Anti-Aircraft Battery gun emplacements and control bunker are still visible on the hill.
Hopefully this list gives you some new places to explore, don’t forget to tag us in your pictures if you visit any of them and let us know which your favourite is!
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