The great outdoors is something of a cliché but it’s a perfect description of what’s on offer in Swansea and Gower in 2010.
With the prospect of warmer, longer days, there may be no better time to take up walking, if you don’t already do it.
A huge amount of investment has been put into opening up the countryside around Swansea to residents and visitors, enabling them to take in the natural beauty of areas across the city.
Gower may be the headline attraction for many walkers from across Britain, but there’s more in store, thanks to the efforts of the Council’s Countryside Access Team.
They’ve been working with local walking groups, completing work to reintroduce public rights of way for the benefit of everyone.
Paths that have been neglected over time and consumed by weeds and brambles have now been cleared and given back to the public.
Chris Dale, Swansea Council’s Rights of Way Officer said, “We’re about to start our third year of improvements using grant funding from the Assembly.
“We have around 385 miles of footpaths and bridleways throughout Swansea for people to use.
“Some are in good condition and others have been obstructed for many years.”
One of the major improvements has involved the replacement of a well used bridge within the Cwm Clydach RSPB nature reserve.
Chris added: “A fantastic job has been done replacing a bridge which had partially collapsed. This is exactly what the funding is needed for.”
Other improvements have included a kilometre length of bridleway near Rhydypandy which has been impassable for the last 50 years.
The Welsh Assembly has provided Swansea Council with an annual grant of £58,000 to help out.
To help people get the most out of public rights of way, a booklet has been produced giving guidance on all aspects of rights of way, including where to find them.
For more information call 01792 635736/635230 or email: [email protected]
