Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley (NT)
Overview
Spectacular cliffs, caves where mammoths once lived, rare birds, an underground river, bat roosts, silver lead mining, ancient woodland, smuggling, and limestone quarrying are just a few of the wonders of this area. There are also numerous archaeological features and two important caves: Bacon Hole and Minchin Hole. Long Ash Mine in Bishopston Valley was a silver lead mine and is now a roost for greater and lesser horseshoe bats. Pwll Du Bay was once an extensive limestone quarry. The buildings that remain were once inns for the thirsty workers. The bay was also a popular smuggling cove and some of the contraband was no doubt sold in the inns. Pwll Du Head is the highest headland on Gower and offers fantastic views of Pennard Cliffs and the coastline towards Mumbles. Take a walk from the car park along the flat, grassy cliff tops west towards Three Cliffs Bay or Pwll Du to the east. These cliffs are common land grazed by cattle and sheep, and the grazing is important for the chough, a rare member of the crow family.
About the area
There’s no getting away from it – when it comes to image, Swansea is a bit of a mixed bag. During its heyday in the 19th century, as king of the copper industry, it was known as ‘Copperopolis’.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Guest Accommodation
Parc-le-Breos House
★★★★
"Relax in the lovely house and grounds...."
- Rooms 10
- Free TV
- Wifi
- Lounge with TV
Caravan & Camping
Greenways of Gower Premier Leisure Park
★★★
"Beautiful countryside location on the Gower Peninsula...."
Nearby places to stay
Parc-le-Breos House
Parc-le-Breos is a beautifully appointed Victorian hunting lodge with extensive gardens, which is located only 20 minutes' walk from Three Cliffs Bay. It is beautifully furnished – you ...
★★★★ Rating
Greenways of Gower Premier Leisure Park
Set in a superb location overlooking Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula, this popular park offers 160 well drained grass pitches and caters for tents and small camper vans. The central t...
★★★ Rating
Norton House Hotel
Norton House Hotel is a quaint Georgian mansion house set in a central location of the Mumbles. As well as period charm, all the modern conveniences are on offer. Resident's bar a highl...
★★★ Rating
Llanrhidian Holiday Park
Set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Llanrhidian Holiday Park offers a wonderful base from which you can explore the stunning Welsh countryside. A well equipped site with outdo...
★★★★★ Rating
Skysea Camping & Caravan Park
Set in an unrivalled location alongside the safe sandy beach of Port Eynon on the Gower Peninsula, this popular park is an ideal family holiday spot; it is also close to an attractive v...
★★★★ Rating
Hurst Dene Guest House
Hurst Dene Guest House has a private car park and provides 10 soundly maintained bedrooms, along with some self catering apartments. Just 10 minutes from the seafront and and ideal loca...
★★★ Rating
Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping Park
Surrounded by farmland close to Rhossili Bay, Pitton Cross is divided by hedging into paddocks, with hardstandings for motorhomes available. Some areas are deliberately left uncultivate...
★★★ Rating
Kings Head
The Kings Head is made up of three 17th-century buildings set behind a splendid rough stone wall, standing opposite the church in this coastal village. The well-equipped bedrooms, inclu...
★★★★ Rating



