The Gower
Gower was designated the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. It's easy to see why.
| Terrain | Long Distance Footpaths | OS Map |
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| Coastal, woodland, country lanes | The Gower Way | Explorer 164 |
Where to go
On the coast, you can walk to the striking limestone scenery at Worm's Head and Oxwich Bay, explore the salt marsh and dune systems on the north of the peninsula and tread the length of the sweeping beaches at Rhossili Bay and Broughton Bay.
The interior of the peninsula has rolling grasslands, deciduous woods and fields crisscrossed by country lanes. A 34-mile stretch of the western end of Gower has been given the protected status of Heritage Coast for its outstanding scenic value and to protect it from the ravages of development. You can still see its medieval open field system.
Highlights
Oxwich Bay
Stretching between the villages of Nicholaston (grid ref SS525885) and Oxwich in south Gower, this bay has one of the richest varieties of coastal habitat in Britain. The foreshore, dunes, marshes and woodlands hold many species of wildlife, flowers, birds and insects. Over six hundred kinds of flowering plants alone have been found.
Image of Worms Head
The Gower Coast reserve consists of the Worm's Head tidal island and a section of limestone cliffs. The wild flowers on this part of the peninsula are spectacular in late spring and early summer. Breeding birds include kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and, occasionally, peregrines and choughs. Good footwear is essential. The causeway is dangerous – please read the warning signs. You can get hold of maps and leaflets from the National Trust Visitor Centre at Worm’s Head, (grid ref SS404874).
Both the Oxwich Bay and Gower Coast National Nature Reserves are managed by the Countryside Council for Wales www.ccw.gov.uk
Churches of Gower
Take a circular walking tour of Gower’s many beautiful rural churches. A route guide called In the Steps of the Saints is available from the nearest tourist information offices, which are at Swansea and Mumbles, or you can download the leaflet. www.swansea.gov.uk/tourism
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