I recently saw a cache in my area that said it was placed "as there are no caches nearby", so I've decided to help my fellow Geocacher by adding some. This is the second of a series of eight caches (and a bonus - note the number on the log) that I will place to highlight some hidden gems in Sketty. With that...
The Belvedere Folly
The cache is not in the folly - I believe the folly & grounds is private property & sadly it is not in great repair, so please do not enter.
As you approach this cache you might wonder why anyone would hide a cache in a perfectly pleasant, but sleepy & relaxed neighbourhood. Do not be fooled as this cache will lead you to another hidden gem: a mini-castle constructed as a folly. This is on a quiet residential road so parking should not be a problem. If you're coming from further afield then this cache is pretty close to a pedestrian/cycle entrance to Clyne Valley, which has loads of caches (see waypoint for co-ordinates).
The folly was once in the grounds of Sketty Park House, which was owned by the famous Morris family, but is now long gone. The folly itself was built between 1820 & 1830, with views over what was then countryside, and is a Grade II listed building. The future of the folly is uncertain as housing has been considered on the site and it is increasingly in disrepair. It now houses only bats - who may well have been what prevented development.
Congratulations to StantheMan! for the FTF in just 61 minutes!