Wales is one of the few countries that has a continuous walking route around its coast; to encourage residents and visitors to make the most of our incredible and varied coastline – for exercise, fresh air and of course, for the views!
The Gower Coast Path is like the national path in miniature! Along the Swansea Bay section of the route you can walk along clifftops, promenades, across beaches, through marshlands and dunes. It’s a varied and scenic route along 51 miles of coastline – 39 miles of which is in the first region in the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Gower Peninsula.
So whether you’ve set yourself a New Year challenge to walk the entire Gower coastline or just have time for a Sunday afternoon stroll – here are some of our Coast Path highlights.
A gentle and flat route, the Promenade running from the city centre to Mumbles is a shared cycle path, so keep a lookout for other path users. Very accessible, this section of the path is suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Treat yourself to an ice-cream from one of the cafés en-route.
Another popular section of the Gower Coast Path, in some sections suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Only a short hop from the city centre and you’re on a craggy clifftop, watching the waves crash below – you may even see an inquisitive seal looking back at you! For a longer walk carry on past Langland to Caswell Bay. There are cafes and restaurants in Limeslade, Langland and Caswell if you need to refuel on the way.
Take a walk along windswept Pennard Cliffs and be rewarded by the famous view of the Three Cliffs. Walk on a little further to see the ruins of Pennard Castle. This route needs walking shoes and is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. (And the cafes in Southgate don’t mind a muddy boot or two if you need to refuel after your walk!)
A ramble along the Rhossili section of the Coast Path is rewarded by epic views from the top of Rhossili Downs, but there is also a relatively flat and easily walked section which takes you to the edge of the causeway to Worm’s Head. If you’re venturing out onto the causeway – check the tide times with the Coastwatch station before you head out! There are also plenty of places in Rhossili to enjoy a well-deserved lunch with probably one of the best views in the world as a side order!
Head North to Cwm Ivy and Whiteford beach and the view changes – as you begin the walk you’ll see glimpses of the dunes and beach through the trees, before the beach is revealed as a wide and open vista across the Burry Estuary. Look out for Whiteford Lighthouse – the UK’s last remaining iron, wave-washed lighthouse (but check the tide times carefully before going for a closer look, the tide comes in quickly here). Cafés in Cwm Ivy and Llanmadoc welcome you and your best friend (the one with four legs!).
We also have some awesome inland walking routes, including the challenging Gower Way. Walk through woodlands, moorland, beside lakes and wetlands….
