Swansea Bay Without A Car

WATERFALL WALKS IN THE VALES OF NEATH AND DULAIS

There are some upsides to spells of wet weather and that is that waterfalls are in spate. Those in the Vale of Neath are currently hugely popular through Instagram and the probability of parking difficulties arising from too many visitors. But they can all be visited by bus and some walking (quite long for those around Pontneddfechan).
The easy ones first:
Aberdulais, Dulais Valley, bus T6 from Swansea and Neath, to Aberdulais Falls stop, adjacent to National Trust site (free opening Thu, Fri, Sat)
Melincourt, Vale of Neath, bus X7 from Neath and Swansea to Melincourt stop (every hour Mon-Sat daytimes), ½ kilometre walk to waterfall.
Henrhyd, Coelbren, bus X8 from Neath (connection from Swansea) to Coelbren stop (every hour Mon-Sat daytimes); 1 kilometre walk, rough descent to waterfall but well worth the effort
The less easy ones, really well worth a visit:
Scŵd Gwladus, River Nedd Fechan, 1 km from Pontneddfechan (service 55 Suns), 2.5 kms from Pontwalby Bridge (service X7 Mons-Sats)
The Clyngwyns, River Mellte, Scŵd yr Eira, River Hepste 3kms from Pontneddfechan (service 55 Suns), 4.5 kms from Pontwalby Bridge (service X7 Mons-Sats)
The 55 from Neath runs only on Sundays at 10.25 returning at 16.00
The X7 from Swansea and Neath runs Mons-Sats every hour, alight at Pontwalby Bridge.
Important: dress well with strong footwear due to ground conditions

FASCINATING LITTLE KNOWN ATTRACTIONS ON THE T6 ROUTE

The T6 is a popular Traws Cymru route between Swansea and Brecon but enroute serves two fascinating attractions: Pant-y-Sais Fen at Jersey Marine and the recently partially reopened Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall attraction.

Pant-y-Sais is a wild area of grassland and wetland with interesting flora and bird life accessed by boardwalks between Jersey Marine village and the Tennant Canal, managed by Natural Resources Wales, free entry
https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/places-to-visit/south-west-wales/pant-y-sais-nnr/
Bus T6, also X7 and 38 from Swansea and Neath to Jersey Marine Village, 50 metres from entrance.

Aberdulais Tinworks and Waterfall has recently reopened by National Trust on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, free entry, is an interesting industrial archaeological site with a fine and a waterfall made famous by the artist J M W Turner.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/aberdulais/
Bus T6, also X8 from Swansea and Neath to Aberdulais Falls bus stop by the entrance.
Travel times information: www.traveline.cymru

GREAT NEWS IF YOU’RE TRAVELLING TO RHOSSILI & PORT EYNON THIS SUMMER

FREE TRAVEL on Sundays and BH Monday until 26 August throughout Swansea also includes the Adventure Travel 118 bus to Rhossili and Port Eynon. Free travel also on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays through the summer.
Another bonus is a late evening bus back from Rhossili to Swansea at 20:40 Port Eynon 20:53, an opportunity to take an early supper at the pubs and restaurants.
There is so much to do at both places and there will be no parking difficulties or charges, just enjoy a good day out with more money to spend on enjoying yourself!
www.gowerholidays.com/explore-gower/rhossili/
Rhossili and Port Eynon are connected by arguably the finest section of the Gower Coast Path with bus links at both ends.
www.swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk/adventure-walks/coastal-ramble-port-eynon-rhossili/
So what are you waiting for!
Travel times information: www.traveline.cymru

YOUR BUS TO ADVENTURE: TRAWS CYMRU TO BANNAU BRYCHEINIOG N P

This summer, days out to Brecon, Storey Arms (for Pen-y-Fan) or Hay on Wye. Traws Cymru T6 (operated by Adventure Travel) makes connection at Brecon Interchange with T4 or T14 to and from Storey Arms and T14 to and from Hay on Wye. Plenty of time to climb Pen y Fan or explore Hay’s interesting book town.
There are special fare offers throughout the summer: on T6 only, Group Day Ticket for 1 or 2 adults and unlimited child/young person* at only £8
On T6 + T4 or T14, the Powys Day Rover Ticket, adult £9 , £6 child/young person* available any day, any time
All Rover tickets can be purchased from website or App
*Young persons need MyTravelPass
Travel times information: www.traveline.cymru
More information on fares, tickets, bus times from www.traws.cymru/en
p.s. you can use the T6 to get to the famous International Welsh Rarebit Centre for a delicious cheese on toast! www.breconbeacons.org/business/food-international-welsh-rarebit-centre

T6 - TrawsCymru Group Ticket Offer

19th July - 31st August

This summer TrawsCymru are offering a discounted rate on group tickets. This ticket covers 2 adults and an unlimited number of children under 16 for just £8. This offer will be valid from 19th July - 31st August and will be accepted / available for purchase on the T6 service.

