Best walks to or from Swansea

Pontarddulais Station to Swansea Station

Tough: steep ascents. 16km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Swansea Station to Port Talbot Parkway Station

A flat, functional, fully paved route primarily following National Cycle Network route 4, predominantly alongside main roads and dual carriageways on cycle tracks and with industrial stretches and some pleasant detours. The one climb is up to the bridge at Briton Ferry; the Port Talbot end runs through a landscaped energy park. Mostly follows National Cycle Network route 4; a parallel canal towpath (Tennant Canal) is a quieter alternative for part of the way.

16km. Gentle ascents.

Lunch: A sandwich shop, supermarket and pub/cafe alongside the route at the Bay Campus detour.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Swansea Station to Neath Station

Easy and largely flat, with only one unpaved section along the canal between Jersey Marine and Port Tennant. The stretch from Briton Ferry to Jersey Marine is a dull flog alongside the dual carriageway and but the wide shared cyclepath is safe; the approach into Swansea over a suspension bridge is more scenic than the road route. The canal path continues all the way under the road bridge at Giant's Grave; well waymarked and frequently used though not shown as a right of way on OS maps.

14km. Moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Gowerton Station to Swansea Station

A straightforward, easy and largely urban route into the heart of Swansea and with little nature or rural scenery; the city is the main highlight at the end.

Tough: steep ascents. 8km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route