A walk in the Glais area, near Swansea.

Wednesday 17 January 2001

Here are some photos of that intrepid walker/photographer

PAUL SAUNDERS ESQ.

Taken at the start of our ascent of Graig-y-Pâl, Glais

Paul called to see me on this particular Wednesday morning and we decided to take a look at my local "mountain" - Craig-y-Pâl here in Glais in the Swansea Valley.  The walk we took is a nice training walk of about 3 miles distance in total. Walking from my home we soon reached the road which took us up the hill to the mountain proper.  The first section was on an old tarmac section which rose through the the valley of Nant Glais, a steep sided, gorge.  The valley opened out after about threequarters of a mile where Paul took advantage of the view to take a few photos with his new compact camera. He is seen below looking across Cwm Cyrnach.

Paul the photographer trying out his new camera.

After about another half a mile, we reached a point where we made a left turn to attack the "summit". This is a very short steep section to the top from where a magnificent view of almost the entire length of the Swansea valley may be enjoyed.  The Swansea Valley is a Glacial valley along which the River Tawe flows.

Paul near the summit of Graig-y-Pâl.

From the actual summit ,Swansea City and the port of Swansea may be seen at a distance of about six miles. Paul is looking in South Westerly direction below.

Paul, having reached the summit, now gazes at the sun setting over Swansea docks!!

The walk was most enjoyable though definitely not strenuous.  It was a stroll to be enjoyed with several decent photo opportunities.  From the summit a leisurely stroll saw us back home having been out for a couple of hours on what had been a lovely day, as far as the weather was concerned - good for Mid January.

I hope you've enjoyed this account of an enjoyable walk in the Swansea valley.