SUMMER SPECIAL WALK LANGLAND TO CASWELL

The bus between Swansea and Caswell Bay has resumed for the summer season. A good reason to take the scenic coastal path between Langland and Caswell Bays.
The best way is to take the bus (First Cymru 1 or 2) to Langland Corner where its a downhill walk to the bay. The walk along the cliff is fully paved and undulating with no excessive gradients. The path ends at Caswell near the bus stop (First Cymru 1). Refreshments and toilets at Langland and Caswell Bays.
Travel information: www.traveline.cymru

AN AMAZING WALK FROM LLANMADOC TO RHOSSILI

The return of warm weather (let’s hope it lasts!) prompts promotion of a great Gower walk through amazing coastal scenery. It’s quite challenging so dress appropriately especially footwear.
It’s easy to do using the bus; best to go out from Swansea to Llanmadoc and return from Rhossili where the buses are more frequent. A Swansea outer all-day ticket covers all of Gower for a day.

Adventure Travel Bus 119 outward, changing at Llanrhidian to 115, alighting at Llanmadoc Britannia Inn; 118 or 119 return direct from Rhossili.
Travel information: www.traveline.cymru
Walk information:
www.swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk/adventure-walks/coastal-ramble-llanmadoc-rhossili/

FOLLOW THE COURSE OF THE OLD MUMBLES

Mumbles Development Trust has recently introduced a fascinating trail following the course of the much loved Mumbles Railway, closed as long ago as 1960. They have recreated replicas of the original station stop signs right through from Rutland Street (near LC2) to Mumbles Pier and have produced a guide and video www.mumblesrailwaytrail.com helpfully adding QR codes for each stop giving you a potted history.
Today’s trail uses the original route of the rails so by walking and cycling along it, you can let your imagination run riot about doing the same trip in a rocking and rolling double decker tram. The trail is about 5.5 miles 9kms long.
Plenty of refreshment places and toilets enroute.

Walkers can of course return by bus if needed from Bracelet Bay, The Big Apple, the George and Oystermouth Square www.traveline.cymru

TRANSPORT FOR WALES' NEWEST TRAINS TO PEMBROKESHIRE

Brand new trains built in Wales, for Wales, are now coming into service on the Swansea to Tenby and Pembroke line in addition to those to Haverfordwest and Milford Haven which have been in for some time. Journeys will be more comfortable though not yet any faster.
The Pembroke line also serves Narberth* with its fine shopping, Saundersfoot* with its fine beach (which has a new active travel route from the station), Tenby, just a short walk to the town and amazing beaches), Manorbier* with its castle and beach, Lamphey with its Bishop's Palace, Pembroke*, a great town with a fine castle and Pembroke Dock.
*these places are a short walk from the station so be prepared!
Through trains from Swansea and Gowerton

RIDE A HIGHLY SCENIC ROUTE TO AN AMAZING PLACE TO EAT AND DRINK!

The Siop y Bobl (Community Shop) in Llanmadoc is something completely different if you’re looking for somewhere to stop off and chill with fantastic views, excellent tea and coffee, cakes and pasties. It’s also a grocery store really well stocked for its size, with Gower themed souvenirs for sale.
www.facebook.com/people/Llanmadoc-Community-Shop/100057359954046/

It’s at the end of a very scenic bus route (Adventure Travel) 119 from Swansea, changing to 115 at Llanrhidian just three times a day (10.20, 12.35 & 14.50) and stopping 50 metres from the shop; do check your return times www.traveline.cymru but you can usually get a couple of hours there. Unfortunately, there is no service on Sundays.

