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Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2026-05-17 · 15:50 UTC

GOWER: Only four locals took part last year — can Swansea’s own backyard event tempt more to take the plunge this June?

Hundreds of athletes will descend on Gower on 20 June for the third Gritty Rascals Swimrun Gower — an endurance event that takes competitors on a continuous journey of running and open-water swimming along one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Britain.

And yet last year, only four people from the local area entered — meaning the vast majority of those experiencing the Gower coast from the water and the clifftops were travelling from elsewhere in the UK or further afield.

Organisers are hoping to change that. “We have competitors travel from across the UK and Europe to compete and this year we’re keen to welcome more local athletes to enter,” said Gary Pavitt, founder of Gritty Rascals Events.

Competitors run along a Gower beach during the Gritty Rascals Swimrun event. (Image: Gritty Rascals Events)

Unlike a triathlon, swimrun involves no transition. Competitors run in their wetsuits and swim in their trainers, alternating between cross-country running and open-water swimming throughout the entire race — without changing kit.

This year’s event offers three course lengths. The Sprint Course (12km) is aimed at first-timers and newcomers to the sport. The Gritty Course (21km) offers a half-marathon equivalent for those wanting a stiff challenge.

The Full Course (41km) — starting at Rhossili Bay and finishing in Mumbles — is the ultimate test, and has this year been designated an ÖTILLÖ Merit Race, allowing competitors to earn global ranking points towards the Swimrun World Championships.

Competitors pause on the rocky shoreline near Mumbles lighthouse during the Gritty Rascals Swimrun Gower. (Image: Gritty Rascals Events)

The Full Course takes competitors on a route most locals will recognise stretch by stretch — a technical swim from Tears Point to Mewslade Bay, cliff top running to Port Eynon, a crossing of Port Eynon Bay, then on through Oxwich, around Tor Point, into Pwll Du, across to Brandy Cove, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Rotherslade before a final climb up Mumbles Hill to the finish line.

Competitor Stacey Bramhall, who is also involved in promoting the event, said the experience of seeing Gower from both the coastal path and the water was unlike anything else.

“There is honestly nothing quite like the perspective of seeing Gower’s beauty from the coast path and the water,” she said. “The sense of achievement when you finish the race makes it all 100% worth doing.”

A competitor swims underwater during the Gritty Rascals Swimrun Gower event, still wearing their race vest and goggles. (Image: Gritty Rascals Events)

For those nervous about the swimming sections, the organisers point to an extensive water safety team who are in the water throughout. “We have a huge support team who are in the water for every stroke to support swimmers whether it’s their first swimrun or fifth,” said Pavitt.

Transport to the start lines is provided, with all courses finishing back in Mumbles. The event hub, registration and finish line are all based there, giving spectators a base for the day.

The Gritty Rascals Swimrun Gower takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026. Registration is open now at grittyrascals.com.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gower news from Swansea Bay News
The latest stories from Gower and the surrounding area.

Mumbles news from Swansea Bay News
All our latest coverage from Mumbles.

#BrandyCove #CaswellBay #funRun #Gower #GrittyRascals #LanglandBay #Mumbles #MumblesHill #Oxwich #PortEynon #PwllDu #RhossiliBay #Rotherslade #SwimRun #TorPoint

#brandycove #caswellbay #funrun #gower #grittyrascals #langlandbay

United Kingdom @[email protected] · 2026-04-30 · 15:59 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/britain/25880/ GOWER: The UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty turns 70 – here’s why it’s still one of Britain’s most special places #AONB #AreaOfOutstandingNaturalBeauty #Britain #Gower #GowerNationalLandscape #GowerPeninsula #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #SwanseaCouncil #WalesCoastPath

#walescoastpath #swanseacouncil #rhossilibay #rhossili #gowerpeninsula #gowernationallandscape

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2026-04-30 · 15:32 UTC

GOWER: The UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty turns 70 – here’s why it’s still one of Britain’s most special places

The Gower Peninsula is celebrating a landmark birthday this month – turning 70 as the UK’s very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a designation that transformed how Britain thinks about protecting its most treasured landscapes.

On 9 May 1956, Gower became the first place in the UK to be officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), setting a precedent that has since led to 46 National Landscapes being protected across the country. Seventy years on, it remains one of Wales’s most visited and most loved destinations.

The peninsula’s appeal is easy to understand. From the award-winning sands of Rhossili and the dramatic limestone cliffs of the south coast to rolling green commons, saltmarshes, hidden coves and charming villages, Gower has been stopping people in their tracks for generations. It is possible to surf in the morning, walk along the Wales Coast Path in the afternoon, and watch the sun set over one of the UK’s most photographed coastlines in the evening.

