Forest bathing at Cwm Du Glen

Cwm Du Glen is a local nature reserve in Pontardawe: a kilometre long gorge where the Upper Clydach river runs over cascades and small waterfalls under the trees. Above it is Glanrhyd Plantation, the former grounds of Glanrhyd House, with a tree trail and a giant redwood. It is a town centre walk, but down in the gorge the sound of water takes over.

The main entrance is at the crossroads in the middle of Pontardawe, opposite the Dillwyn Arms, with other ways in from James Street and Waun Gron. You can follow the gorge, climb up to the plantation for the redwood, the restored pond and the benches at the viewpoints, or link onto the Swansea Valley cycle path. The gorge paths can be wet and muddy after rain.