Cycling: the best route to avoid heavy traffic is take NCN 4 from Swansea via Blackpill to Gowerton and join the North Gower Cycle Route to Penclawdd thence on minor roads to Llanrhidian and Llanmadoc.
Cycle information www.cycle.travel/city/swansea/map

BLACKPILL LIDO & SWANSEA BAY LAND TRAIN OPEN AGAIN
This week, we promote a local attraction easy to reach by bus, bike or on foot. The Lido reopened on 4 May an until 22 September and, weather permitting, is a great attraction for families.
The popular Land Train operates along the seafront from Blackpill to Oystermouth, also until 22 September.
Other nearby attractions: Foot Golf, Skateboard Park, Clyne Gardens
Buses 1 (from June), 2, 3A, 14 and 37 from City Centre stop at the Lido.
Bike or Walk there traffic free along the coast path.

Yesterday, I battled my way across insane levels of traffic on the A483 at the bottom of Wind Street in Swansea to pick up my car from Kwik Fit. Five minutes later, the car wasn't ready so I waited by the A483 and, like the parting of the Red Sea, suddenly there was no traffic, zilch, nada, then this red double decker appeared all on its own!!

JUST THE WEATHER FOR A BIKE RIDE TO MUMBLES

At last the forecast is for a fine and warm week, so get out your bike or hire one of the Santander bikes www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/santander-cycles-swansea/
There is an off-road cycle route NCN 4 all the way from Port Talbot and Neath (NCN 47) to Blackpill with a continuation to Mumbles Pier. Such a lot to do when you get there, from skateboarding to the big wheel. Plenty of places to eat and drink.
Cycle information: www.swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk/cycling/

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THIS IS ONE OF BRITAIN’S LEAST KNOWN TOWNS
So says the Metro and Trainline

We suspect they are wrong as our visits to Aberaeron always find the place buzzing with people! You can get there by train and connecting bus at Carmarthen and buy a ticket covering the whole journey. Direct trains from Port Talbot, Neath, Swansea and Gowerton to Carmarthen there joining a Traws Cymru T1 electric bus just across the road from the station exit, for the journey to Aberaeron.
Soak up the atmosphere of this colourful town, eat and drink at one of its many pubs, cafes and restaurants, quality shopping or just walk around the harbour and seafront.

www.cardigan-bay.com/aberaeron-cardigan-bay/
Travel information train and bus: www.tfw.wales

SOME POSITIVE CHANGES TO SWANSEA BUSES AT LAST

We are happy to confirm that First Cymru will be running to Caswell Bay again this summer, every hour 1015 to 1715
The 3A Swansea to Bracelet Bay via West Cross will be reversting to every half hour
The 4 Singleton to Morriston reverts to every 15' as do the two Townhill routes.
Pontarddulais gets a new service X13A in between the hourly X13 Swansea to Ammanford
University services during the summer holidays 90 between Bay Campus and City Centre and 91 between Bay and Singleton via Uplands both every hour.
Night services N91 and N92 cover the period between 1900 and 0300 for the night time economy

I took a trip on one of Wales' most scenic bus routes And the destination! Wow....

FASCINATING PLACES BY BUS OR BIKE: PONTRHYDYFEN AQUEDUCT

Here is the second of our visits to largely unknown industrial heritage in our valleys.
Pontrhydyfen is well known for its several viaducts but less well known is that one of these, still in use as a minor road and cycleway, was formerly an aqueduct bringing water from the hills to the Oakwood Ironworks. Today, it is part of the Richard Burton Trail www.dramaticheart.wales/walk/
By bus X1 from Swansea to Port Talbot, changing there to bus 83 to Pontrhydyfen or bus X7 from Swansea to Neath, changing there for bus 59 to Pontrhydyfen. (both bus routes Mondays to Saturdays every hour).
By bike most of the way on NCN4 to Port Talbot and the Afan Valley Cycle Route from there.
Bus information: www.traveline.cymru
Cycle information: www.swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk/cycling/

CREWDERS DOUGHNUTS SENSATION: BY BUS!

And now for something completely different. A doughnut sensation has opened up in Brynmill, Swansea. Based on a New York experience, the café in Marlborough Street has been besieged by people wanting to try the doughnuts as they’re so delicious. www.facebook.com/people/Crewders/
Not much parking around there but the 19 bus operated by South Wales Transport stops almost outside the door; just 10 minutes from the city centre, the bus runs every half hour Mondays to Fridays, every hour Saturdays.

