Gowerton combines clearly defined routes with traces of local history. Walking routes and stages of a pilgrim route include the town as a starting point, destination or stop along the way; the history of the Eisteddfod and remains of former transport routes tell other stories about the area. When planning your stay, you can decide whether hiking, wildlife watching or cultural history will shape your visit.

Walking and Pilgrim Routes

The Gowerton, Three Crosses and Dunvant Walking Route starts and ends in Gowerton, near the Gower Coast Path. The northern section of the Gower Way takes a different route: it runs from Gowerton through the Lliw Valley to the historic ruins of Penlle’r Castell on the summit of Mynydd y Betws. In the Upper Lliw Valley, there is a good chance of seeing peregrine falcons, ravens and red kites. Hikers there can keep an eye on the birds as well as the route.

Two stages of The Way of St Anthony’s Well pilgrim route include Gowerton: 6.3 miles lead from the Church of the Sacred Heart in Morriston to Gowerton, and 9.6 miles from Gowerton to the Church of Our Lady, Queen of Peace in Llanelli. Between Llewitha Bridge and Gowerton, the route follows footpaths. The stage towards Llanelli is longer than the route from Morriston.

The routes also differ in how they include Gowerton: one route starts and ends in the town, while the pilgrim route makes Gowerton the destination of one stage and the starting point of another. The northern Gower Way, in turn, passes through the Lliw Valley to historic ruins. Check the route and possible diversions before setting off, as practical details may change.

Cultural and Industrial History

The Welsh National Eisteddfod was held at the Elba Complex in Gowerton in 1980. The Eisteddfod Stone stands on the roundabout on the B4295 towards Penclawdd. The venue and the stone are two specific landmarks associated with the town’s Welsh cultural history.

Former transport routes also left their mark. The Gowerton mineral railway ended at Caer-Cynyyd Colliery; parts of it survive as a path and in field boundaries. A large basin in Elba Woodland and open space is all that remains of the historic Gowerton Canal. The surviving traces of mining and canal transport therefore sit alongside the cultural sites associated with the Eisteddfod.

Woodland and Golf

Elba Woodland and open space is a small woodland area with oak, sycamore and holly trees. The basin of the former Gowerton Canal is also part of the site, linking the local natural setting with its industrial history. The focus here is therefore different from that of the longer routes through the Lliw Valley.

Another activity is available at Gowerton Golf Centre on Victoria Road, which has a 9-hole woodland course. The activities described here therefore include golf as well as hiking and wildlife watching.

Discover more destinations: Bishopston, Llanrhidian, Loughor, Langland, Mayals, Southgate, Rhossili, Clydach.

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