Dunvant Brickworks
The site of the old brickworks and quarry is now a broadleaved woodland with a pond, meadow, heath, rocky outcrops and remains of buildings from the old brickworks.
There is a short circular walk around the pond that is accessible to all and a longer circular route of about 0.6 miles (1km) past the meadow, the flooded valley and then up through the woods to Highland Terrace. The longer route is steep in parts and can be muddy at times.
You may be able to spot the remnants of some of the brickworks buildings and ovens, as well as a World War II bunker amongst the undergrowth. To the rear of the pond is an old 75m long tunnel that has now been blocked off for safety reasons and to protect the lesser horseshoe bats that roost there. The bats, the tunnel and a few other buildings within the area that they use are protected by law. The bats feed at night on moths and other flying insects.
Highlights
Otters have been seen in the pond and flooded valley but unless you are very patient it is unlikely that you will spot this elusive creature.
Designations
- Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC)
Facilities
- Car park (free) by the site
- Post Office and small shop opposite the site
Access information
OS Explorer Map 164 Gower
Footpaths
From the car park in Dunvant, follow the cycle path north towards Gowerton on the line of the old Central Wales Railway for ¼ mile. Access to the wood is across a small wooden bridge on the right of the cycle path.
Car
Park in free public car park off Walter's Row in Dunvant (B4296).
Cycling
Cycle route 4 (of the National Cycle Network) runs north-south on a disused railway line adjacent to the woodland.
Buses
First Cymru service 21A or 21B, or Gower Explorer 116 (and 119 on weekday evenings). Get off the bus at Dunvant Square.