A boardwalk through the heart of Crymlyn Bog and an early railway embankment over a deep, still water-filled canal cutting show two different sides of a stay around Skewen: natural landscapes and transport history. Other highlights include a cycle route along the Tennant Canal, a walking trail to a distinctive stone monument and evidence of local architecture.

Lowland Bog and Woodland

Crymlyn Bog is the largest lowland bog in Wales. Walking trails cross the bog, including boardwalks that pass through its heart. Those wishing to experience the central bog area on a walk can follow these boardwalks.

West of Skewen, Great Crymlyn Bog stretches for about two square miles to the sea. Coed Maesmelin, by contrast, is within Skewen itself: this ancient woodland offers visitors a place to retreat into nature. Together, the extensive lowland bog and woodland within Skewen offer different nature experiences.

Tennant Canal and Cycle Route

The Tennant Canal opened in 1824 and is 8 miles long. The year provides a historical reference point, while the length describes the extent of the waterway. National Cycle Route 4 runs along the canal to Jersey Marine. This distinguishes the length of the canal from the cycle route: for the route, follow the canal to the stated destination.

An early railway embankment near Skewen was built over a deep, still water-filled canal cutting on the Tennant Canal. This construction links the history of the embankment directly to the canal cutting.

Walking and Architecture

The Skewen Station – Drummau Mountain walking trail starts at Skewen railway station and leads to Carreg Bica. The stone slab lies north of Skewen and is 4.3 m high. As a monolithic slab of local sandstone, Carreg Bica is a clearly identified destination on this walk.

St John the Baptist Church in Skewen also offers a specific insight into the town's history: it was built in 1850 in the Early Decorated Gothic style, to a design by architect R C Saunders. The church has stained glass by Clayton & Bell. The grave of Sir S T Evans is in its churchyard. The architectural style, design and year of construction place the church in its architectural context; the stained glass by Clayton & Bell adds an artistic dimension. The grave in the churchyard is an additional link to Sir S T Evans.

Skewen Park opened in 1929 on land acquired from the Tennant Estate. The park has a children's playground, a paddling pool and a skatepark. Check whether these facilities are accessible before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Pontardawe, Seven Sisters, Port Talbot, Aberdulais, Cymmer, Glynneath, Ystalyfera, Crynant

For the wider travel overview: Neath Port Talbot.