2010
swansea bay Mumbles and Gower
Activities
SwanseaBay visitswanseabay.com
Get Active! Well, that’s what everyone keeps telling us – but hey, it doesn’t have to be hard work; it can be FUN! This handy guide will show you how, who and where in Swansea Bay! But if you do need further information, then pop in to see the friendly and knowledgeable team at Swansea Tourist Information Centre in Plymouth Street, behind the Grand Theatre, (( 01792 468321) or go to our website, visitswanseabay.com Have a good time!
Contents 4
Cycling
5
Enjoying Nature
6
Fishing
7
Golf
8
Horse Riding
9
Multi Activity Operators
11
Outdoor Adventure
14
Walking
15
Watersports
17
Play Safe
18
Getting About
19
Area Map
visitswanseabay.com
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Cycling Get reacquainted with your bike! Our traffic free cycle routes run across the area and form part of the Celtic Trail and the National Cycle Network. This includes the popular and family friendly route along the promenade from Swansea’s Maritime Quarter to Mumbles. No bike, no problem; hire one when you get here. visitswanseabay.com/biking
Action Bikes 5 St David’s Square, Swansea SA1 3LG Discover the bays, beaches and cycle tracks of Swansea and Gower. Full range of new bikes for adults and children. Trailers, child seats, tag-a-longs available. Helmets and locks included. Located in city centre next to seafront cycle path and marina. Open Jan - Dec, Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm, Sun 11am - 4pm.
actionbikesswansea@yahoo.com
( 01792 464640
Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre Cynonville, Port Talbot SA13 3HG Discover Afan Forest Park: mountain biking, cycling and walking trails all start here. Visit the Miners Museum, outdoor amphitheatre, or just visit for a bite to eat. Open all year, daily. See website for details. www.afanforestpark.co.uk ( 01639 850564 4
Enjoying Nature We all love the countryside. But to really appreciate it and find out something about yourself in the process, try a survival course and discover your inner Ray Mears! Alternatively, capture the countryside with your camera or get up close and personal with our wildlife and go birdwatching. visitswanseabay.com/activities
Dryad Bushcraft Gower Survival courses, teambuilding and special events. Guided walks and wilderness adventures. Mobile: 07901873343. Featured on BBC's Holidays at Home. Open all year, every day. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk ( 01792 547213
visitswanseabay.com
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Fishing Nothing will ever taste as good as catching your own supper. Our shoreline offers the best in sea fishing, and we have great rock and fly fishing for bass. Coarse anglers can also enjoy fishing for bream and carp in local ponds, lakes and fisheries. Swansea is a focal point for boat fishing and holds national status as one of the longest standing charter ports in the UK. visitswanseabay.com/fishing
White Springs Lakes Pentre Bach, Pontarddulais, Swansea SA4 8QG
Discover the natural beauty of White Springs an award-winning fishing venue. A choice of 6 well-stocked lakes are available for the beginner, seasoned pro or specimen carp hunter. Lakeside parking giving easy access for disabled anglers and an on-site tackle bait shop. Come and catch 17 different species of fish, carp to 40lb. Open all year, daily 8am - 8pm. www.whitespringsfishery.co.uk 6
( 01792 885699
Golf We’re not ones to boast, but the best people play golf here; such as Michael Douglas and his father-in-law at Morriston Golf Club. But our parkland, moorland and links courses also pull in the punters for good golf and cracking coastal views. The Ryder Cup comes to South Wales in 2010 putting Welsh golf on the worldwide map. visitswanseabay.com/golf
Morriston Golf Club 160 Clasemont Road, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6AJ Challenging 18 hole parkland course near M4 and Gower Peninsula. Welcoming clubhouse and 19th hole for aprĂŠs golf. Resident professional with shop and practice facilities. Special rates for visitors. Open all year, daily. www.morristongolfclub.co.uk ( 01792 796528
visitswanseabay.com
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Horse Riding Explore more. See Gower on horseback; four legs can go further than two. Experience the adrenalin rush of galloping through the surf over a five mile stretch of beach, or a more relaxed ride over hill and moor. visitswanseabay.com/horseriding
Parc-le-Breos, Pony Trekking Parc-le-Breos House, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea SA3 2HA Explore Gower on horseback. Beach rides, pub rides, picnic rides. A great day out for all. BHS and WTRA accredited. Open all year, everyday, 7.30am - 11pm. www.parclebreos.co.uk
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( 01792 371636
Multi Activity Operators Our activity specialists are experts in their field; not to mention their cliff, hill, beach, wood or even in the sea. While you’re experiencing a taste of adventure, it’s important to know that you or your family are in safe hands. So, all our multi-activity operators are accredited. From coasteering, surfing and kayaking to paintballing and waterskiing. Find excitement and fun in safe hands. visitswanseabay.com/activities
