Countryside walks

If you are looking for a walk in the countryside or on the coast then there are lots of routes around Swansea and Gower. All of the routes showcase the best of the county's countryside. With routes starting from 1km to 61km there is something for everyone. Our walks include themed ancient woodland walks and walks accessible by bus. 

Explore Gower's ancient woodlands

Discover the magic of ancient woodlands in this series of six walks around the Gower area. Rich in wildlife, beauty and atmosphere, ancient woodlands are one of our most precious habitats. 

Over centuries of continuous woodland cover they have developed complex communities of trees, plants, fungi, and microorganisms, which support a whole host of animal species. They can also be rich in archaeological remains - clues to their historic importance to people as a source of timber, fuel and food. Although always fascinating, ancient woodlands are perhaps at their finest in spring when the flowers of the woodland floor are at their peak.

Bishop's wood (Gower ancient woodland walks)
Distance: 0.6 miles/ 1km
Start and finish point: Nature reserve entrance at north end of car park
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby

Toilets are located close to the start of the walk and refreshments are available in Caswell.

Bishop's Wood (Gower ancient woodland walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Bishopston Valley (Gower ancient woodland walks)
Distance: 1.2 miles/ 2km
Start and finish point: Footpath opposite Beaufort Arms, Kittle
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby

There are places for refreshments in Kittle.

Bishopston Valley (Gower ancient woodland walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Cwm Clydach - The Trussler Trail (Gower ancient woodland walks)
Distance: 3.1 miles/ 5km
Start and finish point: RSPB Cwm Clydach car park
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby

Refreshments are available close to the start of the walk.

Cwm Clydach - The Trussler Trail (Gower ancient woodlands walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Cwm Ivy Woods (Gower ancient woodland walks)
Distance: 1.4 miles/ 2.2km
Start and finish: St Madoc's Church, Llanmadoc
Getting there: Parking close to start and bus stop at other side of village

Refreshments are available in Llanmadoc.

Cwm Ivy Woods (Gower ancient woodland walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Nicholaston Woods (Gower ancient woodland walks)
Distance: 2.1 miles/ 3.5km
Start and finish: Off A4118 road to Oxwich and Slade
Getting there: Small car park on road to Oxwich and Slade and bus stop nearby

Nicholaston Woods (Gower ancient woodland walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Penllergare Valley Woods (Gower ancient woodland walks)
Distance: 3.5 miles/ 5.6km
Start and finish: Car park at Penllergare Valley Woods
Getting there: Parking at start  

Refreshments and toilets are available at the start of the walk.

Penllergare Valley Woods (Gower ancient woodland walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Map, key and safety information (Gower ancient woodland walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

Wales Coast Path - Swansea Bay and Gower section

Distance: 38 miles/ 61km
Start and finish: Travelling West the route enters the county adjacent to Fabian Way and leaves over the Loughor bridge.
Getting there: Parking and bus stops close to many areas on the route

The Swansea Bay and Gower section of the Wales coast path extends from Swansea Port and the SA1 Waterfront in the east around the beautiful Gower peninsular to Loughor in the west. The map in this leaflet shows all the rights of way in Gower. (Correct at the time of printing March 2014). Refreshments and toilets are available at a number of places along the length of the walk.

Wales Coast Path Gower (PDF, 17MB)Opens new window

Gower Coast Walks

Bishopston Valley and Pwll Du Bay
Distance: Variety
Start and finish: Various points in Bishopston, Kittle and Pennard
Getting there: Parking at Bishopston, Kittle and Pennard and bus stops near to route

Using this leaflet, all walkers from the experienced to the beginner can find routes to suit them through Bishopston Valley and on to the Coast path at Pwll Du Bay. There are places for refreshments in Bishopston and Kittle.

Bishopston Valley and Pwll Du Bay (Gower coast walks) (PDF, 5MB)Opens new window

Gowerton, Three Crosses and Dunvant
Distance: 6 miles/ 10km
Start and finish: Bryn-y-Mor Road, Gowerton
Getting there: Parking in Gowerton, Three Crosses and Dunvant and bus stops close to route

A picturesque walk through fields and woodland, starting and finishing close to the Gower Coast Path in the village of Gowerton with links to the villages of Three Crosses and Dunvant. All three villages provide opportunities for refreshments.

Gowerton, Three Crosses and Dunvant (Gower coast walks) (PDF, 5MB)Opens new window

Llanmadoc Circular
Distance: 5.5 miles/ 8.9km
Start and finish: Llanmadoc Church
Getting there: Parking close to start and bus stop at opposite end of village

A stunning walk through an Iron Age hill fort, across open commons, along sandy dune paths and through the village of Llanmadoc. There is refreshments available in Llanmadoc.

Llanmadoc Circular (Gower coast walks) (PDF, 830KB)Opens new window

Llanmorlais Circular
Distance: 3.7 miles/ 6km
Start and finish: Marsh Road, Crofty
Getting there: Parking in Llanmorlais and bus stops nearby

An enjoyable walk through a varied landscape of fields, hills and woodland. 

Llanmorlais Circular (Gower coast walks) (PDF, 1017KB)Opens new window

Llanrhidian to Cheriton
Distance: 8 miles/ 12.9km
Start and finish: St Rhidian's Church, Llanrhidian for Long walk and Short walk 1. Landimore car park for Short walk 2
Getting there: Parking in Llanrhidian and Landimore and Llanmadoc with bus stops nearby

Pleasant walks through the gentle countryside of north Gower using a section of the Gower Coast Path between Llanrhidian and Cheriton. Refreshments are available near to the start of the walk. 

