Canisland

Settlement in Glamorgan

Wales

Canisland

Swansea Airport on Fairwood Common A small airport for lighter aircraft. — Swansea Airport on Fairwood Common Credit: Nigel Davies

Canisland is a small coastal village located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Situated on the southern coast of the country, it is nestled between the towns of Portcawl and Bridgend. The village is known for its picturesque setting, with stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside.

Canisland has a rich history, dating back to medieval times when it was a thriving fishing and trading community. Today, it still retains its traditional charm and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The village is home to a close-knit community, with a population of approximately 1,000 residents.

The main focal point of Canisland is its quaint harbor, which is still used by local fishermen to this day. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling harbor. The village also boasts a number of historic buildings, including a 12th-century church and several well-preserved cottages.

In terms of amenities, Canisland offers a range of facilities to cater to both residents and visitors. There are a few local shops, cafes, and pubs, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The village also has a primary school and a community center, hosting various events throughout the year.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Canisland offers plenty of opportunities. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking, with numerous walking trails that showcase the natural beauty of Glamorgan. Additionally, the nearby coastline is perfect for water sports such as surfing and sailing.

Overall, Canisland is a charming village that combines its rich history with a vibrant community spirit and stunning natural surroundings. It is a hidden gem on the Welsh coast that offers a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Canisland Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.590385/-4.0736174 or Grid Reference SS5689. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Swansea Airport on Fairwood Common

A small airport for lighter aircraft.

Nigel Davies

Runway 04 at Swansea Airport

View to the North East coming into land

Chris Cole

Ilston Community: Fairwood Common

Looking west-south-west towards Cartersford Bridge on the B4271

Martin Bodman

St. Illtyds Church, Ilston

Jennifer Luther Thomas

On Fairwood Common

Junction of Hen Parc Lane with A4118. The entrance to Swansea Airport is visible across the road on the left. The main airport buildings are ahead behind the trees.

Jennifer Luther Thomas

Notice outside Ilston Church

David Luther Thomas

Ford at entrance to former Ilston Quarry

The quarry is now a National Trust nature reserve. This photo is taken from near the stile into the reserve. Unfortunately the water is too deep to cross without waterproof footwear and there's nowhere to park if you wanted to drive across.

Nigel Davies

Pasture land in eastern Gower

Hams Wood is in the distance, right.

Jonathan Billinger

Gower moorland

View north from north of Kittle near Swansea Airport.

Jonathan Billinger

Edge of moorland

Looking north from the Kittle Road.

Jonathan Billinger

Kittle Road

Looking west towards the A4118 and Ilston.

Jonathan Billinger

Inside the Motte

This ancient and overgrown Motte lies on the southern edge of this square. It was difficult to photograph in the strong low sunlight on Boxing Day afternoon but the low boundary walls can be seen over the other side - the walls formed an almost perfect circle - even now after so many years. The over-exposed sunlit saplings in the foreground add to the magic of this hidden gem.

Dave Gray

Looking south towards the Motte

Finding the Motte which is marked on the OS map is quite difficult. But the stream and steep banks around its northern flank form a natural barrier around the bluff.

Dave Gray

Nature trail boardwalk

The approach to the Motte is naturally guarded by streams and boggy ground. In the recent past a permissive footpath has been established to allow walkers to enjoy this unspoilt corner of Bishopston Valley. This photograph shows how nature works to reclaim the ground.

Dave Gray

Ilston church

Hunkered down in Ilston cwm and reached across a narrow footbridge this chunky little church is essentially a Victorian reconstruction of the original mediaeval version. Apart from its delightful setting the church has an unexpected claim to fame in that it acted as the meeting place for the earliest Baptist congregation, under the leadership of one John Miles/Myles a parliamentarian who took over the living from the royalist incumbent in 1649. "From 1649 until 1660 the Ilston Baptists met in the parish church St Illtyd, of which Miles was rector or minister, though they always referred to the place as their ‘Meeting House’, not their ‘church’ or ‘chapel’. Baptist services and meetings were open only to members. Indeed, Miles was insistent that non-baptised sympathisers should not be allowed to attend. But Miles would also have held more general services for all the parishioners of Ilston, the majority of whom remained non-Baptists. The church had been built by the local de Breos family in the thirteenth century, probably on the site of an earlier Christian cell. It was drastically ‘restored’ inside and out in the mid nineteenth century, and many of the features familiar to Miles and his Baptists have been destroyed or altered beyond recognition." At the Restoration Miles was ejected, the Baptist movement was forced underground and in 1663 he emigrated to America along with many more of his co-religionists, and died there in 1684. The full story, from which the above quotation is abstracted, can be read here Link

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Ilston church tower

St. Illtyd's church probably derives from a 6th century monastic cell. The present church was originally built during the 13th century incorporating the 6th century cell in the base of a massive embattled tower with a transverse saddle-back roof. There was the inevitable Victorian restoration and further work was carried out at the millennium. St Illtud/Illtyd converted from a military career to a life of asceticism. He achieved great fame as a teacher and is also credited with improving agricultural methods in Wales.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Wild garlic at St Illtyd

The steep churchyard at Ilston was deep in ramsons on this day in mid-May. There is said to be an old well in the upper part that has long since dried up. However, in the past, locals believed the well to be haunted. On one occasion a ghostly white horse called a 'ceffyl dwr' or water horse in Welsh folklore, was seen in the churchyard before it vanished into the waters of the well.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff