Beach walks, botanic gardens, and rolling green hills. Whether you want to get lost in Penllergaer Woods, or saunter around a the stunning Fendrod lake, Swansea has it all.
Beautiful beach walks, thriving botanic gardens, and rolling green hills. Swansea really does have it all. Using our local knowledge, we have compiled a list of some of the best walks our unique city has to offer.
Dubbed ‘Swansea’s best park’ Clyne gardens really does have everything you would look for in a walk, and more. Wonderful trees and shrubs, fresh water streams, bluebell woods, wildflower meadow, stone watch tower, and even a view point overlooking the beautiful Swansea-bay. But what makes Clyne Gardens particularly special, is the things you wouldn’t expect to see on your average walk, like a red oriental bridge, or Japanese red cedar trees. Clyne Gardens is accessible to everyone, with three different routes to choose from. At 0.35 miles, the ‘Accessible Route’ is the easiest, taking just 9 minutes at a brisk pace. On the other hand, if you wanted to get lost in these magical gardens, you could easily spend hours taking in all it has to offer. The park has it’s own toilets, and picnic benches, so you could even make a day of it. You can find free parking for the Gardens behind ‘The Woodman’ pub on Mumbles road.
Situated in Llansamlet, Fendrod Lake occupies an area of 13 acres in the heart of Swansea Enterprise Park, and is a very popular walk on a nice day. With a free car park just off Valley Way road, this single looped concrete track is accessible to everyone, including those using wheelchairs. Dotted along the mile-long route are a variety of bodyweight exercise machines free to use to the public, making this the perfect outdoor gym if you’re into your fitness. If it’s the wildlife you are interested then you can enjoy a relaxed stroll around the lake with the local heard of geese, they are very friendly and love to snack on duck pellets or corn. If your lucky you may also spot a few mallards out on the water also. Fendrod Lake is also a very popular fishing spot, so you can expect to see plenty of fisherman tents dotted around the waters edge. Walking is thirsty work, and once your done, you could always nip over the road to a lovely little café called ‘The Northey Lights’, which serves hot and cold drinks, with the option to sit inside, outside, or takeaway.
If it’s beautiful, untouched woodlands that you are looking for, then Penllergaer is certainly the place to go. Just a stone’s throw away from junction 47 off the M4, the Valley Woods is easily accessible with a large free carpark at the entrance. With three trails to choose from, whether you are looking for a short 20-minute stroll, or a more challenging 2-mile hike, there will be a route for you. It is recommended that you wear sturdy footwear for all trails, and the trails consist of loose mud tracks. On your walk, you can expect to a fresh water river running from a large lower lake, perfect for fishing, to a smaller upper lake with a beautiful waterfall which is certainly the must-see attraction in the woods. If you opt for one of the longer routes, you will also stumble upon an old quarry, where you can enjoy the ‘quarry cascade’. Once you’ve finished your walk, you can always pop-in to ‘Penllergaer Coffee Shop’ to enjoy a hot or cold drink and a homemade cake.
Dating back to 1872, Brynmill park was Swansea’s first formal park, and still remains a focal point of Brynmill and a firm favourite amongst the locals. Having recently been awarded a £1.3 million grant by the Heritage Lottery, the park has been lovingly restored to it’s former glory. Due to it’s central location, those visiting by car would have to rely on street parking being available, but once you enter the park itself, it’s network of resurfaced paths makes it accessible to all including wheelchairs and prams.
If it’s plants and flowers you are into, then the beautiful Swansea Botanical Gardens are not too be missed. Situated in the centre of Singleton Park, this popular beauty spot has been awarded ‘Green Flag’ status along with 17 other Swansea destinations, after being recognised as a well-managed green space. Although this attraction has plenty to offer all year round, I would recommend visiting in the summer months when the stunning array of flowers are in full bloom. Whatever the weather, their huge revamped greenhouses are certainly worth a gander. Filled with ceiling-high exotic plants and colourful foliage, it really is a unique attraction, and it’s all for free! The gardens are also great for the kids, offering a family area complete with wood sculptures, insect hotels, ride of wooden animals, and picnic benches. So, why not bring along your lunch and make a day of it. There is even a plant shop, should you want to take a bit of the gardens home. With newly revamped paths throughout, this attraction is accessible to all.
Now this park is a little different. As part of the brand new, £135 million Swansea Arena complex, the Swansea Coastal Park offers and unique and modern destination for a stroll in the city centre. The parks, dune-like appearance was a deliberate attempt to reflect it’s close proximity to the sea, and includes plenty of greenery, benches, soft play areas, and other facilities. Brand new tarmacked pathways follow a flat winding pathway, making this an attraction accessible to all including wheelchairs and prams. Run by the same owners as the popular restaurant ‘The Secret’, the Coastal Park is home to a brand-new restaurant called ‘The Green Room’. Open between 10am and 4pm, why not enjoy a coffee and a cake while having a nose at the brand-new stadium. Below the park, there is a 345-space car park, accessible by spiral staircases of a lift, where you can park when visiting.