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Home , Bracelet Bay, Broughton Bay, Burry Holms, Burry Port, Clyne Common, Cockett

FAIRYHILL restaurant rooms relaxation

Things to do is a small peninsula that’s packed with things to do and places to discover. It’s just a few miles from the buzzing city atmosphere of and the popular village of . It has some of the most spectacular beaches in Britain where a host of boating, fishing, surfing and water sports can be enjoyed. It’s a great place for outdoor and city lovers alike.

Fairyhill, in the centre of Gower, is an ideal base from which to discover this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether you enjoy an energetic day, a gentle walk, or a time browsing the shops, it’s all on the doorstep. There are many places to head for a coffee, lunch or tea, and so many are individual in character, rather than the standard style of much modern catering. In the following pages you’ll find a number of interesting things to do close to Fairyhill, and we hope everyone will find something of interest. They are all within a short drive and enable you to return to the hotel in time to relax before enjoying our award-winning restaurant, with menus drawing extensively on local produce.

And remember: the hotel is in 24 acres of its own grounds, with interesting walks through the woodlands, along the banks of the Burry Pill, around the ornamental lake and through the walled gardens. Coffee, tea, lunch and drinks can be served on the large patio, or in our comfortable lounges. e x p l o r e t h e w o n d e r s o f G o w e r The was the cliffs between and of which are single-track and topography, with many caves, However, the flooding sea on either a short walk or a long take in the Swansea and a n d the first place in Britain to . There are many so driving anywhere takes time. dry river valleys, sheer cliffs and a spring tide can rise as fast as and energetic ramble. There Neath valleys, the Brecon be designated an Area of ancient monuments dating Also, there are many wild broken screes. There is a series ten feet an hour. Strong are many natural features of Beacons, the Wetlands, b e y o n d Outstanding Natural Beauty, back to the stone age. animals, particularly ponies, of rocky headlands and sandy currents and tidal races can be immense beauty; numerous Sands, The National in 1956. The peninsula is Throughout history Gower and farm animals such as cattle bays on the south and a vast very dangerous. Therefore trips man-made places from ancient Botanical Gardens of , fourteen miles from east has been civilised and churches and sheep that wander onto estuary on the north. to some beaches and remote monuments to a Gardens and the to west, five miles north to date from as early as the Fifth unfenced roads. Therefore great Everywhere there is evidence areas must be carefully planned. large number of charming Towy and Cothi valleys. south. Fairyhill is in the centre Century. Gilaldus Cambrensis, caution must be taken when of limestone quarrying and small churches, castles, farms of Gower and hence a perfect in 1188, toured Gower and driving anywhere, day and night. lime kilns dating from the Gower is accessible from and mills. The popular village Please note that in many places base for exploring the noted its rich history. Do not plan to get anywhere 18th Century and before. Fairyhill and nowhere is more of Mumbles, and the City a mobile phone might not fascinating area and beyond. quickly; take your time and than a half-hour’s drive away. of Swansea are just twenty function, so if you are going Many of the most interesting enjoy a slower pace. The coast is subject to one of A large number of short trips minutes away. to any less accessible areas as Gower has been inhabited sites are only accessible by the highest tidal ranges in the can be planned according to indicated, it is as well to inform since humans colonised the footpath and Gower is riddled Gower is formed of mainly world, second only to the Bay time available and one’s energy. Beyond Gower the area reception before departure. land. One of the oldest with numerous routes to every topped of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Hence Many places just have continues to be striking in the Investment in skeletons ever discovered was corner. Gower has a network with glacial drift soil. There are at low tide big areas of sand wonderful views from parking post-industrial and coal mining landranger map 159 and a tide unearthed in Paviland Cave in of roads and small lanes, many many fine examples of karst and rock are exposed. areas, whereas others are era. A half or full-day trip can table is worthwhile. O n T H E G o w e R O n T H E G o w e R

