NATIONAL TRUST LAND

Whitford Burrows, a nature reserve of over 3000 acres at Whitford Bay, Llanmadoc, a 10 minute walk from the cottage. The area consists of sandunes and marshes and has abundant bird and wildlife, some rare. If you want to drive, turn right out of the cottage, go through the village, turn right down the hill into Cwm Ivy and park in the field on your right hand side. Walk down the hill, follow the road around to the left and go through the gate into the National Trust Park. Also in Llanmadoc, Cwm Ivy Marsh and Cwm Ivy Tor.

Rhossili, on the Western tip of the Gower Peninsula and a 15 minute drive away. As well as being a popular beach with fishermen, surfers and bathers, it is home to some rare and unusual wildlife. Remains of shipwrecks can be seen on the beach at low tide, most notably the Helvetia, wrecked in 1887. The 1 mile clifftop walk leads from the National Trust’s visitors centre to the old coastguard lookout down and the tidal causeway of Worm’s Head.

Penmaen Burrows, Nicholaston and Three Cliffs. 15 minute drive. According to local legend a medieval village is buried here beneath the sandunes. The Pillow Mound on the property is an artificial warren which was used to farm rabbits to provide fresh food in the winter. A 1 mile footpath will lead you to the well known as Three Cliffs Bay and the popular Tor beach. Penmaen Burrows is rich in archaeological remains including three Scheduled Ancient Monuments, one of which is a medieval ringwork and there is also a recently restored double vented limekiln. Limited parking in Penmaen village, car park in field at North Hills Farm and a National Trust car park at Southgate.

Pennard Cliffs. The impressive limestone cliffs of South Gower are honeycombed with caves and some of the most unusual ones are found on this property. Excavation in the cavernous chambers of Minchin and Bacon Hole has shown that they were once home to long extinct animals. Both can now only be approached by narrow steep paths. High Pennard, one of the highest points along the cliffline, is capped with a prehistoric defensive hill fort. A footpath and bridleway, also suitable for cyclists, from Southgate follows the clifftop east for 1.5 miles to Pwll Du and west for 1 mile to Three Cliffs Bay.

Bishopston Valley. One of the best and most extensive areas of ancient woodland on the Gower is to be found in this sheltered valley. The excellent diversity of woodland, herb rich meadows and grassland provide habitats for a wide variety of plants and birds. The 2 mile footpath will lead you along the valley from Kittle to Pwll Du.

Llanrhidian Marsh. An extensive area of grazed salt-marsh forming the southern edge of the Burry Inlet, an internationally important site for waders and wildfowl. Designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Park at Weobley Castle and walk down to marsh.

South Gower Coast. Dramatic cliffs and outstanding views across the Bristol Channel to North Devon Coast. The National Trust owns the coastal strip between Mewslade and Port Eynon. Car park at Port Eynon.

One of the best and most extensive areas of ancient woodland on the Gower is to be found in this sheltered valley. The excellent diversity of woodland, herb rich