Gower Peninsula

Coordinates: 51°35′29″N 4°12′59″W / 51.591500°N 4.216294°W / 51.591500; -4.216294

Gower or the Gower Peninsula (Welsh: Gŵyr or Penrhyn Gŵyr) is a peninsula in South Wales, projecting westwards into the Bristol Channel, and administratively part of the City and County of Swansea. In 1956, Gower became the first area in the United Kingdom to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Geography

About 70 square miles (180 km²) in area, Gower is known for its coastline, popular with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially surfers. Gower has many caves, including Paviland Cave and Minchin Hole Cave. The peninsula is bounded by the Loughor Estuary to the north and Swansea Bay to the east. Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 188 km², including most of the peninsula west of Crofty, Three Crosses, Upper Killay, Blackpill and Bishopston. The highest point of Gower is The Beacon at Rhossili Down at 193 metres (633 ft) overlooking Rhossili Bay. Pwll Du and the Bishopton Valley form a statutory Local Nature Reserve.