Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GOWER PENINSULA
(Y GŴYR)
With its broad butterscotch beaches, pounding surf, precipitous clifftop walks and rugged,
untamed uplands, the Gower Peninsula feels a million miles from Swansea's urban bustle -
yet it's just on the doorstep. This 15-mile-long thumb of land stretching west from
Mumbles was designated the UK's first official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB) in 1956. The National Trust (NT) owns about three-quarters of the coast and
though there is no continuously waymarked path, you can hike almost the entire length of
the coastline. The peninsula also has the best surfing in Wales outside Pembrokeshire.
The main family beaches, patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, are Langland Bay,
Caswell Bay and Port Eynon. The most impressive, and most popular with surfers, is the
magnificent 3-mile sweep of Rhossili Bay at the far end of the peninsula. Much of Gower's
northern coast is salt marsh that faces the Burry Inlet, an important area for wading birds
and wildfowl.
OUTDOORS IN THE GOWER
Gower Coast Adventures
( 07866-250440;
www.gowercoastadventures.co.uk
) Speedboat trips to Worms
Head from Port Eynon (adult/child £30/20) or Mumbles (adult/child £38/24).
Parc-Le-Breos Pony Trekking
( 01792-371636;
www.parc-le-breos.co.uk
;
Parkmill; half-/full day £35/48)
The rural byways and bridleways of Gower are ideal territory for exploring on horseback.
Welsh Surfing Federation Surf School
( 01792-386426;
www.wsfsurfschool.co.uk
;
Llangennith) The gov-
erning body for surfing in Wales offers initial two-hour surfing lessons for £25 and subsequent lessons for £20.
Swansea Watersports
( 07989-839878;
www.swanseawatersports.com
; Pilot Wharf; windsurfing per hr £20)
An accredited centre for sailing, power boating, jet skiing, kayaking and theory courses.
Information
Rhossili Visitor Centre
( 01792-390707;
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gower
; Coastguard Cottages, Rhossili;
10.30am-5pm mid-Feb-Dec, 10.30am-4pm Wed-Sun Jan-mid-Feb)
The National Trust's centre has inform-
ation on local walks and wildlife, and an audiovisual display upstairs.
Getting There & Around