Rhossili Bay sunset (Image: Stewart Black / Flickr / Creative Commons 2.0)

Gower is also steeped in extraordinary history. The peninsula is home to Europe’s oldest known ceremonial human burial site – the Red Lady of Paviland, dating back around 34,000 years – as well as standing stones, shipwrecks, caves, castles and the famous Arthur’s Stone. Few places in Britain pack so much natural and cultural heritage into such a compact area.

More recently, Gower was also designated as one of 46 National Landscapes across the UK, reflecting a modernisation of the way protected landscapes are described. The legal status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty remains unchanged, but the new name signals a broader ambition to connect people with the land and promote sustainable use alongside conservation.

Gower has also become South Wales’s first International Dark Sky Community – a recognition of the quality of its night skies and a sign of how protected landscapes are adapting to modern challenges beyond simply preserving what is there.

A clear night sky over the Gower coastline, showcasing the dark‑sky conditions that helped the area earn International Dark Sky Community status.
Photo: Visit Swansea Bay

Tracey McNulty, Swansea Council‘s head of service for cultural services, said the anniversary was a chance to celebrate not just the landscape but the people who make it special. “The anniversary is a chance to celebrate not just Gower’s landscapes, but also the people, communities and businesses that help make it such a welcoming place,” she said.

She added that Gower continued to pioneer new approaches to land management. “Gower continues to be a pioneer, becoming South Wales’ first International Dark Sky Community, showing how protected landscapes adapt to modern challenges.”

Swansea Council is encouraging everyone to get involved in the celebrations, whether visiting for the first time or returning to a favourite spot. “We’re welcoming everyone to be part of the celebrations whether you’re discovering Gower for the first time, or coming back to your favourite happy place,” McNulty said. “Explore responsibly, support local businesses and help keep this beautiful corner of South West Wales special for years to come.”

A young horse grazes peacefully on the cliffs at Rhossili as the sun sets over the Gower coast
(Image: Robert Morgan)

Gower’s designation in 1956 came at a time when rapid post-war development was threatening some of Britain’s most significant natural areas. The new AONB status gave the peninsula legal protection and established a framework that has since been applied across the UK, from the Cotswolds to the Causeway Coast.

Today the peninsula attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, contributing significantly to Swansea’s tourism economy. The challenge for the next 70 years will be balancing that popularity with the conservation of the very qualities that make Gower so special.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gower named one of the best places on Earth to stargaze as Dark Sky status confirmed
How Gower earned its place among the world’s finest stargazing destinations.

Rhossili named among world’s best beaches
The iconic Gower bay earns global recognition once again.

Three Cliffs, Whitesands and Saundersfoot shine in UK’s best beaches list
More of our stunning local coastline makes national headlines.

Pembrokeshire and Gower both rank in top 5 underrated UK staycation spots
Two of our patch’s finest destinations earn well-deserved national recognition.

Rhossili Bay named in list of best places to go sunset spotting
Another accolade for one of Wales’s most photogenic beaches.

80,000 pound upgrade completed on Gower Coast Path between Rotherslade and Limeslade
Investment in one of Wales’s most popular coastal walking routes.

Rhossili cliff horses win reprieve after National Trust meeting
The much-loved horses on Rhossili cliffs get to stay put.

Bright future for felled forest as Wildlife Trust creates new nature reserve on Gower
Conservation work transforms a former forest into a thriving new habitat.

Huw Stephens brings the legend of Pennard Castle’s faeries to life in Trackanory series
Gower’s rich folklore gets the Radio Wales treatment.

#AONB #AreaOfOutstandingNaturalBeauty #Gower #GowerNationalLandscape #GowerPeninsula #Rhossili #RhossiliBay #SwanseaCouncil #WalesCoastPath

#aonb #areaofoutstandingnaturalbeauty #gower #gowernationallandscape #gowerpeninsula #rhossili

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2026-02-15 · 16:20 UTC

Gower named one of the best places on Earth to stargaze as dark‑sky status confirmed

The announcement lands just ahead of Welsh Dark Skies Week (13–22 February 2026) and marks a major moment for the region, with Gower now joining a global network of protected night‑sky locations.

A coastline where the Milky Way still shines

With some of the clearest, least light‑polluted skies in Wales, Gower is now being hailed as one of the country’s most spectacular places to watch the night sky. On the darkest nights, stargazers can see the Milky Way stretching over the waves — a sight that’s vanished from most of Europe and the US, where 99% of people now live under light‑polluted skies, according to DarkSky International.

The new status means Gower is officially recognised as a landscape where the night sky is protected, celebrated and accessible — whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or someone who’s never pointed a telescope at the sky before.

