Publisher's Synopsis
Gower, lying to the west of Swansea, was the first 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB) in Britain. About 15 miles by 7 miles, this is a compact area that holds a surprising variety of scenery, both along the coast and inland. There are three National Nature Reserves (Oxwich Bay, Gower Coast and Whiteford Burrows) as well as a large number of local reserves, owned by wildlife trusts, the National Trust and other conservation organisations. Information on some nature reserves can be found at www.the-gower.com/naturereserves/nature. Although generally low-lying, Gower has a number of areas of open access hill land and is the location of two long-distance walking routes the Gower Coast Path and the Gower Way, sections of which feature in this guide.<br/>Coastal scenery beaches and cliff top paths features strongly in this guide, with several of Gowers Nature Reserves (including all three National Reserves) being located on the coast. The coastline varies considerably, with rocky limestone cliffs, outcrops and small beaches to the south; the long sandy beaches of Rhossili and Whiteford to the west; the salt marshes and tidal flats of the Burry Inlet and River Loughor to the north. <br/>The hills of the peninsula, as well as offering a range of great views, pass prehistoric sites, holy and other wells (the underlying limestone gives rise to many springs), church and castle sites, as well as local nature reserves. Riverside and woodland walks lead into some of the more secluded parts of the area, taking in other local nature reserves and passing in sight of cave entrances as well as further historic and prehistoric features of interest. A number of walks centre around the Gower Heritage Centre at Parkmill, near the middle of Gower AONB.<br/>The individual walks are mostly easy or moderate in type, with the majority quite short in length, although many can be combined into longer routes. This guide can also be used as a basis for planning linear routes, making use of the Gower Explorer and other bus services.