Dynamic Rock Adventures Ltd 16-18 Hebron Road, Clydach, Swansea SA6 5EJ A dedicated indoor climbing centre in Swansea, providing a high quality indoor rock climbing venue for climbers and potential climbers of all ages and abilities. Open all year, Mon - Fri 12 - 10pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 8pm. www.dynamicrock.co.uk ( 01792 845655
Teamforce Paintball Just 2 min off J46/M4, Llangyfelach, Swansea SA5 7PE Paintballing and activity centre ideally located in idyllic woodlands just 1.5 miles off junction 46 of the M4 at Llangyfelach. Accredited by Visit Wales. Open all year, 9am – 5pm. www.teamforceuk.com ( 01792 772311 visitswanseabay.com 9
LC Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3ST LC is South Wales’ premier leisure complex, jam packed with activities for all ages including the fantastic waterpark, 30ft climbing wall and indoor play area. Open all year, see website for details. www.thelcswansea.com
Breakout Adventure
( 01792 466500
( 01792 406023 www.breakoutadventure.org.uk
Call of The Wild
( 01639 700388 www.callofthewild.co.uk
Gap Activities
( 01792 516031 www.gapactivities.co.uk
Go Ape
( 0845 094 8554 www.goape.co.uk
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Outdoor Adventure An A to Z of adrenalin pumping adventure activities! What will you try first? Abseiling, quad biking or swinging through the tree tops. How about skydiving from 12,000 feet in a tandem dive? Most people want to get straight back in the plane and do it again! visitswanseabay.com/activities
Skydive Swansea Swansea Airport, Fairwood, Swansea SA2 7JU
Skydive Swansea offers the only skydiving facility in Wales based at Swansea Airport. Skydive from 12,000 feet via a tandem out of our twin turbine aircraft with a highly qualified instructor. Tandem skydives and amazing views await anyone who wants to experience the ultimate adrenalin rush, as a gift or jump on behalf of Welsh charities. Open all year, weekends, 8.30am - 8pm. www.skydiveswansea.co.uk
( 01792 207035 visitswanseabay.com 11
Dulais Valley Quads Nant-Y-Cafn Isaf Farm, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9EU Experience quad biking on approx 175 acres of hills, woodland streams and plenty of mud. Ideal for hen/stag parties, team building, families and individuals looking for plenty of fun. Also available junior quads aged 8 and over. Prior bookings only. Open all year, daily, 9am - 5pm.
www.dulaisvalley-quads.co.uk
( 01639 701768
Breakout Adventure 26 Woodland Avenue, West Cross, Swansea SA3 5LY Adventures for all abilities, in/on the water or on land. Try Seakayaking or Coasteering. Check out our website for the full range of activities, or call us to discuss your needs. Open all year, daily, 8am – 8pm. www.breakoutadventure.org.uk ( 01792 406023
Call of The Wild Ltd Tyˆ Anturiaeth, 83 Church Road, Seven Sisters, Neath SA10 9DT Adventure activities for all ages and abilities such as canyoning, caving, climbing, gorge walking, quads, paintball and clays. Get up close and personal with the amazing Welsh countryside. Current Welsh Small Business and National Teambuilding Company of the Year. Open all year, daily, 8.30am - 6pm.
www.callofthewild.co.uk 12
( 01639 700388
Gap Activities 32 Mynydd Newydd Road, Penlan, Swansea SA5 5AE Have an outdoor adventure with Gap Activities. Fully qualified staff can take you gorgewalking, coasteering, surfing, kayaking, canoeing! AALA accredited. Open Mar to Dec, Mon – Sat, 9am – 5pm. www.gapactivities.co.uk ( 01792 516031
Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure Margam Country Park, Port Talbot SA13 2TJ Go Ape! Grab your tribe for hours of fun, challenge and adventure swinging through the trees and flying along zip wires. Watch the video and book online at www.goape.co.uk or call 0845 094 8554. www.goape.co.uk ( 0845 094 8554
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Walking You’ve got a lot of ground to cover. Coastal walks, circular routes, waymarked paths and the challenge of the Gower Way. And whether the route is short or long, the promise of a welcoming local pub (complete with warm fire and even warmer locals). We also do 'Walking by Bus', but you do have to get off the bus for the walking bit! Request or download our latest Walking & Cycling Guide. New from April 2010! visitswanseabay.com/walking
The National Trust Shop & Visitor Centre Rhossili, Gower, SA3 1PR Explore a fantastic shop and exciting Visitor Centre, set in the heart of iconic Rhossili Bay, filled with the quality and uniqueness that you can expect from the National Trust. Open all year, daily in summer, 10.30am - 5pm. rhossili.shop@nationaltrust.org.uk ( 01792 390707
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Watersports Get wet. Some of our most exhilarating sports involve water, either in it, or on it. Surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing. Do it all here. Waves and wind supplied. Just bring yourself (you can hire kit here too). visitswanseabay.com/watersports
Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School Llangennith, Swansea SA3 1HU
We specialise in teaching absolute beginners to surf. All equipment provided. Individuals and groups welcome. Open Spring to Autumn. Owned by the governing body for surfing in Wales, and the only surf school based at Hillend Caravan and Campsite in Llangennith on Gower. British Surfing Association approved. Open Mar - Oct, see website for details.