1. the mirror pond Broadpool to 3. Rhossili walks high tide mark, below which the the dry stone wall to the old and Arthur’s Stone the Brecon Beacons, west to The cliffs are very high and sand can be very wet and soft in coastguard station before the The rounded hill behind the , south to Lundy dangerous. Grassy slopes can places. The remains of the timber causeway is flat and gentle hotel is an old red sandstone Island and Devon, and East to be very slippery. It is essential to vessel, The Helvetia, that foundered taking about 15 – 20 minutes. ridge along the centre of the vale of . Perched control children and dogs. Never one night in 1887 are clearly visible. It becomes more challenging Gower rising over 600ft. It is on the summit is the ancient venture close to the cliff edge, At low tide great expanses turning east to Fall Bay and the but five minutes drive away burial chamber Arthur’s Stone, a ideally stay on the paths. Good of sand are uncovered, but the path eventually leads back up turning right from the hotel 25ton boulder standing on a ring walking shoes are preferable. sea floods very quickly and at to the village at Middleton. car park. Though best seen of smaller quarry, one of Gower’s The Beach – the path is behind times the surf is heavy. Generally Allow 60-90 minutes at sunrise or sunset, any time most notable land marks. the hotel and leads down wide swimming is safe in summer for this walk. At low tide the panorama is spectacular: The walk time is just steps to the raised level above the months with usual precautions. walking on the beach north across the moor and 10 minutes sands. Several paths lead to the The Cliffs – the walk along to Mewslade is safe

2. Rhossili and headland. ‘the Worm’ sends a spout of dramatically from the beach, 4. Mewslade This is a small village on the The sunset can be seen water close on two hundred and along the three miles of Worm’s Head – the causeway to extreme south west of the from here in comfort, best feet over the towering rocks. sandy beach to the small island the Worm is uncovered two-and-a peninsula but has endless viewed on a summer evening. The view takes in Rhossili Bury Holms, Llanrhidian , half hours either side of low water. staggeringly beautiful natural In winter the famous ‘blow Downs, the highest point and across Bay to Always check the tide times before land forms. It has towering hole’ on the end headland of in Gower at 630ft, rising Caldy Island. crossing. With good walking shoes cliffs, a three mile stretch of or boots the walk is relatively easy golden sand, and a headland and takes an hour to reach the outer that reaches out a mile into head. Always keep to the footpaths the . The sunset and control dogs and children. The here is documented as one of views from all parts are spectacular. the ten greatest in the world. The walk encounters the causeway Turn right from the hotel where the seven foot anchor of the and next right at the end of coal vessel The Samuel has laid since it the hotel’s wall. Follow the was wrecked in 1902. Skirt the south single track road to Llandewi side of the inner head and over the and the A4118 turning right ‘low neck’ that is just above the high at Scurlage onto the B4247 tide mark. Go across ‘Devil’s Bridge’ to Rhossili where there is a a natural archway, to the towering large car park. The Worm’s 300’ outer head. Here the water flows Head hotel has a large bar past ‘as though on an ocean liner’, and terrace and restaurant as Thomas described it. with fine views over the bay Never venture close to the edge. O n T H E G o w e R O n T H E G o w e R

