On Gower Road next to the Railway Inn, Upper Killay has a pedestrian entrance to Clyne Valley Country Park. If you’re planning a stay with landscapes, paths and industrial heritage, you’ll find several different points of interest around the village. These include the circular route over Hen Parc Bridge, a permanent orienteering course, and the former railway line through the Clyne Valley, now used as a cycle and walking path. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether a named circular route, the parkland or a cycling and walking connection would give your stay the focus you’re looking for.
Clyne Valley: park, river and nature reserve
Clyne Valley Country Park lies partly within the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Killay Marsh Local Nature Reserve is located within the park. The Clyne River rises near Fairwood Common, flows through the Clyne Valley and reaches the sea at Blackpill. The river therefore runs from its source region through the valley to the coast, while the reserve is a protected area within the park.
The park is also home to the historic site of Clyne Wood Arsenic and Copper Mine. It adds an aspect of industrial history to the area’s natural and landscape features. The attractions around Upper Killay thus range from a protected wetland and the river to a historic mining site.
The circular route over Hen Parc Bridge
The moderate circular route over Hen Parc Bridge is 3.5 miles long. Sections follow a riverside path; along the way, the route crosses the Clyne River, passes through Hen Parc Wood and climbs to Clyne Common. At its highest point, it offers panoramic views of Dunvant, Killay, Sketty and Swansea. The sequence of riverbank, woodland and ascent gives the route several distinct landscape sections.
The circular route can be reached from the Railway Inn car park in Upper Killay. There is a small car park beside the inn. A bus stop on Gower Road, a few metres from the Railway Inn, is also listed as an access point for the route. Bus services may change, so check the current timetable before travelling.
Another option in the Clyne Valley is the permanent orienteering course. It is free and accessible at any time. The two activities differ in form: the Hen Parc Bridge circular route has a specified length and difficulty, while the orienteering course is permanent and freely accessible. You can plan accordingly, depending on whether you prefer a specific walking route or the orienteering course.
Railway line, cycle path and local heritage
The former LMS railway line through the Clyne Valley is now used as a cycle and walking path. The former railway line beside the Railway Inn forms part of National Cycle Network Route 4. Signposting and route management may change, so check the current signs if you’re planning to use Route 4.
The Railway Inn itself also has a historic connection to the area: the pub was built in 1864 and is set in wooded surroundings in the Clyne Valley. Along with the former railway line and the arsenic and copper mine site, it shows that the area’s history of local industry is another feature alongside its nature trails.
Discover more destinations: Loughor, Clydach, Swansea, Port Tennant, Bishopston, Gowerton, Penlan, Rhossili.
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