Brombil Reservoir
An easy / moderate walk depending on which route you take
4 miles
500 calories
History
Port Talbot Docks, opened in 1839, was built to serve the iron and copper industries of Cwmavon. Unfortunately, by 1890 they had quickly become inadequate and out of date, The Port Talbot Railway & Dock Company was formed in 1894 and by 1898 it had built three new railways and had made a start on improving the docks.
Brombil Reservoir was built to supply water for the hydraulic operation of dock equipment. The company was an early user of reinforced concrete for wharf construction. Shipments of coal finished in 1962 although by then the import of iron ore for the steelworks had become the main item of trade. In 1972 the old docks were replaced by a new deepwater tidal harbour specifically intended for unloading large iron ore carriers.
Wild Swimming
If you do take a dip, please be careful and make sure someone is with you. Wild Swimming have the following safety tips:
1. Never swim in canals, urban rivers, stagnant lakes or reedy shallows.
2. Never swim in flood water and be cautious of water quality during droughts.
3. Keep cuts and wounds covered with waterproof plasters if you are concerned.
4. Avoid contact with blue–green algae.
5. Never swim alone and keep a constant watch on weak swimmers.
6. Never jump into water you have not thoroughly checked for depth and obstructions.
7. Always make sure you know how you will get out before you get in.
8. Don’t get too cold – warm up with exercise and warm clothes before and after a swim.
9. Wear footwear if you can.
10. Watch out for boats on any navigable river. Wear a coloured swim hat so you can be seen.
Further safety tips can be found here.