7. head is the tiny secluded bay 9. Gower Heritage Centre history of Gower. It has a Bay is a wide sandy of Pobbles, easily accessible at – the small village in pleasant tea room and is a beach that takes in some of low tide. All these beaches are the wooded valley has a car good way of spending half Gower’s most beautiful land suitable for a picnic, but check park and shop. The walk down an hour or more. forms. The walk beyond the times of the tides. The full walk the valley takes a sometimes Park Le Breos – this is one of dunes leads to some beautiful will take 1–2 hours each way, muddy path along the river Gower’s secluded great houses. small beaches. Walk east from but shorter walks can be easily bank, leading to a wider valley A small car park is accessed the car park, pass the dunes timed. Oxwich is safe for with sand dunes and stream beyond the Gower Heritage to Crawley Woods that come swimming in the summer, but with the remains of Centre. The walk up the dry almost to the high tide mark. best when the tide is in. castle prominent on the sky valley passes the bone cave Cat Beyond is the Great Tor, a The Hotel has line. The path leads to Three Hole and one of Gower’s most magnificent towering stack of a large public bar, garden and Cliffs Bay that has only limited impressive ancient monuments, limestone with the secluded restaurant serving food at space at high tide, but is one a Neolithic burial chamber Tor Bay sheltered behind. most times. There are several of Gower’s most beautiful. called Giant’s Grave. This was The next bay is aptly named cafes in the car park for tea 8. South Gower – from here. Walk time 1-2 hours discovered in the nineteenth 5. Mewslade, Paviland cliffs known as Yellow Top. Three Cliffs from its headland and a snack. Port Eynon to Mumbles Oxwich Church is in the century and comprises a burial and Overton Below is one of the most that has a trio of angular cliffs Tor Bay and Three Cliffs Bay Port Eynon Bay – this is a woods on the west of the The Gower Heritage Centre, chamber some twenty feet Park in the valley one mile famous bone caves in Britain linking to form the sheltered are also accessible from car parks gentle walk across sand and beach. It has a square tower Parkmill – this has a working long with a narrow entrance, before Rhossili and walk where a skeleton stained bay. The Pennard stream flows on the main A444 road from shingle. Salt House Point was with dusty spiral staircase water mill and several rural constructed of vertically down the dry valley to with red ochre soil was into the sea here. Beyond this Oxwich Towers to Parkmill. a mooring for oyster skiffs in leading to the top. The walk crafts depicting the working stacked dressed rocks. Mewslade, a beach straddled unearthed and became the 18th and 19th centuries. from here to Oxwich Point between two high cliffs. At known as the ‘Red lady’ of It still has an air of that era. can get overgrown in low tide this sandy cove is Paviland. Do not consider There are old drying ponds summer and in places is quite uncovered and links to Fall scaling the cliffs, just marvel where salt was gathered; and difficult. It’s better to walk Bay. The walks here are quite at the view then head east. the oyster ‘perches’ on the the beach at low tide across staggering with the great cliffs The cliffs are rugged and shore, used by the local sand, shingle and mussel of Thurba Head and Paviland beautiful, but do not attempt oyster boats; both are still beds. There are many small towering above. Check tide to climb anywhere as the visible. The views towards sandy coves suitable for a times to plan a walk here. rocks crumble in many places Oxwich Point to the east picnic. The walk becomes Walk time 2-3 hours and can be very dangerous. show the small hamlets of more difficult further out as Keep to the obvious paths. Horton and Slade. This is seaweed on the rocks can be 6. Paviland Cliffs Good sturdy footwear is one of the best lobster slippery. The view east is to to Port Eynon essential. End at Overton fishing areas of Gower. the precipitous Du This is a long and in places a Mere or continue to Port Walk time 1-2 hours Head. To the north secluded challenging ramble. You can Eynon Point and Bay. Arrange in the wooded parkland is park on Pilton Green where for someone to collect you to Oxwich Bay – the large car Castle, the principle it is signposted to Paviland. return to your car. park is situated in the dunes estate of Gower. Follow the footpath to the Walk time 4-6 hours and many walks are easy Walk time 2 hours O n T H E G o w e R O n T H E G o w e R

