Cwm Ivy - Whiteford Point - Whiteford Sands - Cwm Ivy

Peter Salenieks

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This scenic walk showcases the varied natural environment within the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which was the first AONB to be designated in the United Kingdom. Whiteford Burrows can only be reached on foot and features one of the longest beaches on Gower. Those who make the journey to the northern tip of the Gower coast are rewarded by a combination of space and seclusion that is seldom matched elsewhere on Gower. The peninsula is situated within a National Nature Reserve that encompasses woodland, salt marshes and dune systems. It contains rare species of fauna and flora.

The approach from Cwm Ivy leads through pinewoods and passes The Lodge, which was used as a field laboratory by naturalists in the 1920s. Nowadays, it is available for group bookings via the National Trust. Woodland gives way to the largest continuous area of salt marsh in Wales. Horses and sheep have grazed it for hundreds of years.

Burry Inlet is a wintering area for large numbers of waterbirds, some of which occur at levels of national and even international importance. It is listed in the Ramsar site database as a wetland of international importance. Burges Island lies at the tip of Whiteford Point and is a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Whiteford Burrows was the first coastal site protected under the National Trust's Neptune Coastline Campaign. The lighthouse at Whiteford Point was built in 1865, but could not prevent sixteen ships from being wrecked in January 1868. It is the only cast-iron offshore lighthouse in Britain, with an ornate wrought iron balcony surrounding the lantern house. The lighthouse has not been in regular use for over seventy years and was listed as an ancient monument by Cadw in 1979. It is only accessible at low tide.

Wales - South Wales - Swansea - Gower Peninsula

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Flowers, Great Views, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Public Transport, Sea, Wildlife, Woodland
8/27/2023 - Beth Lindsay

Absolutely stunning walk. There is a cafe near the start so we were well fuelled for the walk.

7/10/2022 - James Brinkworth

Wow! What a beautiful walk along the Gower coastline. I've never seen such a lovely beach in Britian before. The directions were great apart from Waymark 7 which is a couple of hundred metres past the actual footpath. I'd do this walk again in a heartbeat, it was so lovely! Highly recommended!!

9/2/2013 - Michael Lawless

Really lovely peaceful stroll through woodland on sandy paths, and then a stretch along the beach. We went at low tide so we could see the lighthouse close up, the tide comes in really fast her so be careful if you try this. Tip: Take sandwiches so you can have a sit and relax on the way rather than have to motor along to get to a pub for lunch.