And it’s not just stars. In summer, beaches like Caswell, Three Cliffs and Port Eynon glow with bioluminescent plankton, creating surreal, neon‑blue shorelines that draw photographers and night‑time walkers from across the UK.

A major milestone for Swansea Bay

The accreditation was awarded by DarkSky International, the global authority on night‑sky conservation. It follows years of partnership work between Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, the Gower Society and local communities.

Every street light on Gower has now been retrofitted with dark‑sky‑friendly LED lanterns, and new developments must follow strict lighting rules to protect the night environment.

The move puts Swansea Bay firmly on the map for astro‑tourism — a growing sector that brings visitors in outside the traditional summer season.

Where to find the darkest skies in Swansea Bay

https://youtu.be/9apykobwbLY

Gower’s landscapes offer a mix of easy‑access viewpoints and remote, wild locations where the night sky feels almost untouched.

Port Eynon
A wide, open bay with huge skies and uninterrupted views across the Bristol Channel.

Three Cliffs Bay
A dramatic, secluded spot where stargazers can watch constellations rise over the tidal estuary.

Oxwich
Easy to reach, with facilities nearby — ideal for families and first‑timers.

Rhossili Bay
One of the UK’s most famous coastal viewpoints by day; by night, a vast stage for meteor showers.

Cefn Bryn
Gower’s sandstone ridge offering 360‑degree views and some of the clearest skies in Wales.

https://youtu.be/wTh4GSL0rTA

A growing draw for visitors

Visit Swansea Bay says the new status strengthens the region’s reputation as a year‑round destination, already attracting more than 4.6 million visitors a year to its beaches, countryside, attractions and food scene.

The organisation works with more than 260 local tourism businesses and says dark‑sky tourism is becoming a major part of the region’s appeal.

#astroTourism #CefnBryn #DarkSkies #DarkSkyCommunity #DarkSkyInternational #Gower #GowerSociety #KingArthurSStone #LEDStreetLight #NaturalResourcesWales #OxwichBay #PortEynon #RhossiliBay #Stargazing #SwanseaCouncil #ThreeCliffsBay #VisitSwanseaBay

#astrotourism #cefnbryn #darkskies #darkskycommunity #darkskyinternational #gower

Kit Peters @[email protected] · 2025-11-18 · 13:15 UTC

Welsh Government says South West Wales bathing waters rated ‘excellent’ – but sewage and pollution issues cast shadow

The 2025 results, published this week, show that 98% of bathing waters across Wales met strict environmental standards following monitoring by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Officials say the findings demonstrate the resilience of Wales’s beaches and the success of ongoing efforts to protect water quality.

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies said the results reflected “our commitment to protecting water quality” and praised communities and partners for working together towards a cleaner Wales.

Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management at NRW, added:

“Our wonderful beaches and bathing waters are an important part of Wales’s identity and culture… The results reflect the dedication of our teams, partners, environmental groups and communities who protect and care for our environment.”

Local results at a glance

AreaBeaches rated ‘Excellent’Other classificationsSwanseaLangland, Caswell, Bracelet Bay, RhossiliSwansea Bay – GoodNeath Port TalbotAberafan Beach–CarmarthenshirePembrey, Pendine Sands–PembrokeshireTenby South, Castle Beach, Freshwater West, Barafundle, Newgale, Whitesands (plus many more)–Bridgend CountyTrecco Bay, Sandy Bay, Rest Bay (Porthcawl)–

Sewage spills and enforcement fines temper the good news

While the classifications are positive, they come against a backdrop of ongoing public concern about water quality.

Residents in Gower have repeatedly voiced frustration over sewage spills affecting popular beaches, saying they feel “pooped off” by the frequency of incidents. Campaigners argue that these spills undermine public confidence in official bathing water ratings.

💧 What do bathing water ratings mean?

Excellent
The highest standard. Water quality is consistently very good, giving strong reassurance for swimmers and visitors.

Good
Meets high standards but with occasional dips in quality. Still safe for bathing, though less consistent than ‘excellent’ sites.

Sufficient
Passes the minimum EU and UK requirements. Bathing is permitted, but water quality may be variable and less reliable.

Poor
Fails to meet the required standards. Official advice is against bathing due to risks to health.

Who sets the ratings?
Natural Resources Wales monitors designated bathing waters during the season (May–September) and classifies them under Welsh Government regulations.

Why it matters:
Ratings guide public health advice, tourism confidence and environmental management. They reflect long‑term monitoring, not just daily conditions.

Rivers and coastlines under pressure

Beyond the beaches, rivers in South West Wales have also been highlighted as pollution hotspots. The River Tawe was recently ranked among the most sewage‑affected in the UK, raising questions about how inland water quality connects to coastal bathing standards.