11. The ford at 12. Pwll-du Bay and the quarrying era. The stream Bishopston Church Bishopston Valley forms large pools behind the Continue for some hundreds Where the stream reaches the ridge of stones before it filters of yards and the noise of sea is Pwll-du Bay. This superb through to the beach. Hence the water will be heard. A large and secluded storm beach is only name pwll-du – black pool. cave faces south known accessible by long walks from The total walk time to the as Guzzle Hole and the either side. In the 18th and 19th beach is 2–3 hours; the same for underground stream can be century the tiny hamlet was an the return journey. Alternatively seen passing at this point. exporting harbour for limestone. arrange to be collected either A few hundred yards further This was quarried from the cliffs from the car park at Seven the valley opens out into and the ridges of spoil left behind Slades, accessed from Pyle 10. Giant’s Grave and steep paths. Also as a a beautiful verdant water include linnets, buntings, can still be seen on the headland Corner, or East Cliff, Pennard Many human bones and dry valley in the upper parts meadow and from here the warblers and many migratory to the west. The storm beach accessed from Southgate. Refer artefacts were unearthed it is subject to flooding after stream flows all the way to species. Kingfishers dart on the has vast piles of limestone to the OS map 159 for concise here again showing that heavy rainfall when the water the sea about a mile away. riverbanks. Meadows can be nuggets piled up in long ridges for details. Each way is 20–30 Gower’s history dates back to table rises. This valley is alive with wild full of flowers such as yellow many yards, further spoil from minutes from the beach. the earliest of times known For the full walk start at plants, flowers and numerous king cups and pink balsam, rose of human habitation. Bishopston Church, itself a birds. Overhead you might bay willow herb, bull rushes, Walk time 1 hour delightful place at the bottom see kestrels, ravens, peregrines gorse and brambles. The stream of Kittle Lane. The level of and buzzards. Meadow birds is full of trout and invertebrates. 13. , Blue The path is quite steep but safe, Bishopston Valley – this is water in the ford here will Pool to yet the beach is usually very quiet Gower’s best example of give a good indication of Take a left from the hotel car park with secluded sandy coves. limestone topography and how accessible this part of to the main road and left again to Continue on the path around has many natural features the valley is. Follow the path Bury Green. Continue straight on the bay and it leads to dunes rarely seen in Britain. It can be down the dry river bed for to . The Kings Head is and eventually the island on accessed from several points: several hundred yards until the only in the village. the north of Rhossili Bay called Kittle Green, opposite the it opens out into the green Continue on the road beyond Burry Holms. A settlement dating Beaufort Arms; Bishopston wooded valley. Pass the Daw to the car park at Broughton Bay, back to the 12th century was Church at the top of the Pits, large swallow holes that accessed by a path through the discovered here in the 1970s. valley accessed by Kittle been eroded naturally by dunes. Swimming is only advisable The small island can be Lane; the green opposite the the action of the water over at high tide, as strong currents at reached from a small causeway Joiners Arms on the road to many thousands of years. The low tide can be very dangerous. that uncovers three hours either Bishopston; and from Pyle two most impressive are on Take the path to the left – west side of low tide. Always check Corner. Each route can be the right of the path, then – over the headland to the next tide times before crossing. muddy and overgrown, so opposite some fifty yards up bay called Blue Pool after a deep Walk time to Blue Pool appropriate footwear and the bank on the left (east). pothole that has a blue colour 40-60 minutes, clothing is necessary. In parts Take care not to go close to due to its depth. This can be seen to Burry Holms the walk is over rough terrain the steep edges. in the first corner of the beach. 90-120 minutes MUM B L e s s w A n s e A

2. Walking during the summer with water A large car park at sports and yacht racing. has fine views of Mumbles Castle was built Head with the lighthouse and in the 12th century in a life boat station on the . A commanding position overlooking short walk onto Mumbles Mumbles and . The Head opposite the car park has undulating parkland surrounding is vistas as far as the Vale of a pleasant walking area, and in Glamorgan and Devon. There is summer the castle itself is open much activity in Swansea Bay for tours.

