Gower Walking Festival

Annual Celebration of Gower

Whiteford National Nature Reserve

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Image for Walk 9 Whitford Sands Walk

This relaxing and easy 6-mile (9.5km) walk is based on the sand dune part of Whiteford NNR, taking in the great expanse of Whiteford Sands and the tranquil salt marsh.   The strandline at the top of the beach is a fascinating place to explore as it gives many clues as to what is living in the intertidal area: mussels, razor-fish, clams and whelks.   The sand spit is constantly changing position and shape in response to wave action and tidal currents.

We look out to Whiteford Lighthouse – the only surviving inter-tidal cast-iron lighthouse in the UK, accessible only at low water.   Built in 1865, it is almost 14m tall.   A large roost of cormorants uses the lighthouse and as many as 158 birds have been recorded.   The area around the Lighthouse has an extensive mussel bed and quicksand that still contains unexploded bombs from the Second World War.

  • Date: Tuesday 10 September
  • Walk: 9
  • Leader: Jane Wood
  • Time: 9.30 am
  • Start Point: Car park, Llanmadoc
  • End Point: Car park, Llanmadoc
  • Grid Reference: SS 439 934
  • What3words: suspend.fermented.surfer
  • Distance: 9.5km (6 miles)
  • Duration: 3-4 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Parking: Free parking, Llanmadoc (nearest postcode, SA3 1DE)
  • Bus Stop: Yes, by St. Madoc’s Church
  • Price: £6
  • Child: £6
  • Sponsor: Freedom Days (www.freedom-days.co.uk)
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All Walks
Image for Walk 9 Whitford Sands Walk

This relaxing and easy 6-mile (9.5km) walk is based on the sand dune part of Whiteford NNR, taking in the great expanse of Whiteford Sands and the tranquil salt marsh.   The strandline at the top of the beach is a fascinating place to explore as it gives many clues as to what is living in the intertidal area: mussels, razor-fish, clams and whelks.   The sand spit is constantly changing position and shape in response to wave action and tidal currents.

We look out to Whiteford Lighthouse – the only surviving inter-tidal cast-iron lighthouse in the UK, accessible only at low water.   Built in 1865, it is almost 14m tall.   A large roost of cormorants uses the lighthouse and as many as 158 birds have been recorded.   The area around the Lighthouse has an extensive mussel bed and quicksand that still contains unexploded bombs from the Second World War.