Spectacular winter walks, cosy pubs and toasty beach saunas…KARA WILLIAMS rounds up some of the best routes around Gower National Landscape – an area of outstanding natural beauty.

A crisp winter walk is made all the more special when you know there is a warming end to your journey, preferably with a drink and a bowl of something hot involved.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a selection of spectacular coastal walks in beautiful Gower to enjoy as winter settles in, all of which culminate at a welcoming country pub, restaurant, or even a beach sauna with coastal views for days.

Rhossili to Mewslade Bay – 3 miles/4.8km

An easy scenic, circular walk at the western edge of the Gower Peninsula, chosen by the Ramblers’ Association as one of their ‘Top 10 Coastal Walking Routes’. Known as ‘the supermodel of British beaches’, Rhossili is truly a showstopper, so any walking route in this area will be a winner for walking fans. Needless to say the Rhossili to Mewslade route is no exception.

Obviously the beaches and bays along the route are a highlight, but the walk also takes in the ruins of an Iron Age fort, and one of the UK’s last remaining examples of medieval open field strip systems. This system allowed local farmers to have strips of land allocated to them from different areas to ensure all had their fair share of the ‘good’ and the ‘not so good’ quality land.

And relax: A rewarding drink and fish and chips at the The View Rhossili overlooking the panoramic sweep of Rhossili Bay will definitely be in order.

Caswell to Langland – 2 miles/3.2km

Although this stretch of the Gower coast is quite close to the bustling seaside village of Mumbles, the wildlife found here is common to Gower as a whole. Keep your eyes peeled for kestrels, peregrines, choughs and cormorants along the cliffs, and those with a sharp eye may spot a glow worm.

And relax: Finish your walk at Langland’s Brasserie – perched on Langland Bay, a superb beach-front restaurant serving fresh local produce. Alternatively, for another take on the route do it the other way round – from Langland to Caswell – and finish off with a toasty sauna at Caswell Saunas, and enjoy spectacular views of Caswell Bay and beyond.

Three Cliffs Bay Walk –  1.7 miles/2.7km

This pleasant walk through a wooded valley and past a Second World War bunker takes in views of Pennard Castle before arriving at the golden sands at Three Cliffs Bay – a spectacular shoreline featuring the signature three limestone cliffs. It’s a particularly photogenic spot along the Gower Coast Path.

And relax: If the tide is out (please take care and check tide times) you can walk along the beach onto Oxwich, where you can grab a bite to eat or drink at the Oxwich Bay Hotel, which overlooks the beach below. If you fancy stretching your legs for another few hours, then the Oxwich Point Walk (below) is an excellent way to explore the area further.

Oxwich Point Walk

The shorter walk is 3¼ miles (5km), the longer walk via Oxwich Green is about 4½ miles (7km).

A stunning walk around one of Gower’s most beautiful and dramatic headlands; through beautiful woodland and across open cliffs, using a section of the Gower Coast Path. Points of interest along the way include Oxwich Castle, which dates from the 16th century and is open to the public for a small fee; and St Illtyd’s Church, which was built in the 13th century (although the tower is reputed to be 14th century). It is said that a Christian building has been on the site since the 6th century.

And relax: After your walk, warm up at Ty Sawna, a bespoke barrel sauna on Oxwich Bay, which is fired by a wood burning stove and boasts beautiful views of the ocean through its half-moon, panoramic window. Post sauna sea plunge optional!

Later in the day (after a shower) perhaps opt for a special dinner at the Michelin-starred Beach House restaurant, which is on the same stretch of beach and has won dozens of awards for its culinary excellence.

Llanrhidian to Cheriton – 8 miles/12.9km

Gower isn’t all about its showstopper of a coastline – in fact there are some beautiful ever-so- slightly more inland routes through gentle countryside that can often get overlooked. The Llanrhidian to Cheriton route is one such example, which despite using a section of the Gower Coast Path, feels more rural than coastal in character.

Winter skies here may also boast a glimpse of overwintering birds, as one section of the walk follows the Burry Inlet Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. Home to a large number of oystercatchers, pintails, knots, redshanks, curlews, dunlins, grey plovers, pintails, redshanks, shelducks, shovelers, teals, turnstones, and wigeons – binoculars are a must.

And relax: Very close to the village of Cheriton you’ll find the award winning 17th Century Britannia Inn in the neighbouring village of Llandmadoc, which is the ideal spot for a mid-walk drink and refuel. The beams in its ceilings are said to have been taken from nearby shipwrecks.

For more information about these walking routes and many more across Swansea Bay and Gower, visit: visitswanseabay.com.

Cosy winter pubs

Who doesn’t love a cosy pub when it’s freezing outside, especially after a winter walk? Here are a few of Gower’s best that serve up local ales, hearty meals and rural and coastal views to cheer winter souls.

Rest and Refuel

A long winter walk is best taken on with a belly full of pastries and a cup of something hot. Luckily, Gower is home to an abundance of coffee shops and bakeries that can satisfy your needs: