Walking Gower

Crosslands Cottage is extremely well situated for the dozens of popular Gower Walks and has been fitted to cater for walkers. The obvious walks from the front door of the cottage would be via the right of way behind Crosslands Cottage, up to Cae Ifor hill and onto Welshmoor; or, walk up west into Llanrhidian Village (200 yds), then through the Churchyard and past the village higher millpond, follow the footpath and stiles along the woods to Weobley Castle, and on to Llandimore, and Cheriton to Llanmadoc Hill, visiting the Britannia Inn at Llanmadoc; or alternatively a shorter walk in a circular route from Weobley Castle via Leason, then The Greyhound Inn at Oldwalls, and back to Llanrhidian.  The final obvious walk is along the 2 mile marsh road from Llanrhidian (turn right outside our lane) over the cattle grid and enjoy a lovely stroll to Crofty, passing Wernffrwd and the cockle factory. Along this beautiful stretch of tarmacadam single lane marsh road which skirts the marsh (seaward) and farms boundaries (inland) you will see the famous North Gower marsh ponies, saltmarsh sheep and wandering cattle, several pairs of Little Egrets, Oystercatchers, the occasional Jay, usually an elegant Grey Heron or two, and if you're in luck the odd stoat, fox, rabbits and pheasant. This walk is just a real treat and very easy going as it is entirely flat and you can catch the bus back from Crofty to the top of Llanrhidian (petrol station) if you dont fancy walking back in your own tracks.

There will be books of Gower walks at hand in the cottage.

There are hooks to hang wet anoraks and a boot stand in the porch. We have provided several books of Gower walks and maps and we have ensured the kitchen is kitted with sufficient sealable Tupperware style sandwich boxes, and two small aluminium flasks should you wish to take a trip with the rucksack and boots.

See some of these useful sites below.

http://www.ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder/walkInfo.php?id=76221

http://www.walkingworld.com/home/index.asp

www.glamorganwalks.com

Gower was designated the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. It's easy to see why. On the coast, you can walk to the striking limestone scenery at Worm's Head and Oxwich Bay, explore the salt marsh and dune systems on the north of the peninsula and tread the length of the sweeping beaches at Rhossili Bay and Broughton Bay. The interior of the peninsula has rolling grasslands, deciduous woods and fields crisscrossed by country lanes. A 34-mile stretch of the western end of Gower has been given the protected status of Heritage Coast for its outstanding scenic value and to protect it from the ravages of development. You can still see its medieval open field system. Highlights Oxwich Bay Stretching between the villages of Nicholaston (grid ref SS525885) and Oxwich in south Gower, this bay has one of the richest varieties of coastal habitat in Britain. The foreshore, dunes, marshes and woodlands hold many species of wildlife, flowers, birds and insects. Over six hundred kinds of flowering plants alone have been found. The reserve is managed by the Countryside Council for Wales, and is easy to explore. Image of Worms Head The Gower Coast reserve consists of the Worm's Head tidal island and a section of limestone cliffs. The wild flowers on this part of the peninsula are spectacular in late spring and early summer. Breeding birds include kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and, occasionally, peregrines and choughs. Good footwear is essential. The causeway is dangerous – please read the warning signs. You can get hold of maps and leaflets from the National Trust Visitor Centre at Worm's Head, (grid ref SS404874). For details, tel 01792 390707. Both the Oxwich Bay and Gower Coast National Nature Reserves are managed by the Countryside Council for Wales Churches of Gower Take a circular walking tour of Gower's many beautiful rural churches. A route guide called In the Steps of the Saints is available from the nearest tourist information offices, which are at Swansea and Mumbles.