New for Gower Walking Festival in 2026 is a Singing Walk in Bishop’s Wood, lead by Kate Davies.
“Singing and walking are two of my favourite things in life.” Kate says “And they’re both so good for our health and wellbeing. They make us slow down, breathe more deeply and reconnect with the world around us. So, I was delighted to be invited to combine the two as part of the Gower Walking Festival.”
The Gower Walking Festival’s singing walk will take place in Bishop’s Wood Nature Reserve on Sunday 6th September.
“It won’t be a fast walk” Kate continued. “I’ve purposely kept it short, just 1.5 miles, so we don’t have to rush anything. We’ll walk a little, sing a little and walk again, taking all the time we need along the way.
“Woodlands are perfect for this kind of event. The trees provide natural containment for our voices and shelter from the elements. We’ll explore the different acoustics available to us – under the ‘cathedral’ beech woods, the Round House, the ruined chapel. And we’ll take the opportunity to attune to what the day brings – the season and weather, the light and colours, the smells of the woodland.
“The songs will be simple and taught by ear on the day – rounds, call-and-response songs, easy harmonies. Nothing that needs to be prepared in advance, nothing that requires too much thinking. The walk is as much about listening as it is about singing to each other, to the birds, to the wood itself.
“I love the ease and informality of singing on a walk – we can respond to what we hear and let the environment shape the singing. Often the birds seem to start joining in, and the line between us and the woodland begins to dissolve. Singing can be a presence and mindfulness practice, and so can walking – when practiced together, the whole really does become more than the sum of the parts.”
Kate has been leading community choirs and singing events in Swansea and around Wales for almost 25 years, but she still loves to go back to basics. The simplest of songs – easy enough that no previous experience is needed. Just a willingness to show up, slow down and immerse yourself in the moment.
The walk starts and finishes at Caswell Bay Car Park and is open to everyone.
Further information about Kate Davies Singing can be found here: https://katedaviessinging.co.uk/