www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk
( 01792 386426 visitswanseabay.com 15
Gower Surf School Gower Surfing - Surf GSD, PO Box 83, Swansea SA3 4XX We specialise in teaching surfing to all. Equipment provided. Individuals and groups welcome. We run lessons at Caswell Bay and Rhossili beach. We are the only four star British Surfing Association approved surf school in Wales. Open all year round, daily, during daylight hours.
www.gowersurfing.com
( 01792 360370
Euphoria Sailing Ltd 34, Eastlands Park, Bishopston, Swansea SA3 3DQ Watersports for everyone. RYA dinghy sailing and powerboat courses. Waterskiing, wakeboarding, donut rides, powerboat trips, kayaks, sailing, fun group days. AALA and RYA accredited. Open Mar - Oct, 10am - 6pm. www.euphoriasailing.com ( 01792 234502
Swansea Watersports The Pilot House, Pilot Wharf, Swansea Marina SA1 1UN From beginners to the fully experienced, we offer fun activities plus courses designed to introduce and develop skills and grow confidence. Individual or group sessions available. RYA and AALA approved. Open all year. www.swanseawatersports.com ( 07989 839 878
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Bay Divers 648 Mumbles Road, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 7EA Come explore our underwater world! We are a Swansea based PADI dive centre offering snorkelling experiences, try dives and guided dives in the beautiful Gower bays and West Wales. Full range of PADI dive courses and speciality courses also available. Open all year, daily, all hours.
www.baydivers.co.uk
( 01792 230273
Play Safe Whatever you do and wherever you do it, please ensure that the conditions are safe and that you have the right equipment. If new to the activity or inexperienced, use an accredited operator (where appropriate, all operators featured in this Guide have achieved the relevant activity accreditation in relation to the sections in which they appear). If participating in an activity in the sea or near the shoreline, then keep an eye on the state of the tide, as it can turn very quickly here.
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Getting About Easy peasy. Swansea Bay, at the heart of South Wales, is easily reached by motorway, express coaches and high speed train links. When you arrive, park your car, and become an explorer! Go by bus or on foot. The area operates a Park & Ride scheme from three sites; Landore, Fforestfach and Fabian Way (A483), with frequent services to and from the City Centre. And now you can go 'Walking by Bus' with our short circular walks linked to bus routes. There are 5 'Walking by Bus' leaflets (including Worm's Head and Llanmadoc). You can pick them up from Swansea Tourist Information Centre or download them from visitswanseabay.com/walkingbybus First Cymru, the Gower Explorer and Lliwlink networks provide bus services to all parts of the area, including most parts of Gower. The ftrmetro bus is servicing Swansea City Centre, Liberty Stadium, Morriston and Swansea University. For further information about travelling to or within Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower, call Traveline Cymru ( 0871 200 2233 or visit www.travelinecymru.info
This publication is available in alternative formats. Contact the Tourist Information Centre for further details, (01792 468321. 18
Arriving by train or coach and need to get around Swansea Bay? Coming by car and want a break from driving while you’re here? Travelling to or around Swansea Bay by public transport; it’s all at www.baytrans.org.uk
Image credits and copyrights ©Crown Copyright (2010) Visit Wales Cover, Pennard golf, Surfing. Pony trekking; p8, surfers; p13. The Council of the City & County of Swansea cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this brochure and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation, liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in this brochure unless caused by the negligent act or omission of the Council. Please check and confirm all details before booking or travelling.
Finding Out Swansea Tourist Information Centre Plymouth Street, Swansea SA1 3QG (01792 468321 tourism@swansea.gov.uk visitswanseabay.com Open all year Other TICs Mumbles (01792 361302 *info@mumblestic.co.uk Open all year Aberdulais (01639 636674 *aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk Open all year (November to March, weekends only) National Trust Visitor Centre Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili, Gower, Swansea SA3 1PR (01792 390707 Shopmobility Unit 12, St. Davids Sq, Swansea SA1 3LG (Due to relocate September 2010) (01792 461785 Coastguard (01792 366534 Published by the City & County of Swansea Š Copyright 2010 City and County of Swansea Dinas a Sir Abertawe
Bwyd blasus gan bobl go iawn Real food from real people
© Crown copyright (2009) Visit Wales
Ymwelwch â marchnadoedd ffermwyr a siopau fferm i gwrdd â’r brodorion! Visit farmers’markets and farm shops to meet the locals! Cynnyrch o safon o siopau fferm, marchnadoedd ffermwyr, cynlluniau bocsys ac ar-lein Quality produce direct from farm shops, farmers’markets, box schemes and on-line
www.fforchifforc.org.uk www.fork2fork.org.uk