Bus information: www.traveline.cymru

Photo supplied by Crewders

FASCINATING PLACES BY BUS OR BIKE: YNYSCEDWYN IRONWORKS

Having had two interesting views of the hidden bays of Gower, here is the first of fascinating largely unknown places in our valleys.
The beautifully restored Ynyscedwyn Ironworks is to be found halfway between Ystalyfera and Ystradgynlais in the Swansea Valley. It comes up on the passing traveller quite by surprise and is worth a look over before continuing on foot into Ystradgynlais (1.25 km/1 mile) where there is a range of cafes and pubs. www.ystradgynlais-history.co.uk

By bus X6 from Swansea to Ystradgynlais, alighting at Glanrhyd (Mondays to Saturdays every hour) and by bike most of the way on NCN43 from Swansea to Ystalyfera roundabout thence on public road.
Bus information: www.traveline.cymru
Cycle information: www.swanseabaywithoutacar/cycling/

FASCINATING PLACES BY BUS: GOWER’S HIDDEN BAYS part 2

Following on from last weeks post which has resulted in 336 reactions and counting, we promised more on North Gower’s hidden gems!
All locations are reachable by bus though involve some walking, often along beautiful cliff paths; the end point will always be worth the effort.
Landimore: a hidden coastal hamlet close to Llanrhidian easily reached by a short walk on road from Landimore bus stop (route 115)
Whiteford Sands: a lovely west facing long beach with views to the north of the iconic Whiteford Lighthouse; walk from Llanmadoc Britannia Inn (route 115)
Blue Pool: when the tide is in, this secluded bay is amazingly beautiful, reached on Gower Coast Path from Llanmadoc or Llangennith (route 115)
Burry Holms: close to Blue Pool this is the north west tip of Gower and the little island is reachable at low tide, reached on Gower Coast Path from Llanmadoc or Llangennith (route 115)
Finally, late afternoon or early evening is the chance to get stunning sunset views of Worm’s Head. Bus 115 to Llangennith and short walk towards Burry Holms
The distances may be short but paths can be rough so stout footwear and good outdoor clothing advised.

Bus information: www.traveline.cymru. Buses are FREE on Saturday 6 April. Sorry, there are no buses on 1 and 7 April except service 14 to Pennard.

FASCINATING PLACES BY BUS: GOWER’S HIDDEN BAYS

Gower has a lot of magical hidden bays which are just as easily reached by bus as by car (as there are no nearby car parks).
Pwll Du: a fine example of a storm beach and shingle spit just one kilometre from the bus stop at Bishopston Pyle Corner (route 14)
Tor Bay: much smaller and more intimate than its near (and world famous neighbour, Three Cliffs Bay is just 500 metres from the bus stop at Penmaen Old Post Office (routes 117, 118)
Slade Beach: halfway between Oxwich and Horton, this attractive beach is just one kilometre from the bus stop at Oxwich Green (route 117)
Mewslade Bay: a real hidden gem surrounded by high cliffs, this little bay is just under one kilometre from Pitton Crossroads (routes 118, 119)
Fall Bay: just beyond Mewslade is the delightful Fall Bay, seems a million miles away from the bustle of Rhossili but is again less than a kilometre’s walk from Rhossili Terminus (routes 118, 119).
Enough for now, next week we will take you on a tour of north Gower’s hidden gems.
The distances may be short but paths can be rough so stout footwear and good outdoor clothing advised.

Bus information: www.traveline.cymru Buses are FREE on Saturday 30 March and 6 April. Sorry, there are no buses on 24, 31 March or 1, 7 April except service 14 to Pennard.

FASCINATING PLACES BY BUS: GOWER’S HISTORIC CASTLES

Gower is full of history, and its small number of castles are a key part of this. Almost all of them are easily reached by bus on amazingly scenic routes.
Pennard Castle: this site is an impressive ruin, standing sentinel above Bishopston Valley and Three Cliffs Bay; bus 14 to Pennard Linkside and a short walk (10 minutes) on a footpath alongside the golf links
Oxwich Castle: this is a fortified manor house rebuilt in the 16th Century by the Mansel family, it is not known if visits can be made; bus 116/117 to Oxwich Cross for a short steep walk to the castle.
Weobley Castle: another fortified manor house occupying a strategic site above Llanrhidian Marshes; it is open to the public and tickets and refreshments can be bought at the adjacent farm; bus 116 or 119 to Llanrhidian connecting to 115 to Weobley Castle stop, within 2 minutes’ walk of the castle. It’s a two mile walk along the cliffs to Llanrhidian for more choice of return buses.
Two others, Clyne Castle and Penrice Castle are unfortunately not open to the public
Castle information: www.gowerpeninsula.org.uk/castles.htm
Bus information: www.traveline.cymru

