The walk takes around two and a half hours there and back and offers sights that most certainly feel like a hidden secret – and here’s how you can find it
Nestled in the heart of north Gower, there’s a picturesque walk that’s likely unknown to many. A four-and-a-half mile round trip from Llanmadoc takes you through what feels like an untouched path through a pine forest.
As you venture further, you’ll encounter an abundance of wildlife, with hundreds of sheep grazing on the expansive marshland along the route.
The journey also takes you past Whiteford Burrows, home to over 250 species of flowering plants, including dune gentian, bird’s foot trefoil, and clusters of pink, purple, and ivory orchids.
Over recent decades, much of the bare sand has vanished, with the dunes becoming ‘fixed’ and overrun with dense vegetation.
However, the Sands of Life project, funded by the European Union and Welsh Government, is working to revitalise the dunes.
Recognised as a special area of conservation, it’s one of four areas the project is assisting.
After passing Cwm Ivy Lodge bunkhouse, a wooden accommodation that sleeps ten and offers families the chance to stay within the forested area, the walk leads you down through a forested sand spit and to burrows through the trees, reports Wales Online.
The trail eventually leads to a vast, deserted beach that feels like your own private island. To the left, you’ll find something even more awe-inspiring – the sight of Whiteford Lighthouse.
This decommissioned cast-iron structure, located at the northernmost tip of the beach, is believed to be the last of its kind in the British Isles.
Built in 1865 to mark the south side of the channel leading to the port of Llanelli, it replaced an earlier wooden lighthouse from 1854. The lighthouse was operational until 1933, and more recently, the Nature Conservancy Council took over the lease.
The walk takes about two and a half hours round trip at an average pace, offering sights that feel like a well-kept secret. However, parts of the terrain can be challenging, with muddy patches on the path and soft sand that can be difficult to traverse.
Before setting off, make sure to check the tide times, wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, ensure your phone is fully charged in case you need to use GPS, inform someone of your route, and prepare to experience one of the most stunning walks Wales has to offer.