Llanrhidian to Cheriton (Gower coast walks) (PDF, 4MB)Opens new window

Oxwich Point
Distance: 4.3 miles/ 7km
Start and finish: Crossroads in Oxwich village close to the shop
Getting there: Parking and bus stops nearby

A stunning walk around one of Gower's most beautiful and dramatic headlands; through beautiful woodland and across open cliffs using a section of the Gower Coast Path. Refreshments are available near to the start of the walk. 

Oxwich Point (Gower coast walks) (PDF, 1MB)Opens new window

'Walking by Bus'

Each of these walks can be reached by bus and are from 1¼ to 3 miles long. The walks have been set out to be as easy to use as possible and are marked with distinctive waymarks.

Felindre and Lower Lliw Reservoir
Distance: 3 miles/ 4.8km
Start and finish: Bus stop in Felindre
Getting there: Bus stop at start of walk

Refreshments and toilets are available at Lower Lliw reservoir

More information: Lliw Reservoirs - Upper and Lower

Felindre and Lliw Reservoir (Walking by bus) walk (PDF, 403KB)Opens new window

Langland and Caswell 
Distance: 2.3 miles/ 3.6km
Start and finish: Bus stop on Caswell Road
Getting there: Bus stop at start of walk

Refreshments and toilets are available in Langland and Caswell.

Langland and Caswell (Walking by bus) (PDF, 689KB)Opens new window

Llanmadoc
Distance: 2.3 miles/ 3.6km
Start and finish: Bus stop in Llanmadoc
Getting there: Bus stop at start of walk

Refreshments are available close to the start of the walk.

Llanmadoc (Walking by bus) (PDF, 740KB)Opens new window

Penmaen
Distance: 1.3 miles/ 2km
Start and finish: Bus stop in Penmaen
Getting there: Bus stop at start of walk

Penmaen (Walking by bus) (PDF, 980KB)Opens new window

Rhossili
Distance: 2 miles/ 3.2km
Start and finish: Bus stop in Rhossili
Getting there: Bus stop at start of walk

Refreshments and toilets are available close to the start of the walk.

Rhossili (Walking by bus) (PDF, 756KB)Opens new window

Cwmcerdinen walk
Distance: 3.5 miles/ 5.6km
Getting there: The area is quite remote. The nearest bus stops are in Felindre and Garnswllt and parking is scarce

This three and a half mile circular walk which gives spectacular views towards Gower and the Brecon Beacons is in one of Swansea's most unspoilt rural landscapes.

Cwmcerdinen walk (PDF, 626KB)Opens new window

Cwm Clydach walk
Distance: 9 miles/ 14.5km
Start and finish: RSPB Cwm Clydach
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby

This nine mile circular walk travels alongside the Lower Clydach River through peaceful woodland, onto unspoilt common land with spectacular views towards the Brecon Beacons. The walk starts close to a local pub for refreshments and toilets.

Cwm Clydach walk (PDF, 866KB)Opens new window

Cwm Ysgiach walk
Distance: 7 miles/ 11.2km
Start and finish: Lower Lliw Reservoir car park
Getting there: Parking at the start and bus stop in Felindre

This seven mile circular walk starts at the Lliw Reservoir cafe and leads you through Felindre village, site of an ancient murder victims grave and across open moorland with stunning views over the Loughor Estuary and North Gower. Refreshments and toilets are available at Lower Lliw reservoir.

Cwm Ysgiach walk (PDF, 2MB)Opens new window

Graig Fawr walk
Distance: 15 miles/ 24.1km
Start and finish: Pontardulais railway station
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby. Also easily accessible by rail

This seven and a half mile circular walk begins and ends at Pontardulais railway station, passing through the town of Pontardulais and then across beautiful unspoilt common land with stunning views across the Loughor Estuary. Refreshments and toilets are available in Pontardulais.

Graig Fawr walk (PDF, 944KB)Opens new window 

Llanrhidian Higher
Distance: 1.5 to 4.6 miles/ 2.5 to 7.5km
Start and finish: Various starting points
Getting there: Parking and bus stops nearby to starting points

This leaflet was produced by Llanrhidian Higher Community Council and the Countryside Access Team and shows 3 walks in the Penclawdd/Crofty/Three Crosses area. Refreshments are available near to the start of all three walks. 

Llanrhidian Higher 3 walks (PDF, 5MB)Opens new window

Rhossili Cliffs Walk
Distance: 1.6 miles/ 2.6km
Start and finish: Rhossili car park
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby

Rhossili is the most Western point of the Gower Peninsula and a village steeped in history dating as far back as the Bronze Age. The walk allows you to experience why Rhossili is widely regarded as the most picturesque and photographed part of the Gower, with breathtaking views of Rhossili Bay and the iconic landmark Worms Head. Refreshments and toilets at start of walk.

Rhossili Cliff Walk (PDF, 201KB)Opens new window

Three Cliffs Bay
Distance: 1.7 miles/ 2.7km
Start and finish: Car park outside Shepherd's, Parkmill
Getting there: Parking at start and bus stop nearby

This pleasant walk through a wooded valley, past a WWII bunker, takes in views of Pennard Castle before arriving at the golden sands at Three Cliffs. Refreshments available close to start of walk.

Three Cliffs Bay Walk (PDF, 225KB)Opens new window

St. Illtyd's walk

A long distance (approx. 64 mile) walk from Pembrey to Margam across varied terrain, canals, woodlands and gentle hills crossing the rivers Loughor, Tawe, Neath and Afan. The Walk links with the Coed Morgannwg Way at Margam giving access to the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk and Taff Trail. St Illtyd flourished in the latter part of the fifth and beginning of the sixth century, and was held in high veneration in Wales.

St Illtuds (Word, 108KB)Opens new window

Maps of St Illtuds Walk (PDF, 7MB)Opens new window