GOWER
GOWER starts at Mumbles, stretches fifteen miles along picturesque cliffs and safe, secluded beaches, into The Bristol Channel and ends at the west facing golden sands of Rhossilli. Mumbles' 13th Century Oystermouth Castle was sacked by the last Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr, but is remarkably preserved. Mumbles Hill looks down upon Mumbles Pier, Mumbles Lighthouse and Mumbles moorings, where sailing is a traditional activity. Gower's beaches, rock pools and limestone cliffs start at Bracelet and Limeslade Bays and get bigger and more accessible at Langland, Caswell, Oxwich and Port Eynon. But the real gems are found at the end of pleasant walks at Brandy Cove, Pwll Du, Pobble, Three Cliffs and Mewslade. For more open, golden expanses, Rhossilli and Whiteford Sands offer ideal surfing conditions and a constant cliff updraught for hang gliders.
Country lanes wind themselves all over the Gower peninsular, leading to those 'old fashioned' country pubs, hotels and restaurants which offer a marked contrast to Swansea, just ten miles eastward. To the north, Llanrhidian and Bacas Sands provide a livelihood for the cockle pickers of Penclawdd. Incidentally, it's O.K. to say 'the Gower peninsular' but never 'The Gower' - you wouldn't say 'The London' or 'The Swansea' would you?
Gower is thirty five square miles of natural perfection for the explorer, landscape artist or photographer. A thirty minute flight around the coastline will cost around £30 from Swansea (Gower) Airport, or you can walk or cycle and savour the experience one day at a time. But the best way to view the peninsular is from a sail boat. You haven't seen Gower until you've sailed it. One word of warning - Gower was complete before the first motor car got started and little has changed to accomode the automobile - and that's what preserves its charm and keeps Gower air fresh and clean. But it's hell trying to park your car and get through the holiday traffic.
Vance Broad, Head of Art, Maesydderwen Comprehensive School.