Swansea Council brought in contractors in the middle of January to help create a new section of path near Rotherslade after an existing stretch of path was threatened by coastal erosion directly below the route.
A new 370 metre long stretch of path, 1.5 metres wide, has now been completed, with the help of local contractors – Hamilton Construction, and has enabled countryside access officers in the council to reopen the full route much earlier than planned.
The brand new section is also an improvement on the original route and includes a fully accessible path, suitable for walkers, parents with baby buggies and also wheelchair users.
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
“Our Countryside Access Team, together with local contractors, have done a fantastic job, creating the replacement section in such a short time.
“The Gower coast path is a hugely popular, much-loved destination used all year round, so finishing this work with minimal disruption for walkers is brilliant.
“Coastal erosion is something we need to respond to when it impacts on the route. We have done everything possible to get the route reopened to the public.”
The latest upgrade also follows on from previous work to the path when 270 metres of new path was created after a similar collapse of the nearby cliff side occurred.
A further 1.5km of coast path has also previously been upgraded between Caswell Bay and Langland.
Swansea’s section of the All Wales Coast Path was officially opened in 2012, where 61km of coast path have been joined together to enable walkers to trek from Swansea’s waterfront in SA1 and walk right through to Loughor, travelling through Caswell Bay, Port Eynon, Rhossili and Llanmadoc.
Cllr Stevens added: “I believe the stretch of coast path along Swansea and Gower boasts some of the most breathtaking views along the Welsh coastline. It’s truly stunning, and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t walked it yet to take a stroll and experience its beauty.”
[Lead Image: Swansea Council]