In Pembrokeshire, warnings have been issued about sewage pollution at popular beaches, prompting local MPs to challenge regulators and water companies during Welsh Affairs Committee hearings.

Calls for reform and a sewage action plan

The wider debate has led to growing political pressure. Campaigners and politicians, including Welsh MPs, have called for a national sewage action plan to tackle pollution at its source. At the same time, Welsh Government has outlined plans to overhaul water regulation, promising reforms that put “people, the environment and future generations at its heart.”

Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca‑Davies acknowledged that climate change and heavy rainfall — including 170% of average levels in September — can significantly affect water quality. He said maintaining standards will require “sustained investment, innovation, and partnership working across all sectors.”

A mixed picture for South West Wales

The headline figures show South West Wales beaches performing strongly, with almost all rated ‘excellent’. But the wider context of sewage spills, enforcement fines and river pollution means the story is more complex.

For swimmers and visitors, the classifications provide reassurance about water quality at designated sites. Yet campaigners insist that behind the ratings lies a system under strain, with regulators, water companies and government facing mounting pressure to deliver lasting improvements.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Welsh Water under pressure as sewage pollution incidents hit ten‑year high
Regulators report a surge in sewage discharges, sparking calls for tougher enforcement across Wales.

Residents say they’re ‘pooped off’ with Gower sewage spills
Locals express frustration over repeated sewage incidents affecting popular beaches on the Gower peninsula.

Welsh Water fined £1.35m for over 800 breaches to sewage discharge permits
The company faces a record penalty after failing to control pollution at treatment sites across Wales.

River Tawe one of the most sewage‑filled in the UK
New analysis ranks the Tawe among Britain’s most polluted rivers, raising concerns for downstream bathing waters.

#aberafanBeach #aberavonBeach #barafundle #bathingWaterQuality #beaches #braceletBay #caswellBay #cefnSidanBeach #dwrCymru #freshwaterWest #huwIrrancaDaviesMs #langlandBay #naturalResourcesWales #newgale #pembrey #pendineSands #pollution #porthcawl #restBay #rhossiliBay #sandyBay #sewage #swanseaBay #tenby #treccoBay #waterQuality #welshGovernment #welshWater #whitesandsBeach

#aberafanbeach #aberavonbeach #barafundle #bathingwaterquality #beaches #braceletbay

Dan Santillo Photography @[email protected] · 2023-08-17 · 17:43 UTC

Last night, I sat on the cliffs at Rhossili from 10:30pm until 1:30am. I set my camera up to take photos continuously and when I put them all together, this photo was created showing how the Earth rotates in relation to the stars. The star in the middle is Polaris, also known as the North Star.
https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_311196

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #nighttime #astrophotography #startrails

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea

Dan Santillo Photography @[email protected] · 2023-08-17 · 17:43 UTC

Last night, I sat on the cliffs at Rhossili from 10:30pm until 1:30am. I set my camera up to take photos continuously and when I put them all together, this photo was created showing how the Earth rotates in relation to the stars. The star in the middle is Polaris, also known as the North Star.
https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_311196

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #nighttime #astrophotography #startrails

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea

Dan Santillo Photography @[email protected] · 2023-08-17 · 17:43 UTC

Last night, I sat on the cliffs at Rhossili from 10:30pm until 1:30am. I set my camera up to take photos continuously and when I put them all together, this photo was created showing how the Earth rotates in relation to the stars. The star in the middle is Polaris, also known as the North Star.
https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_311196

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #nighttime #astrophotography #startrails

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea

Dan Santillo Photography @[email protected] · 2023-08-17 · 17:43 UTC

Last night, I sat on the cliffs at Rhossili from 10:30pm until 1:30am. I set my camera up to take photos continuously and when I put them all together, this photo was created showing how the Earth rotates in relation to the stars. The star in the middle is Polaris, also known as the North Star.
https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_311196

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #nighttime #astrophotography #startrails

#startrails #astrophotography #nighttime #cymru #wales #swansea

Dan Santillo Photography @[email protected] · 2023-08-17 · 17:43 UTC

Last night, I sat on the cliffs at Rhossili from 10:30pm until 1:30am. I set my camera up to take photos continuously and when I put them all together, this photo was created showing how the Earth rotates in relation to the stars. The star in the middle is Polaris, also known as the North Star.
https://www.dansantillo.com/gallery/gower/?photo=DS_311196

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea #wales #cymru #nighttime #astrophotography #startrails

#rhossili #rhossilibay #burryholms #llangennith #gower #swansea

Dan Santillo Photography @[email protected] · 2023-07-13 · 18:38 UTC