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Ryers Down

Ryers Down (owned by the National Trust) is a 68ha area of common land.

Ryers was until recently largely inaccessible due to the height and density of bracken coverage. Mechanical methods have been used to control the bracken, allowing a wide range of heathland flora and fauna to re-establish. Bracken management has also increased the grazing for commoners' livestock and has led to the discovery of many archaeological features including possible sites of medieval long houses.

Highlights

There are fantastic views across Gower and the Loughor Estuary from the top of the hill at the trig point. Look and listen out for skylarks singing overhead and linnet.

Designations

  • Common Land
  • CRoW (Countryside Rights of Way) Access Land

Ryers Down lies within:

  • Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
  • West Gower landscape which is included in the Register of Landscapes or Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales (CCW/CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments/ICOMOS UK 1998, 53-56)

Facilities

  • Small car park area

Access information

Near Burry Green, Gower
Grid Reference SS456921
OS Explorer Map 164 Gower

The site is free to access although donations to the National Trust are very welcome, to enable them to fund the continued management work required on this site.

Access to the site via various footpaths. The road between Llanmadoc and Burry Green crosses the western end of the Ryers Down.

Footpaths

There are public footpaths around the site. A National Trust walk leaflet titled 'Hardings Down and Ryers Down', available from local Tourist Information Centres and the National Trust.

Car

Small area to park cars just off road between Llanmadoc and Burry Green, by National Trust omega sign.

Buses

Nearest bus stop at Burry Green.

Please keep dogs under control to prevent disturbance to grazing livestock and breeding birds.

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