The aim of the project is to build a permanent record and celebration of the iconic Mumbles Railway by creating a walking trail along the original route. Exteriors of remaining railway buildings, such as the waiting room at Southend Gardens in Mumbles will be restored and interpretation information provided. Replica station signs at the 11 station points along the route will be erected, again with interpretation material, such as at The Junction, Blackpill. Trail guides will be published online and available as leaflets, with information QR codes on the station signs accessed by smartphones. Guided walks will be conducted along the trail.
What we'll deliver:
- Install replica station signs at each of the former station stops.
- Provide interpretation and information material including video footage via QR codes on each of the signs.
- Refurbish remaining railway buildings and paraphernalia on the route and provide information material.
- Provide leaflets to accompany the walking trail.
- Create a mural showing the different modes of Mumbles Railway transport through history.
- All information/interpretation material to be provided in both Welsh and English as required by Welsh Government policy.
Why it's a great idea:
The benefits brought by the project will include:
- recording and celebrating this major and much-loved element of the heritage of Mumbles and Swansea, and of the industrial, maritime and transport history of Wales, thus ensuring that this heritage will be in a better condition and available for future generations.
- dissemination of local history to both the community and visitors to the area, thus ensuring that heritage will be identified and better explained.
- provision of a guided walking trail to encourage physical activity, which in turn enhances both physical and mental well-being.
- encouraging new visitors to the Mumbles and Swansea area thus bringing financial benefits to those communities.
Steps to get it done:
- creating walking trail guide, available both digitally and in print
- installation of 11 station signs along the route, each with QR code digital information
- refurbishment of railway heritage items in situ along the route
While the production of leaflets to accompany a walking trail is often popular, increasingly heritage projects are also looking to develop digital solutions using QR codes. These are now appearing everywhere and provide an accessible way to get information (that can be updated) for people on the move, without issues such as paper wastage and litter. We plan to create bespoke videos to accompany each station sign, with historical, social and geo-industrial information specific to that part of the Mumbles Railway route. The videos will be accessed via QR codes using walkers' smartphones. Additional information posters will also be provided at certain points along the route, and leaflets will also be available at key outlets for those who prefer a paper guide.
