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Personalised Tourist Guides: Index
Dunvant
Guide supplied by Ms Louise Moorman, owner of Gower Edge.
Dunvant owes its origins to the mining industry, as can be seen by the rows of miners cottages in the area, but nowadays it is a district of the City and County of Swansea right on the edge of the Gower (or possibly right on it – the exact boundaries of the Gower are not clear if you speak to the locals!). Dunvant Square, at the bottom of the hill, links the various parts of Dunvant together, and provides a green area for children to play football, and a play area for toddlers. The community centre is set back next to the small row of shops - watch out for occasional farmers markets here.
For cycling and walking enthusiasts, the Clyne Valley cycle track runs through the village, and can be accessed via the car park next to the Square. This provided a peaceful daily walk for the children and dog when we lived in the Gower Edge, and it is now part of the National Cycle Network Route 4, which continues as far west as Pembrey Country Park (with a short section of road cycling along the way). It is also possible to walk or cycle down to Swansea Bay, through the Clyne Valley Country Park, and then on to Mumbles from this point without going on the road at all (you should allow about 1.5 hours to get to Mumbles on foot, about 40 minutes to the Front, but there are a number of “watering holes” en route).
There is also a pretty circular walk, which starts down the lane on the far side of the Spar shop near the house and finally links into the top of the cycle track, allowing you to return to the Square, and thus back up the hill. This can be muddy at the start, but provides a peaceful walk through the countryside right on your doorstep. Allow about 1 hour. Gower Edge welcomes both children and pets, and this should wear them out nicely before bed!
At the car park in the Square there is also a memorial for the 5 miners killed in the Killan mining disaster of 1924, which ultimately lead to the closure of the mine a year later. Although little evidence remains of the mining activity, if you are interested in industrial heritage you can turn left down the cycle track, and take a short detour (signposted) through the woods to the ruins of the local brickworks. This is a good example of how nature reclaims things when humans have finished with them, and now an important roost for bats. If you are looking for a self-catering holiday in Wales and enjoy local history, then there is plenty on your doorstep here.
The route followed by the cycle track was originally a railway line which at its height carried up to 80 trains a day between Blackpill and Gowerton. Now the regular visitor will find orchids, blackberries and the occasional grass snake, depending on the season, as well as numerous other wild flowers, birds and insects.
Ceri Richards, artist and friend of Dylan Thomas, lived in the village and is buried in the graveyard of Ebeneezer Chapel in the Square. This chapel also provided the first home for the internationally renowned Dunvant Male Choir, and remains a hub for community events. The village is also home to the Dunvant Rugby club, which can be seen from the cycle track when walking towards the sea. If you are a rugby fan, the Ospreys are also based in the new Liberty Stadium in Swansea, so go along and give them your support!
Local Attractions:
- The Gower Peninsula was the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there is an immense variety of beauty to see in such a small area! The North and South Gower coastline is very different, both in terms of the number of sun seekers in the Summer (choose the North for peace and quiet!) and environment, but you can see both and choose for yourself from the Gower's highest point, Cefyn Bryn! Rhossili Beach (see photo) features often in both national and international "top 10s", and it is alomst impossible to take a bad picture here! Inland there are some beautiful woodland and heathland areas, which provide a wealth of bird and plant life for the ameteur naturalist, and act quickly to recharge flagging batteries. Once you have experienced the area you want to do so again. Whatever the time of year, the Gower provides a wonderful holiday destination.
Local infomation:
There are two takeaways in Dunvant Square (both recommended) and a Post Office. More shops are available in nearby Killay, including a fantastic local butcher set back in the precinct whose delicacies are not to be missed (the sausages, and the lamb with rosemary and garlic dressing are the Mawby favourites).
| Tourist Information Centre: | Killay Square |
| Railway station: | Swansea |
| Airport: | Cardiff |
| Port: | Swansea |
Map of location: Google map of this location
Route planner: The AA route planner
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