Gower National Landscape – Coastal Cliffs, Beaches and Moorland on the Gower Peninsula

Limestone Headlands, Wide Beaches, and Open Coastal Walking West of Swansea

The Gower National Landscape — the first area in the UK to be designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now known as a National Landscape — lies west of Swansea in South Wales. Shaped by self-guided travel, walking, routes, landscapes, and places, the peninsula links the Wales Coast Path, Rhossili, Oxwich, Three Cliffs Bay, and Mumbles across a compact network of cliffs, beaches, saltmarsh, farmland, and open heath, forming one of Britain’s most varied coastal walking environments.

Walking here is shaped by contrast and change in terrain. The ground alternates between firm cliff paths, sandy bays, grassy headlands, dunes, and inland tracks across farmland and moorland. Gradients vary, with frequent short climbs onto limestone ridges and descents to coves and beaches, creating steady but manageable elevation throughout the day.

Long-distance routes give structure to movement across the peninsula. The Wales Coast Path traces the full shoreline, linking bays, villages, and headlands in a continuous west–east line, while inland paths connect farms, commons, and small settlements across higher ground. Together, these routes allow both linear coastal journeys and shorter circular walks between beaches and villages.

Walking in Gower is defined by exposure and openness. Paths follow the edge of cliffs above the Bristol Channel, cross wide stretches of sand at low tide, and pass through saltmarsh and dunes where the landscape feels quieter and more enclosed. Inland, commons and fields provide steadier walking between stone walls, grazing land, and scattered farms shaped by long-established rural use.

Village-based walking forms a natural rhythm across the area. Around Rhossili, routes climb onto Rhossili Down and follow the long sweep of Rhossili Bay. Near Oxwich and Port Eynon, paths link dunes, woodland, and sheltered beaches. At Three Cliffs Bay and Pennard, routes cross stepping stones, river valleys, and limestone ridges before returning to the coast. Further east, Mumbles provides easy access to the start of the peninsula and direct connections back into Swansea.

Seasonal change strongly influences the experience. Spring and summer bring wildflowers and longer daylight along the cliffs, autumn introduces stronger winds and shifting light across the sea, and winter offers quieter paths and broad coastal views under clear skies.

Beyond walking, the landscape supports other quiet outdoor activity. Cycling follows minor lanes inland, paddling and swimming take place in sheltered bays, and wildlife watching is common across dunes, cliffs, and estuaries. The peninsula rewards unhurried exploration and close attention to tides, weather, and light.

Accommodation and services are spread through coastal villages including Rhossili, Port Eynon, Oxwich, Reynoldston, and Mumbles, with Swansea providing rail access and wider transport links. This makes the area practical for both short stays and longer car-free walking journeys.

For walkers seeking coastal routes, varied terrain, and a compact peninsula of connected landscapes and places, the Gower National Landscape offers a cohesive network of paths shaped by geology, shoreline, and settlement.

Where to Walk and Explore

Wales Coast Path (Gower Section)

‍‍A continuous shoreline route linking Mumbles, Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich, Port Eynon, and Rhossili along cliffs, beaches, and headlands.

Rhossili Bay & Worm’s Head

‍‍Clifftop and beach walking with wide views across the bay and tidal access toward Worm’s Head.

Three Cliffs Bay & Pennard Burrows

‍‍Routes across dunes, limestone ridges, and river crossings through one of the most distinctive coastal valleys on Gower.

Oxwich Bay & Woodlands

‍‍Gentler walking along sand, dunes, and wooded tracks around the bay and nature reserve.

Cefn Bryn Ridge

‍‍Inland commonland walking along a broad sandstone ridge with views across both north and south coasts.

Landscape Highlights

• Continuous coastal walking on the Wales Coast Path
• Limestone cliffs, sandy bays, and dune systems
• Short, frequent climbs with varied terrain underfoot
• Village-to-village routes between beaches and headlands
• Saltmarsh and estuary wildlife habitats
• Quiet inland lanes and commons for cycling and linking routes
• Rail access via Swansea for car-free journeys