Summer is upon us and the best time of the year for walk along he beautiful and dramatic landscape of Cwmdu Glen near Pontardawe. These broadleaved woods in the steep sided valley take you beside the Clydach stream and plunging waterfalls up to the Glanrhyd Plantation.
The Plantation was once in the grounds of Glanrhyd House which was a mansion house built by local industrialist Arthur Gilbertson in 1877. It was later used as a hospital during the First World War before being demolished in 1968.
You will notice that there are many sites in Pontardawe that are named after him and the family influence which includes the Gilbertson Suite and Parc Gilbertson.
The house and gardens with its swimming pool, walled garden, plantation, tennis courts and stables were reflective of the grand style of the era and the walled garden and pool are still visible in the woodland today.
After Arthur's death in 1912 the house was requisitioned by the military and went on to become an auxiliary military hospital which would care for an treat wounded soldiers. A few years after the war ended the house was converted in to flats and was in use until 1965 before it later fell into sever decline and went on to be demolished.
How to walk?
Park outside Farmfoods, Ffordd Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe and walk through the tunnel at the rear of the car park. Walk through town and at the end of the path turn left over the bridge to the cross road. Cross outside the Dillwyn Arms pub and follow the signs for the local nature reserve. Enjoy!
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