Kilvey Hill

I had for some time looked for a decent path up onto Kilvey Hill from in and around Swansea City centre, instead of having to drive out to the Pentrechwyth area.So when a path was opened in May 2013 it was near the top of my list for one of our summer evening walks this year.

WOT a swelteringly hot day July 17th turned out to be, ensuring a beautiful evening for our ascent.

Two new(er) members were introduced and welcomed to the group and Peter told me he had tried to get onto Kilvey Hill in the past and failed, so was interested as to which way we would go.

From our meeting place I could clearly point out the route and off we set, climbing up quite steeply through the houses but being quickly rewarded by fantastic views.

We then strolled along a very level path where we could span the horizon, and which, with each step, gave us new views of different parts of Swansea and the surrounding area.

This is the only way to see our beautiful City and coastline and the extent of the numerous buildings which consist of houses/flats/businesses particularly in and around the SA1 and Marina area are astounding. People who normally just drive along the Mumbles road do not see the layer upon layer of activity that goes on behind the main thoroughfare.

You can really make out the different water shapes that make up the Dock area and the magnificent curved sweep of Swansea Bay is a beauty to behold.

We continued, starting to climb again, this time through vegetation that someone had kindly trimmed for us and bringing Briton Ferry and nearby areas east of Swansea into view.

The mast at the top of Kilvey got nearer and nearer and spurred on by this, we progressed right to the top.

Most of us had brought a drink and/or snack and we lingered on the top admiring the great views and picking out familiar landmarks from a very different viewpoint.

I had promised a quick and easy descent, which everyone agreed, did turn out in reality.

We did have a chuckle about one house we passed on the way down, a business called "Centre Barks" and yes, my spelling is correct.

It offers "a doggy day-creche, socialisation, licenced home boarding as well as three luxury licenced purpose built rooms"--not being a dog owner, I couldn't possibly make any personal comment!!!

A cool drink was in order, so we sat outside The Ship Inn sipping our lemonades, whilst the sounds of Queen and Rainbow drifted out to us.

The volume control had obviously gone on the blink, because inside, the sounds had been very deafening but from outside on the picnic bench the sounds blended into the background as our varied chatter became our main focus--

"what was that famous hit single of Rainbow's????"

and

"can someone explain the plot/story line of The Honourable Woman????"

all very important topics I'm sure you'll agree.

 

 

 

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