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This is the longest section of the Gower Way, It’s a relatively long walk, best suited to experienced walkers. The Gower Way Northern Sector runs north-east from Gowerton through the Lliw Valley to the historic ruined fort of Penlle’r Castell on the summit of Mynydd y Betws.

Walk Summary

Walk grade: Strenuous.
Route type: Linear.
Suitable for: Experienced walkers, due to length.
Terrain: Covers fields, farm tracks, woodland and moorland (including stream crossings), with some short sections on road and metalled track.
Start: Gowerton.
Finish: Penlle’r Castell.
Distance covered: 15 miles / 24km.
Average time: 9 hours.

Useful information

O.S. Explorer map nos. 164/165 (1:25,000), and O.S. Landranger map no. 159 (1:50,000) cover this walk route.

Strong shoes or boots and waterproof clothing are advisable

This part of the Gower Way crosses a number of streams, and some sections may be very wet underfoot. Towards the end of the walk, you may find a compass very useful.

Walk details

Full details of this walk are described in The Gower Society’s leaflet, Gower Way: Gowerton to Penlle’r Castell.

 

Highlights

  • This walk rises through the Lliw Valley, taking in a range of both manmade and natural landscapes.
  • Look out for Felindre’s ‘murder stone’ at Nebo Chapel.
  • In the pretty Upper Lliw Valley area, you have a strong chance of seeing peregrine falcon, ravens and red kite.
  • The ruins of Penlle’r Castell (‘summit of the place of the castle’) at Mynydd y Betws are thought to be a 13th century defensive fortification, built by one of the Marcher Lords to protect North Gower from rivals.

The above information is an extract from: Gower Way: Gowerton to Penlle’r Castell by The Gower Society.

More Information

Swansea Council Countryside Access team
# 01792 635746 or 01792 635230
@ countrysideaccess
@swansea.gov.uk
i www.swansea.gov.uk/countrysideaccess

Further links
i swanseabaywithoutacar.co.uk
i www.traveline-cymru.org.uk

With nearly 400 miles’ worth of rights of way, Swansea Bay offers many memorable walking routes, from short family trips, taking in many of the small churches and landmarks in the area, to routes for the more experienced, with breathtaking views of the Gower Peninsula. Find out more: