More than 100 people attended the launch of the southern section of the Heart of Wales Line Trail this week.

The opening ceremony was held at Pontarddulais station on Tuesday, March 27.

In his speech, Lord Mayor of the City and County of Swansea, Cllr Phillip Downing, described the Heart of Wales Line Trail as a true example of partnership working with the statutory authority on the one hand and voluntary bodies on the other.

He paid tribute to the general public’s generosity in raising monies through crowd-funding.

A number of people attending the event arrived by train at Pontarddulais station.

After the official launch, in which a banner provided by Network Rail Wales was unfurled by Bethan Jelfs of Arriva Trains Wales and Dave Stanbury, Network Rail, over 70 walkers, including nine different walking groups from all over South and West Wales took part in the three inaugural guided walks.

The main walks were staged over the newly-opened section of the Trail.

There were also a number of shorter walk options and other activities laid on at the Mechanics Institute in Pontarddulais.

A trail that intersects with the railway is a unique idea and has attracted the attention of national walking groups and the press.

It is a concept that generates potential for service, hospitality, transport, and retail businesses along the route.

For example, it is estimated that around 15,000 people use the West Highland Way in Scotland every year and the beneficiaries are the various communities along the route and all the local businesses providing walkers with somewhere to eat and drink, somewhere to stay, somewhere to stock up for the next day.

The Trail fits in well with Wales’ Active Travel campaign, which is all about encouraging people to walk and cycle more often. Active travel is great for people’s health and well being and it helps to cut air pollution at the same time.

Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Housing & Regeneration, said: “It is hard to overestimate the benefits that spending time walking outdoors can bring, especially in woodland areas.

"A good walk can boost mental health and wellbeing, as well as bringing important physical benefits.

“In Wales, our world-leading Active Travel Act means that we have to constantly keep maintaining and improving the walking and cycling links between communities.

"This trail can play an important role in supporting local people to walk more often - and will also be a real draw for tourists.”