Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley

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 with some of the contraband maybe being 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. How about a walk from our 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. This grazing is important for the Chough, a rare member of the crow family.