Swansea and Gower lamb. There are It’s still easy to see why Dylan many local vegetable and fruit Mumbles anyone will see that they are public houses, ending up at Entertainment for all the Thomas described Swansea as producers and the local The village of Mumbles is a nearly all independent boutique . This is the area family can be found at the ‘the ugly lovely town’. Much of characters selling cockle and straightforward 20-30 shops, and hence each is for restaurants. Patrick’s has a Mumbles Pier leisure complex, the centre of the now city is laverbread on the central stalls. minutes drive from the Hotel. individual and unique. Newton pleasant bar with a colonial feel with a skating rink, ten pin under reconstruction, and Do sample some fresh Turn right from car park and Road is the main area with and a large restaurant serving bowling, an entertainment there is a huge development cockles, and Welsh take the A4118 through many craft, gift, designer clothes hearty local foods and is a good centre, plus cafes and bars. underway in the former docks cakes hot from the griddle from Parkmill, then turn right at and shoe shops, with local choice for lunch. Do try local The 225-yard Victorian pier area now known as SA1. the local bakers. Vennaway Lane, signposted to butchers, bakers, fishmonger, ice cream from Joe’s or Verdis has wonderful views of the The Quadrant Centre is the The Centre is Pennard and Kittle. Continue fruit and vegetable shops. The on Knab Rock. bay to Swansea. main shopping area. Many of housed in the Old Guildhall across ‘Top Shops’ area is well worth the main high street names are close to Sainsbury’s. following signs to Mumbles. browsing for quality interior found here and provide a full A splendid exhibition of his Parking is more difficult in designers, craft and household day of browsing both large and work includes audio visual Summer. There are several goods. Check out Alison Jayne, small stores. experiences, and many hours car parks on the sea front Rowberry’s, Solo, Four Seasons is the largest can be passed soaking up the and the largest is at Knab and Mr Jones to name a few. covered market in Wales. work of a genius. The centre Rock just half a mile from Three wine bars are renowned Numerous stalls sell a wide has a restaurant and coffee the main village. for their atmosphere and food. variety of produce, plus shop, plus a wide selection The White Rose in Newton household goods and gifts. of books, CDs and cards. Road is the most popular local Three fishmongers have The National Waterfront 1. Shopping, eating pub many more are found on impressive displays of freshly Museum charts the history and drinking the Mumbles Road heading for landed fish. Several butchers of trading in Swansea from Mumbles has many craft and Mumbles Pier. This part is have meat from local farms, earliest days, and how gift shops, plus local stores and known as The Mumbles Mile, particularly Huw Phillips who industrialisation and innovation coffee shops. Immediately and has a good number of specialises in Welsh Black beef has affected the population over s w A n s e A s w A n s e A

the past three hundred years. 1. Clyne Gardens Kardomah in Portland Street. 3. Entertainment Objects and artefacts plus latest Half way to Mumbles at For lunch La Braseria in Wind Swansea hosts several major multi-media technology bring is Clyne Gardens, Street has a good atmosphere events every year. Most notable life to the stories behind the the former home of the Vivian and is excellent value for is the Swansea Festival of Music Industrial Revolution, through Family. There is a car park money. Chelsea Café in St held every autumn. It is one of to the future innovation and alongside the Woodman Inn. Mary Street is a modern small the national venues for Proms in technology by people of Wales. A short walk takes in a host brasserie, The Pilot House in the Park, marking the last night has many of exotic shrubs that are the Marina specialises in fish, of the proms linking with other magnificent treasures and particularly colourful in the in St Helen’s Road is the major cities and the Royal Albert displays and is well worth a few spring. There are beautiful French owned Didier and Hall in . The Taliesin hours. All three can be visited views over Swansea Bay Stephanie and Swansea’s Theatre and the Grand Theatre from the one car park at the and it’s a most pleasant place oldest Indian restaurant The both have full programmes of Dylan Thomas Centre. to relax. Anarkali. Numerous large bars entertainment and concerts. Plantasia is a massive green are in the café quarter of Bank Holidays see the Swansea house housing a wonderful Wind Street. In SA1 the new festival in , and collection of tropical species 2. Eating and drinking places of note are Two Cann from mid November Swansea from all over the world and Swansea has plenty of coffee Café for a relaxing drink and Christmas Market brings a host makes a fascinating few hours, shops and restaurants. An lunch and the Spanish of craft and artisan traders to particularly on a wet day. institution for coffee is the brasserie La Parilla. the city centre. b e Y o n d G o w e R b e Y o n d G o w e R

