We are thrilled to welcome The Gower Society back as a Gold sponsor of The Gower Walking Festival for another year.
It is the 10th year running that the The Society, which promotes and protects the landscape, nature and history of Gower, has supported the festival with a grant.
Commenting on the news, Gower Walking Festival organising committee chair Linda Welch said: “we are so grateful for the Gower Society’s ongoing support of the walking festival. The funding it provides helps us to enhance our programme of walks and to reach a wider audience of potential participants as we seek to excite people from all backgrounds about Gower and about the physical and mental health benefits of walking.”
With a history dating back to 1947, The Society plays an important part in shaping Gower. In particular, it aims to:
- Encourage an appreciation of the unique qualities of Gower in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in the whole of the lordship of Gower
- Protect the heritage of Gower, its landscape, its historical and its built environment
- Protect and enhance its diverse wildlife habitats, encouraging its rich animal and plant life
- Safeguard its rights of way and open spaces
- Ensure that its common land is kept free of encroachments
- Work with young people, adults, local communities and organisations in Gower
- Lobby for support for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Gower
It does this with an extensive events programme; educational and youth projects, engaging with local, regional and national government regarding planning policy and specific proposals; supporting numerous organisations like the Gower Walking Festival that celebrate Gower as well as providing grants to the likes of Swansea Council’s countryside access team for improvements on access routes.
The Society – with the help of the Ramblers – established the Gower Way footpath which runs from Rhossili to Penlle’r Castell in upland Mawr. It showcases both famous and many little-known parts of the Duchy of Gower. The 56km path was inaugurated in July 1998 by HRH The Prince of Wales (now King Charles), as commemorated by a plaque located on Cefn Bryn above Penmaen.
Since the early days, the Society has funded maintenance of the path. While Society volunteers and the Countryside Access team have contributed to path upkeep and improvements to the path including replacement stiles and bridges, relocation of the stone markers and other works as needed.
We are thrilled to welcome The Gower Society back as a Gold sponsor of The Gower Walking Festival for another year. It is the 10th year running that the The Society, which promotes and protects the landscape, nature and history of Gower, has supported the festival with a grant.