Pontarddulais Heritage Walking Trail

The Pontarddulais Heritage trail guides you through a small Welsh town packed with stories. Book ended by the twin commemorative stones built to mark the Rebecca Riots; it features more about the heroes of that struggle, the effect the town had on famous Welsh poets Dylan and Edward Thomas and, of course, the site of the 7th Century Church of St. Teilo – contemporary of St. David and one time challenger for the title of Patron Saint of Wales. This is a circular walking route through the village of Pontarddulais, taking in the site of the 12th century church Llandeilo Tal Y Bont.

Walk Summary

Distance: About 4 miles (6km).
Time: 2.5 hours.
Walk classification: Easy, circular. Relatively flat route, mostly on roads, tracks and paths.
Be prepared: Strong shoes or boots and waterproof clothing are advisable.
Safety information: Parts of the walk are alongside a riverbank which can be slippery at times after rainfall. It is also tidal and conditions near the graveyard can be very wet sometimes.
Useful Information: Varied selection of cafes and pubs en route. Toilets in the centre of the village. Accessible by public transport. Car parking at Pontarddulais Railway Station and in the centre of the village.

Pontarddulais Heritage Walking Trail (download PDF)

Walk Details

The walk starts on the main A48 road where the railway station lane meets it, near the bridge over the Loughor river.
Proceed into the centre of the village by bearing slightly right and after a while you will reach the Farmers Arms.
Turn right here then keeping to the left up Coedbach Road you will reach the park.
Turn right to go between the Rugby and Soccer pitches and then left down an obvious path.
After passing through a wicket gate proceed another 20m and looking slightly left you will see another wicket gate.
After passing through this follow the path down alongside the river until you reach Llandeilo Fach (an old farmhouse) and a graveyard marking the site of the12th century church of Llandilo Tal y Bont
Go alongside the farmhouse and follow the track under the Motorway until you meet a stream at a farm (Castell Du).
The metalled road will take you out to Waungron on the B4296.
Turn left and head back towards Pontarddulais.
Just after crossing the Motorway look for a path on your left which will take you back to the Park and hence to the village.

Highlights

The route goes alongside the former site of the 12th century church, Llandeilo Tal y Bont which has been delicately transported and rebuilt for display at The Museum of Welsh Life in St Fagans, Cardiff.
The famous hymn writer Dafydd Williams lived in Llandeilo Fach. His most famous was “Yn y dyfroedd mawr a’r tonnau”.
The route goes through the main street of Pontarddulais whic has many local independent shops and amenities.