ABERDULAIS FALLS PARTIALLY REOPENED TO PUBLIC

We are now informed the Falls are now open to all on Thursdays & Fridays from 10:30 to 15:30. Situated near the confluence of the rivers Neath and Dulais in Aberdulais.
The site is well served by bus: First Cymru X8 from Neath or Traws Cymru T6 from Swansea and Neath stop at the site entrance.
Falls information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus information: www.traveline.cymru

FASCINATING PLACES BY BUS: GOWER’S ANCIENT CHURCHES

Gower is full of history, nowhere more so than it’s many medieval churches, some will surprise you with interesting facts like the memorial to Edgar Evans, right hand man of Scott of the Antarctic, at Rhossili. Almost all of them are easily reached by bus on amazingly scenic routes.
Here is a selection of the best:
St Teilo’s, Bishopston: bus 14 to Bishopston Valley Hotel
St Illtyd’s, Oxwich: bus 116/117 to Oxwich Cross
St Mary’s, Rhossili: bus 118 or 119 to Rhossili Terminus
St Rhidian & St Illtyd, Llanrhidian: bus 116 or 119 to Llanrhidian
St Madoc, Llanmadoc: bus 116/115 to Llanmadoc Terminus

Church information: www.gowerma.org/churches-in-the-gower-ministry-area/
Bus information: www.traveline.cymru

First Cymru is bringing new technology to its Swansea buses to simplify travel.
From the end of March, adults boarding buses will be able to use Tap On, Tap Off (TOTO), where they simply tap their bank card or payment device on card readers and pay the cheapest adult fare depending on the number of journeys they make and distance travelled.
Customers making multiple trips over several days within a week will find the system automatically calculate the cheapest fare providing the same payment method is used.
First Cymru is also overhauling its fares systems to make it easier for customers to know what they are paying. From Sunday 31st March, adult tickets bought from the First Bus app or from the driver will be a flat rate of £3 one way, £5.40 round trip and £6 all day ticket, child tickets will be based on distance travelled with flat rate one way £2 and round trip £3.60 all day ticket at £4.
Multiple trips in a single day using TOTO will be capped at the new adult day ticket fare of £6.

More information: www.firstbus.co.uk/south-west-wales-wales

WALKING BY BUS IN GOWER

The Ramblers house magazine, appropriately named WALK, has an article on Glorious Gower in it’s current issue. It’s good to see www.swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk cited as an information source for using the bus to travel in connection with walks.
The bus is particularly useful for one way walking along the coast path as its not necessary to take two cars, one at each end. Instead, walk outward and return by bus or preferably, outward by bus and return on foot; that way, you minimise the risk of being late for the return bus or if the bus doesn’t turn up.
There will be a series of posts over the coming weeks covering Gower, its great walks, and other fascinating places you can get to on the bus.
Gower buses are operated by Adventure Travel www.adventuretravel.cymru

We've been off air for a few weeks, back today with something a bit different.
Recently and without much fanfare, the options for coach travel to Swansesa Bay have opened up. The market leader, National Express www.nationalexpress.com , has put additional journeys into its Heathrow, Gatwick, London Victoria and Birmingham routes. Second off the blocks, Megabus, www.megabus.com now under new ownership has expended its modest offering to and from London and Airports. Finally, Flixbus www.flixbus.co.uk has expanded rapidly from a single journey to several journeys from London, and new journeys from Gatwick.
Added to the excellent links by train www.gwr.com and www.tfw.wales , Swansea Bay is comprehensively served by long-distance public transport.

IMPROVED TRAVEL FOR ALL BETWEEN SWANSEA, UPLANDS AND SKETTY
Great news today from Swansea online, a firm plan has been worked up for the much sought after (by cycling people) multi-use road between Swansea and Sketty. Often thought to be an impossible dream for cycle tracks, it now seems Swansea Council deems it feasible. Provision for bus users, cyclists and pedestrians mostly segregated, with slightly narrower lanes for cars and buses. Should work, similar to the changes on Kingsway since the carriageways were narrowed some years ago. Well done, Swansea Council, bring it on!

The huge changes to one of Swansea's main corridors that have divided a city Lots of changes to roads across Swansea have been proposed