Swansea and Neath
Craig Gwladus Woods
Woodland on a steep valley side above Neath, with old coal levels among the trees and a viewpoint over the whole vale.
- Distance
- 3.1 mi / 5 km
- Time
- 1 hr 45
- Ascent
- 180 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Shape
- Circular
Where it is
The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
The route
Paths climb through the woods to the viewpoint and loop back past the old workings. Steep with steps.
Worth knowing
- Coal levels were driven into the hillside here and their entrances are visible but sealed.
- The viewpoint looks down the Vale of Neath towards Swansea Bay.
- Steep and slippery under wet leaves.
What you’ll see
Mixed woodland, sealed mine entrances, and the Vale of Neath from the viewpoint.
Background
Small coal levels worked this hillside from the eighteenth century, long before the deep pits opened in the valley below.