Discover Gowerton

Gowerton offers opportunities for walking, pilgrimage routes, golf and local history. The routes differ in their paths and stage lengths; cultural and industrial history reveal other sides of the area. You can shape your stay around the topics that interest you most.

Walking routes and pilgrimage stages

The Gowerton, Three Crosses and Dunvant Walking Route begins and ends in Gowerton and runs close to the Gower Coast Path. By contrast, the northern section of the Gower Way leads from Gowerton through the Lliw Valley to the historic ruins of Penlle’r Castell on the summit of Mynydd y Betws. The two route descriptions are therefore clearly distinct: one route starts and finishes in Gowerton, while the other passes through a valley to a named ruin.

There is a good chance of seeing peregrine falcons, ravens and red kites in the Upper Lliw Valley. Birdwatching is a possibility along the northern section of the Gower Way, not a guarantee. If you are interested in the landscape and wildlife, this is a distinct feature of the route, alongside its destination on Mynydd y Betws.

The Way of St Anthony's Well also has clearly named stages around Gowerton. A 6.3-mile section runs from the Church of the Sacred Heart in Morriston to Gowerton. Towards Llanelli, the pilgrimage route includes a 9.6-mile section from Gowerton to the Church of Our Lady, Queen of Peace. This section is 3.3 miles longer than the route from Morriston to Gowerton. Between Llewitha Bridge and Gowerton, the route follows footpaths.

The distances in miles help you compare the lengths of the two stages. For practical planning, keep in mind that route details can change and paths may be diverted. Check the route shortly before your walk.

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. Both are specific cultural landmarks in Gowerton: the event is associated with a year and venue, and the stone with a named roadside location.

The area’s industrial history has also left its mark. The Gowerton mineral railway ended at Caer-Cynyyd Colliery. Parts of the railway survive in a path and in field boundaries. These remains tell of a different kind of travel from today’s walking trails: the railway connected Gowerton with a local mine.

According to local historical accounts, the historic Gowerton Canal transported coal from Llewitha Mine to the small docks at Penclawdd in the 18th century. The large basin in Elba Woodland and open space is said to be all that remains of the canal. The basin thus offers a glimpse into the history of coal transport and its former connection between the mine and the docks.

Elba Woodland and open space is a small woodland with oaks, sycamores and holly trees. Together with the large basin, it brings woodland and local industrial history into the same setting: the tree species characterise the woodland described, while the basin recalls the historic canal.

Golf in Gowerton

Gowerton Golf Centre is on Victoria Road in Gowerton and has a 9-hole woodland course. This gives golf enthusiasts a specific destination in addition to the walking and pilgrimage routes. When looking for a hotel in Gowerton, you can consider these different reasons for travelling and tailor your planned stay to your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Langland, Llanrhidian, Clydach, Dunvant, Loughor, Mayals, Penlan, Upper Killay

For the broader travel overview: Swansea.