Gowerton to Penlle'r Castell - The Gower Way (Northern Sector)

The Gower Society

The Gower Way is a mid-distance footpath showcasing the best and little-known parts of Gower that The Gower Society mapped out to mark the Millennium.

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

Distance: 15 miles (24km).
Time: 9 hours.
Walk classification: Strenuous.
Be prepared: Strong shoes or boots and waterproof clothing are advisable.
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. Covers fields, farm tracks, woodland and moorland (including stream crossings) some sections may be very wet underfoot, with some short sections on road and metalled track.

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.

Find the route here: Gower Way

Useful Information

Swansea Council Countryside Access Team
countrysideaccess@swansea.gov.uk
If you encounter a problem on your walk, please take a picture and email it to us with a what3words reference to help us resolve the issue.