NEW/MODIFIED ROUTES - The Islands, Sandy Beaches and Castles of Gower coast

We have a single room as an upgrade, please email us at info@outdooraholics.co.uk

For 11 years Outdooraholics have run our ever popular trip to the Gower 3 to 4 times a year. Many members have done the trip 3 times so we now have modified and new routes, so you can discover more of the Gower.

Dive into the rugged beauty and remoteness of the Gower peninsula with miles of diverse coastline to explore. Designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956, Gower’s protected landscape has thankfully changed little ever since.

We’ve lined up three truly world class hikes that you can enjoy without having to leave the UK, breath taking and dramatic coastal hikes along some of the best beaches in Europe. Add to those a National Nature reserve, truly spectacular cliffs, Europe’s 3rd best beach and a ruined castle and we’re in for a memorable weekend.

Rhossili beach is consistently voted one of the TOP TEN BEACHES IN THE WORLD, let us show you why LINK

HIGHLIGHTS

• Extended 3 night Bank Holiday SPECIAL trip
• Stay on the tip of the spectacular Gower peninsula
• Hike through the Gower Coast National Nature Reserve with its tidal island of Worms Head and Rhossili Down - the highest point on the Gower peninsula (196m)
• See the ruins of the majestic Pennard Castle built in the 12th century
• Explore a remote and rugged stretch of coast from Port Eynon to Rhossili
• Hike to breathtaking Rhossili beach - one of the top beaches in Europe
• Hiking from the hostel door on Sunday
• Hike out to the tidal Worms Head Island (tide permitting)
• Hike out to Burry Holms Island (tide permitting)

WEEKEND DESCRIPTION

There’s no way to fully appreciate Gower’s natural beauty, history and geology unless you take on one of the numerous footpaths which run across this stunning piece of rugged countryside. That’s why we’re exploring the Gower Peninsula in traditional Outdooraholics style - through spectacular hikes and viewed from the hiking trails.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be exhilarating hikes through landscapes ranging from dramatic and rugged cliffs to long and dreamy sandy beaches. We’ll explore the historical sights of Gower, while being surrounded by awe-inspiring coastal, hill, woodland and clifftop landscapes.

ITINERARY

Friday

Head over to our exclusively booked hostel cottage on the tip of the Gower peninsula, with only sand dunes separating us from the beach.

Saturday

Hike: Penmaen Hill and Pennard Castle
Distance: 10 miles (16-17km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 380m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours

We explore a picturesque section of the coast. Accompanied by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, we’re off on a hike through the rich sand dunes Nature Reserve of Oxwich and Nicholaston Burrows. Our hike will take us past cliffs and heavenly beaches to eventually reach the hidden valley with the ruins of Pennard Castle. Perched high over the stunning Three Cliffs Bay and Penmaen Burrows, this 12th century castle is considered one of the most picturesque ruins on the Gower Peninsula making it a perfect stop for lunch. We then hike up an elevated ridge giving incredible views across Gower and the sea, summiting the 188m Penmaen summit.

Sunday

Hike: Port Eynon to Worms Head Island
Distance: 12 miles (18km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 430m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours

Today will be a memorable hike in one of the most spectacular areas in Wales rewarding us with stunning and varied coastal landscapes. The stretch of coast from Port Eynon to Rhossili is rugged, wild and remote. This craggy coastline is a mixture of dramatic and towering cliffs interspersed with picture postcard sandy beaches. Tide permitting we walk to Worms Head Island

Rhossili is regularly voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world: LINK

We take the bus back to the hostel or car lift shares

Monday

Hike: Burry Holms Island
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 355m
Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours

Today we explore another area of Gower, quieter and well hidden and tide permitting we will walk out to Burry Holms Island. We also visit Llanmadoc Hill, at 186m high offering incredible panoramic views across the Gower peninsular, out to sea and to the coast of Exmoor over the sea

COST & PAYMENT

£273. Click “Attend” to pay the £20 deposit by PayPal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 30th June, we’ll email you payment details 1 week before.

Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ

TRANSPORT, ACCOMMODATION AND START TIME

The trip starts at the venue and you will need transport to the hikes.
Lift share discussion - to offer/request lifts

The accommodation address is at the top of this page, you are welcome to arrive from 7pm or any time later.

FOOD

Breakfast and packed lunches are included and will be provided for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You will need money for drinks for the trip and for dinner on Sunday night.

Breakfast is healthy and nutritious - typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc.

For lunch we provide fruit, crisps, cereal bars and a range of options to make your own sandwiches typically tomatoes, cucumber, houmous, peanut butter, honey, jam, ham, cheese and salami.

After the hike we enjoy Cream Teas - an English delicacy consisting of scones, clotted cream and jam, a tasty treat!

Meals are meat based with vegetarian options. To find out if the food being provided meets your intolerance/allergies/preferences/likes/dislikes etc, please email us. You are welcome to bring your own favourite items to meet specific requirements and there is a fridge and kitchen you can use.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights in hostel accommodation (4-6 bedded single gender rooms)
• Breakfast and packed lunches on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
• Tea (including herbal) and coffee
• Dinner on Saturday night
• Hikes by trained guides
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection

THE PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Transport to, from and during the trip
• Dinner on Sunday night
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Bus from Rhossili to Port Eynon (approx £4)

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS

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