A section of Gower coast path affected by coastal erosion is being diverted further inland to help maintain the popular walking route.
Swansea Council’s Countryside Access Team has brought in contractors to create a new 370 metre section of coast path further inland, between Rotherslade and Limeslade.
The path upgrade will mean the immediate closure of the original section of path between Rotherslade and Ram’s Tor, in an effort to keep walkers safe while the improvements are completed. Walkers will be able to follow an alternative route during the majority of the works.
The latest work does not impact on the remainder of the Gower coast path, which remains fully open.
The new section will also be an improvement on the original route and will include the introduction of a fully accessible 1.5 metre-wide concrete path, suitable for walkers, parents with baby buggies and also wheelchair users.
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The coast path around Gower is a popular and much loved destination that is walked all year round.
“Coastal erosion is something we need to respond to when it impacts on the route. A recent collapse of the cliff side near to the route has prompted us to take immediate action.
“We’ve now reached an important stage where our contractors are able to move on site and start the process of creating a new section.
“In order to do this, it’s vital that we close the original section, so that plant machinery used for the upgrade can work safely.
“Closure notices have previously been placed near to the site advising the public of the expected works.
“Our aim is to complete the work by early Spring and ensure we can get the route fully open for the popular summer season.
“Importantly, this work does not affect the remainder of the coast path further along Gower and the public can still enjoy almost the entire 61 kilometres we are blessed with.”
The latest plans also follow 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 offers some of the most breath-taking views on the entire Welsh coastline. It truly is stunning, and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced it yet to take a stroll and enjoy its beauty.”
