Welsh National Pool

[Linda]

Can anyone give me directions to the new Welsh National Pool, as my daughter is swimming there this weekend. We'll be travelling from Berkshire, on the M4. I'm sure Phil, you can respond to this one!
Many thanks.
Linda

[Steve]

Directions to the New Pool (as provided by the WASA for teh GB masters - very easy to follow I found)

· Leave M4 at Junction 42
· Follow signs for city centre (A483) for approximately 5 miles
· As you reach city Centre, keep in the left-hand lane and follow signs for Mumbles and Gower. (A4067)
· Continue along the dual carriageway, past Swansea University (It's on the left)
· Move into right hand lane and turn right at traffic lights, signpost for Swansea airport and singleton hospital
· The pool is on the left-hand side.

[Phil Tanner]

Yes, easy enough to find. M4 to junction 42, then follow signs into Swansea. I think it's signposted from the town centre, but essentially it's a couple of miles west of the town centre just off the coast road.

The main road cuts between the town centre and the sea and a couple of landmarks are the jail, just past the town centre, with the floodlights of Swansea City FC beyond it, then the rugby/cricket ground, and the pool is via a signposted right turn about a mile further on, just after a large park on your right. As you turn off the main road, Singleton Hospital is on the right and the pool is on the university sports grounds to the left. It's lovely, but was very hot in the gallery when we went - H. says the water is great to swim in, though.

[Chris]

I'd really like to see this pool. I remember swimming at the old Cardiff Empire pool (is that what it was called?)

Might have to pay a visit next time they hold a masters meet there.

[Linda]

Thank you gentlemen for your speedy responses, I'm sure we will find our way :)

[Phil Tanner]

Yes, it was the Empire Pool - built for the Empire Games in 1958. I went there a few times as a kid - only splashing about - and I remember it was always absolutely freezing. Demolished when they turned the pitch through 90 degrees when the Millennium Stadium was built.

Now if only Cardiff RFC had cooperated by moving to Cardiff Bay and not insisted on retaining their own smaller ground on the same site, they could have built the new stadium without turning the pitch and refurbished the pool while they were at it... :)

[Timekeeper Taff]

My daughter is really looking forward to having a swim in the new Swansea pool in a couple of weeks time at the Welsh Age Group Nationals. At least we spectators should all get a seat! Although it is bound to be harder to create the same friendly atmosphere found at Penlan in this larger space.

Whats the catering like there Phil? No Eynons custard slices I bet!