4. Castle and trees in the spring on the main car park, passing the , then either the the Heron Priested Estuary edge of Laugharne Burrows castle that is now home to A484 via Llanelli, or the M4 This small village on the gave the play its name. numerous swallows, martins and A48 to Carmarthen. estuary of the is Laugharne is still a charming and swifts during the summer. Continue on the A40 to St where Dylan Thomas settled place. Dylan’s favourite Several small cafes and Clears and left on the A4066 and wrote much of his later watering hole Brown’s Hotel restaurants (particularly The to Laugharne. work, including Under Milk still has its character. The Stable Door) provide good Drive time 1-2 hours Wood. The characters here famous boat house where they lunches. This makes a most Places to stop on the way: gave much of the inspiration lived on the ‘heron priested enjoyable day out from Carmarthen Market and for this memorable work. The estuary’ is a museum to his Fairyhill. From the Hotel turn Eynon’s Food Hall in white flowering hawthorn work. It’s a short walk from the left and take the B4295 to .

Beyond Gower land has been reclaimed from Pembrey. The Welsh Motor In summer swimming is safe, a former steel factory and is Sports centre is in the heart of and best at high tide. 1. The Wetlands Centre, now the home for numerous Pembrey Forest where there Walk time 1-3 hours Pembrey species of indigenous and are numerous interesting walks. Turn left from the Hotel and migratory water fowl as well There is plenty of parking close A few miles beyond take the B4295 to as numerous other species. It’s to the beach of Castle is one of the best and then the A484 towards well organised with walks and Sands that stretch for six miles examples of a Norman Llanelli. The Wetlands centre is hides for viewing. from Bury port to the stronghold and as such has clearly marked. On the north Continue beyond Llanelli and Gwendraeth Estuary, so it is been used in many films. side of the Bury Estuary this Bury Port on the A484 to always to find a secluded spot.

2. Aberglasney Gardens, is on the left descending into The house and gardens fell Golden Grove, the valley. For Dinefwr Park into severe disrepair. The Dinefwr Park continue and turn right on the restoration of Aberglasney is Left from Hotel and take A40 to Llandeilo. one of the country’s most B4295 and A4240 to the M4 remarkable garden projects. west then the A48 to Cross 3. Aberglasney The house with Victorian ionic Hands. Take the A476 east for Aberglasney is a country portico has been restored as 4 miles following the sign to estate with a long history, once has the cloistered walled Golden Grove, Broad Oak. Go owned by Bishop Rudd of St garden and the unique through Golden Grove and David’s. It was virtually Ninfarium, an indoor garden across valley, over river and up abandoned from the 1950s with exotic plants from around into wooded area. Aberglasney apart from the farm house. the world. b e Y o n d G o w e R

5. The National Botanic Great Glasshouse designed by Garden of Wales Lord Foster is the largest single The Great Glasshouse span glasshouse in the country. Left from Hotel, take the B4295 It houses plants from the to Gowerton and Gorseinon Mediterranean climate areas of and the A4240 to the M4, then the world, including Australia, the A48 beyond South Africa, , California where it is clearly signposted. It and the Mediterranean Basin. is set in the delightful Tywi Valley The Double Walled garden and was the former Middleton shows the evolution of Estate developed in the late flowering plants and a modern eighteenth century by the Victorian kitchen garden. With renowned Sir Thomas Paxton. numerous walks and exhibits, The 500 acre site has plenty cafes and restaurant, plus to see all year round. It has attractions for children, it makes several important collections a superb day out. that are unique to Wales. The Drive time 45-60 minutes 48 Pontardulais LLANELLI M4 Cefn Sidan Sands 47 45 Gorseinon 46 A483 Whitford Point A484 Gowerton Llanrhidian Sands B4295 Penclawdd SWANSEA Llanmadoc Burry Holmes Oldwalls Llanrhidian Llangennith Killay

Rhossili FAIRYHILL Bay Swansea Bay

Rhossili Llandewi Penmaen Pennard Mumbles Worms Head Oxwich Bay Mumbles Head Oxwich Pwlldu Head Overton Port Eynon Bay Port Eynon Point

FAIRYHILL Reynoldston, Gower, Swansea SA3 1BS Tel: 01792 390139 www.fairyhill.net

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