With the pandemic leaving the idea of foreign travel in 2021 up in the air, staycations are still looking to be the best way to relax this summer and with almost two-thirds (62%) of British people intending to spend their main summer break in the Wales this year, according to a recent survey, who needs the Baleric islands?
Setting off on a day exploring the Gower, I knew there would be some amazing scenery in store. But there could be no better way to start than with dramatic landscapes and historic forts.
Stretching out from the southern Welsh coast, the Gower Peninsula covers some 70sq miles and is home to some of Europe’s most majestic stretches of coast. In fact this Gower beach was recently listed in the European top 20 along with those on the Amalfi Coast, Santorini and Sardinia
Back in 195os, this part of Wales was designated the UK’s very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why! The 300 million-year-old carboniferous limestone forms the backdrop of this amazing bay and comes complete with powder sand beaches, a medieval castle, salt marshes and a sparkling river.
What To Do:
Pennard Castle: Having parked near the unique Pennard golf course, this epic walking route skirts through one of the oldest courses in Wales some 200ft above sea level. Once you’ve meandered the dunes, humps and hollows you’ll find yourself at the ruins of the 12th centuary Pennard Castle which stands guard over this saw-droppingly beautiful landscape.
Its here even American TV's most successful British stars Hugh Laurie and fellow actor Will Poulter were recently pictured filming an adaptation of 1934 Agatha Christie novel, Why Didn't They Ask Evans?
Go beyond the viewing platform at the edge of the castle ruins and walk along the ridge slowly climbing down the steep hill to the salt marshes below. Then following the river towards the sea youll stumble across the mysterious stone spiral at Three Cliffs Bay which is close to the infamous stepping stones.
These stones have moved several times during the last decade by the high tides but locals and tourists have rebuilt it. Similarly, take care when exploring the area as the rip current at Three Cliffs is highly unpredictable and you should always check the tide time as the water can be highly unpredictable.
Gower Hole & Salt House: Meanwhile, if hidden coves, shipwrecks and Folklore are more your thing then why not head to Port Eynon Point in the South of Gower.
Thought to have been built by the Lucas family in the 16th century, the Salt House ruins are just a short walk from the nearby car park and originally collected sea water into large vats in the premises and slowly heated the water, causing it to evaporate and leave the sea salt behind.
However, legend tells of a secret tunnel which stretched below the building out to the 13th century, Culver Hole which is sealed off by a sixty foot high stone wall and is accessible on low tides from Overton or from above by climbing down from the Wales Coastal Path at the top of the hill.
The structure which holds a bounty of smuggling stories was also once used as a dovecote. Inside are around 30 rows of what could have been nesting boxes for pigeons. In fact, Culver is an old word for pigeon or dove, from the Old English culufre. The structure would have originally had internal floors and according to legend, it was used by powerful local pirates as a storehouse for booty. Even the local vicar was believed to be in on the action!
Helvectia & Rhosilli Beach: Head to Rhossili to see remnants of Norwegian ship the Helvetia and the inviting clear blue water was has been named one of the top 10 beaches in the world.. yes world! It is also regularly in the top three best in Europe, behind beaches in Lampedusa, Italy, and Formentera in Spain.
The amazing coastline might already look familiar as not only has it formed the backdrop to shows like Casualty and Torchwood but its now part of a national tv advertising campaign for Lloyds Bank with the iconic black horse galloping across the famous golden sands.
The beach encompasses Worms Head, one of Gower’s most famous landmarks, and is dotted with vessels that foundered in stormy seas such as the Helvectia which rises out of the sand like ribs from an unknown animal. The Norwegian barque was caught in a gale on 1 November 1887 and run aground on sandbank. It’s now become one of the most photographed locations on Gower.
Sunflower Field: Each Summer in some of the fields above the bay, the National Trust and local land owner plant over 400,000 sunflowers- quite a spectacular sight against the dramatic coastline, I certainly recommend a visit if you fancy some pics for the Gram!
Where to Eat?
A short drive away in the quaint village of Reynoldston is a traditional country inn. The hotel and restaurant named after the nearby Arthurs stone offers a historic spot to fuel up. The relaxed atmosphere offers log fires and delicious home cooked food and was recently voted one of the top 10 pubs in Britain.
The King Arthur is found nestling under Cefn Bryn, the highest point on Gower Peninsula and meals are served in the restaurant, Gower room, main bar or on a fine summer day at outdoor tables on the green.
Where to stay:
There's a long wait but if you fancy staying in a charming cottage it doesn’t get much better than The Old Rectory. Offering a panoramic view of the area, the house also has an intriguing past – from its role as a base for radar workers during the Second World War, to starring in the hit TV series Torchwood.
The property is owned by the National Trust as a holiday home and is reputedly haunted. At one time, it was claimed that the building held something 'very unpleasant' and folklore also suggests something has been known to emerge from the sea and enter the building during the night.
Recently renovated, the spacious four-bedroom house features light-flooded rooms, a large kitchen and cosy log burners but with no availability before December 2022 you might want to look elsewhere.
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