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Discovering Gower With Gower Explorer Green Network







 

The Gower Peninsula is a very magical corner of Wales. Lying just beyond the outskirts of Swansea, close to the popular tourist resort of Mumbles, Gower has been described as “a last outpost of unspoilt beauty in industrial South Wales.”

Gower contains Britain's very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), designated in 1956 and covering some 188 square kilometres of magnificent landscape and now one of four such protected landscapes wholly within Wales. The entire AONB lies within the boundaries of the City and County of Swansea.

Much of Gower's dramatic landscape and coast also receives additional Government protection. No less than 33% of the AONB is also National Nature Reserve or Site of Special Scientific Interest, and in addition much of the coastline is also designated as Heritage Coast.

Within this small area of Wales are remarkable contrasts of scenery - some of the finest, most dramatic limestone coastal cliff scenery in Britain, penetrated by narrow, wooded valleys, with splendid cliff top walks culminating in the spectacular Worm's Head near Rhossili, whilst the northern coastline is dominated by gentler salt marsh and mudflats, rich in birdlife, together with fragile dunes. Further inland are areas of superb open common land and heath grazed by ponies, offering extensive open public access whilst enjoying extensive views across the Bristol Channel to Devon, or northwards across the Loughee estuary towards Lanelli. Deep wooded valleys penetrate the coasts, whilst farmland is dominated by patterns of small ancient fields. There are no less than three National Nature Reserves within the AONB as well as three important Local Reserves, all noted for their varied bird and plantlife.

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Transport Information:

Gower Transport Map
- linked to simplified current timetables.

Gower Links

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  • Gower AONB offical site

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