I want to start this report as I usually end, by thanking everyone who came to support this lovely summer evening walk filled with lots and lots of historical interest.
From one solitary person signed up a day or so before, on the night the attendees swelled to double figures (plus ever faithful Ellie) and it was great to introduce friends old and new to this hidden area of industrial past.
We started by heading over a grassy hill with all of us keeping a look out for the Teletubbies to emerge.
As we got to the top, the surprising views down the River Tawe to the sea were incredible and most people were astounded that such a large green area stood beside the busy road that some often travelled.
A few disappeared into a canal tunnel clutching my trusty torch to view where coal was brought along the tunnel by boat to be unloaded directly into the nearby Great Work House.
We saw the River Quay where the ships loaded and unloaded their cargo with Copper ore being brought up the river and where finished copper products were shipped out.
We then moved on to walk through the new housing estate with the very tall houses that always remind me of the houses/hotels on a Monopoly board.
After viewing the Morfa bridge, soon to be restored as part of a major transport improvement scheme in the city,we strolled down the other side of the river which brought us to the Copperwork site entrance complete with beautiful bright orange terracotta sculptures/artworks and inside the grounds, rails and pathways with interpretation boards and wind up audio devices.
The audio devices had been most interesting when I had done the reccie but with quite a few people in tow the volume was set rather low and the sound level resonating was a bit disappointing.
However the information boards and the extra facts I had obtained gave everyone a really good sense of exactly what had gone on, in and around this most important industrial heritage site in Britain.
We viewed the new road due to be finished before the end of the year that will bypass The Hafod, and as someone pointed out, this interesting area will be brought to the attention of more local people passing right by.
After the first ten minutes or so of the walk Russ had been asking "is it time for the hostelry yet??!!" so his patience was finally rewarded when, after a few farewells five of us retired to eat drink and be merry.
What a great way to finish an interesting evenings amble.
Many thanks again to all my supporters and to Russ who kindly took over the camera duties--though not so sure about the selfie Russ!!
