A number of neglected walking routes in Swansea have been reopened to help walkers get the most out of the city this summer.
Paths that have been neglected over time and consumed by weeds and brambles have now been cleared and given back to the public using funding from the Welsh Assembly’s Rights of Way Improvement Grant.
WAG has provided Swansea Council with an annual grant of £58,000 for the last three years.
The Council’s Countryside Access Team has been working with local walking groups and completing work to reintroduce public rights of way for the benefit of everyone.
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 said: “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.
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.
A handy pack of walking cards has also been produced by the Council. The cards highlight both urban and rural walks across Swansea. Details on the cards also highlight the length of the walk, its difficulty rating and directions.
For more information about rights of way, call 01792 635736/635230 or email [email protected]
Visit www.activeswansea.com to download the walking cards or call Paul Whapham on 01792 635219 or Steve Lancey on 01792 635483.
People can also visit Swansea Council libraries, leisure centres, the Guildhall or the Civic Centre to pick up the pack of cards.
