Beaches, Waterfalls & Mountains of Wales – Gower Coast Weekend

This Bank Holiday weekend combines the dramatic coastline of the Gower Peninsula with a visit to the Brecon Beacons for a varied three-day hiking trip. We explore rugged clifftops, wide sandy beaches, dunes, and nature reserves on Gower, before heading inland on the final day to walk the famous waterfalls trail in the Brecon Beacons, including the experience of walking behind a waterfall. Designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, Gower’s protected landscape has changed little, offering some of the finest and most varied coastal walking in Britain.

** Key Info**
• Nights: 3 (Fri-Mon)
• Cost: £292 early bird / £314 standard
• Difficulty: Intermediate (3 hikes 3–6 hrs each)
• ️ Meals Included: All breakfasts, all packed lunches, Sat dinner, cream tea

** Trip Highlights**
• Extended 3 night Bank Holiday trip
• Stay on the tip of the spectacular Gower peninsula right by the beach
• Hike through the Gower Coast National Nature Reserve
• Walk Rhossili Down, the highest point on Gower (196 m)
• Tide permitting, hike out to the tidal island of Worms Head Island
• Visit the ruins of Pennard Castle, overlooking Three Cliffs Bay
• Explore a remote and rugged stretch of coast around Rhossili
• Hike to breathtaking Rhossili beach - one of the top beaches in Europe
• Hike the **Brecon Beacons waterfalls trail **and go behind a waterfall

** Trip Description**
The Gower Peninsula is best experienced on foot, with a dense network of paths crossing dunes, clifftops, headlands, and open countryside. Over the weekend, we explore its most dramatic sections, combining coastal walking with quieter inland stretches, and taking in beaches, nature reserves, and a castle along the way.

Our coastal hikes showcase the variety of Gower’s landscape, from long sandy beaches backed by dunes to steep cliffs and rugged headlands. The walking is rewarding rather than technical, with time to stop and take in the views across the Bristol Channel and along the peninsula’s sweeping coastline.

On the final day, the scenery changes as we head inland to the Brecon Beacons mountains. Here, the walking follows woodland paths and river valleys, leading to a series of waterfalls in a steep-sided gorge, including the opportunity to walk behind one of them.

Across the three days, the routes balance effort and enjoyment, offering a mix of coastal drama, natural landmarks, and quieter woodland walking, all within a compact and varied Bank Holiday trip.

** Itinerary**

Friday – Arrival
Arrive at our exclusively hired hostel cottage on the tip of the Gower peninsula, with only sand dunes separating us from the beach. Take in the sea air, settle into your room, and meet your fellow hikers over a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is informal - no rush, just good company and excitement for the days ahead.

Saturday – Oxwich Bay to Pennard Castle
• Distance: 12km (8 miles)
• Grading: Intermediate, two main tiring hills
• Ascent: 370m
• Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours

We explore a picturesque section of the coast. Accompanied by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, we’re off to an 8 mile 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.

Sunday – Rhossili circular (2 length options)
• Distance: 14km (8.5 miles)
• Grading: Intermediate, some hills, a good level of fitness required
• Ascent: 460m
• Hiking time: 5 - 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 around Rhossili is rugged, wild and remote - mostly owned by the National Trust. This craggy coastline is a mixture of dramatic and towering cliffs interspersed with picture postcard sandy beaches.

We'll hike through the Gower Coast National Nature Reserve which consists of the tidal island of Worms Head and the Rhossili Down - the highest point on the Gower peninsula (196m). We’ll also pass and hike on Rhossili Beach - regularly on best beach in the world lists.

Rhossili Beach has been voted by Tripadvisor to be one of the top 10 beaches in the world: LINK

Monday – Brecon Beacons 3 Waterfalls
• Distance: 6km (4 miles)
• Grading: Intermediate, a few hills, steep in places
• Ascent: 330m
• Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours

Today we shall head into the Brecon Beacons for a waterfall walk through a deep and rich wooded valley, where we'll get to go behind a waterfall. This hike will be in the Brecon Beacons National Park which is where the trip will finish.

Typical finish time: 14:30–15:30, so you have plenty of time for the drive back to London. This marks the end of the organised trip.

** Transport, Accommodation & Start Time**
• The trip begins at Borfa House Activity Centre
• Arrival is from 7pm – no access before this time
• You will need transport to the hikes. For car sharing - Lift share discussion
• Accommodation: 3 nights in single gender hostel rooms (4–6 beds)

️ Food - All meals are included except 1 dinner where we eat out:
• Breakfast (Sat, Sun & Mon): typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc.
• Packed lunches (Sat, Sun & Mon): 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.
• Dinner (Sat)
• Dinner (Sun): Not included, eat out in Port Eynon to try local cuisine
• Afternoon cream tea: Scones, clotted cream and jam, a tasty treat!

Meals are meat-based with vegetarian alternatives.

** Cost & Booking**
• £292 total for the first 35 sign-ups (Early Booking Discount). Then £314 total. Click “Attend” to pay the £30 deposit by PayPal
• Remainder due within 5 days by bank transfer - we'll email details
• Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see FAQ)

✅ Price Includes
• 3 nights hostel accommodation
• Breakfast on Saturday, Sunday & Monday
• Packed lunches on Saturday, Sunday & Monday
• Dinner Saturday night
• Cream teas
• Experienced trip host for the duration of the weekend
• 3 guided hikes with a trained hike leader
• Full financial protection under the 2018 Package Travel Regulations

❌ Price Excludes
• Transport to, during and from the trip
• Sunday night dinner where we eat out in Port Eynon town

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⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader. As with all outdoor activities, hiking carries some inherent risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothes – including warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers. See: Clothing tips.

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