Rural Swansea Mini Itinerary

Discover Rural Swansea on a Short Break

  • Enjoy a relaxing short break with Cartref Holidays. The properties all sit within the 1 acre site of Valley View and each one overlooks and adjoins the Cwm Clydach RSPB Nature Reserve.
  • Head to Penllergaer Valley Woods for peace and tranquility. With its lakes and waterfalls, terraces, panoramic views, exotic trees and shrubs, this forgotten Victorian paradise is being slowly restored and brought back to life by the Penllergare Trust. The woods are teeming with wildlife with kingfishers on the river, and buzzards and red kites are frequent visitors. The rhododendrons, the legacy of the ‘plant hunting’ Dillwyn Llewelyn family in the 19th century, along with drifts wild daffodils and bluebells are a popular sight in spring.
  • Enjoy a light lunch at Penllergaer Valley Woods Coffee Shop. Enjoy delicious homemade cake, fresh sandwiches, traditional cream teas, ice cream, fairtrade ‘proper’ coffee, speciality tea, and a selection of cold drinks.
  • Discover the Pontarddulais Heritage Walking Trail. You will be guided through a small Welsh town packed with stories. Book ended by the twin commemorative stones built to mark the Rebecca Riots; it features more about the heroes of that struggle, the effect the town had on famous Welsh poets Dylan and Edward Thomas and, of course, the site of the 7th Century Church of St. Teilo – contemporary of St. David and one time challenger for the title of Patron Saint of Wales. This is a circular walking route through the village of Pontarddulais, taking in the site of the 12th century church Llandeilo Tal Y Bont.

Or for a more challenging walk….

  • Take on the 9 mile circular walk travelling alongside the Lower Clydach River through peaceful woodland, onto unspoilt common land with sites of archaeological interest and spectacular views towards the Brecon Beacons.
  • Head to the Fountain Inn in Pontarddulais for your evening meal and enjoy homemade food and real ale.

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