Walking on The Gower - 30 walks exploring the AONB peninsula in South Wales

This guidebook describes 30 circular day walks in the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in the rich variety of landscapes across this beautiful area of South Wales. Ranging from 2.5 to 14 miles long, there are walks to suit all abilities. The peninsula is famous for its spectacularly steep, rugged coastline and perfect golden sand beaches but this guide also takes walkers to the inland valleys, hills and ridges little explored by most holidaymakers.

Many of the routes combine a section of coastal path, which may visit a secluded cove or wide-sweeping beach, with a ridge offering stunning panoramic views or with a tranquil stream valley. All avoid road-walking wherever possible. Coastal areas such as those around Langland, Oxwich and Port Eynon are well frequented, but this guidebook concentrates on places where walkers can escape the crowds to find peace and solitude in this exceptionally beautiful and unspoilt area.

Route descriptions are illustrated with 1:50,000 OS mapping extracts and inspiring photography and accompanied by a route summary table to help you choose walks to suit your location and ability. Along the way, the author provides a wealth of information on the plants, animals, geology, history and archaeology of a region with something for everyone, all within a compact area easily accessible from Swansea and Mumbles.


Seasons: wild winter storms promise dramatic seascapes; in springtime cliffs and valleys are carpeted in flowers; summer months allow a refreshing dip along a coastal walk

Centres: Mumbles is the largest village at the eastern end of Gower

Difficulty: only short ascents but some of the footpaths are uneven in places; a variety of routes with differing lengths to suit every ability

Must See: Gower is an exceptional area for coastal landscapes, wildlife and geology; scenic unspoilt beaches combine with a rich cultural history