Pennard, Pwll Du & Bishopston Valley

Between Pwll Du and Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower coast, the Trust looks after over 3km of cliff-top common land, along with the wooded Bishopston Valley and its underground river. The cliffs hold caves where mammoths once lived, and the Trust names two as important, Bacon Hole and Minchin Hole. Pwll Du Bay was once an extensive limestone quarry and a popular smuggling cove, and the buildings that remain were inns for thirsty workers; Pwll Du Head is the highest headland on Gower. In Bishopston Valley the old Long Ash silver lead mine is now a roost for greater and lesser horseshoe bats. Cattle and sheep graze the common freely, which suits the rare chough, so dogs must be kept on short leads. Reviewers find the way down through the valley's ancient woodland demanding, with steep climbs, and love arriving at Pwll Du Bay; the flat, grassy cliff tops beside the car park are far gentler. Park at the Trust's Southgate car park, free to members and Blue Badge holders; Southgate also has a shop and coffee shop.