Gower Dreams

Escape the Chill with a Job in Qatar

2010-01-15T23:52:00.001-08:00

Is life in the cold getting you down?

If so, you may be interested in what some of our friends do.

They spend the autumn, spring and winter working in the Middle East, before taking escaping the heat for the pleasant climate of a Gower summer.

You can do the same too if you check out their jobs board, QatarVisitorJobs.com.

The board is dedicated to the richest country in the Middle East (and, indeed, the world), Qatar.

Membership is free, and after joining the jobs board you can upload your CV, browse jobs or set up job alerts.

To check it out, just click here: Qatar Jobs.

And when you are on the way to the airport, consider dropping off your fleece at Bryngwyn!

Whiteford Lighthouse on the Danger List

2009-11-10T08:16:00.001-08:00

According to Cadw, the Welsh Ancient Monuments organisation, the stunning Victorian lighthouse that stands at the northernmost point of the Gower Peninsula is at risk of being lost forever.

(photo courtesy of Delmonti)

Whiteford (pronounced Whitford) lighthouse was constructed in 1865 to mark the southern side of the channel to Llanelli harbour. It is the only sea-swept cast-iron lighthouse in the UK.

The lighthouse can be reached by parking at Cwm Ivy and walking through the pine woods at the bottom of the hill (look for the National Trust signs). Once you reach the end of the woods, continue over Whiteford Burrows until you reach the beach then continue along the beach to your right until you reach the point. The lighthouse is located just above the low water mark. Ahead of you will be the Loughor Estuary, with Burry Port on the opposite shore.

(photo courtesy of Brad John)

As always when walking on beaches, but particularly if you are planning to walk right out to the lighthouse, remember to check the tide times before you leave. Tidal waters on Gower can move with frightening speed - don't get stuck!

Also, be aware that, if you continue round the point and back towards Cwm Ivy with the saltmarsh ahead of you, there is quicksand on this side of the point. If you're fit and healthy, you are unlikely to get into trouble, but progress is slow and can be very tiring (the nickname for this part of Whiteford Point is "Hard Work Bay"!)

October Tides

2009-10-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

There have been some very high tides recently - known as "spring tides" (seems odd in October but "spring" tides are the opposite of "neap" tides, and do not refer to the season!).

Very high tides also mean very low tides, which can be great for exposing new areas of beach and cliffs for walkers to explore (although you should always be aware of tide times and ensure you have plenty of time before the tide comes back in!).

You can see in the image above of Worm's Head just how low the tide was recently at Llangennith Beach.

This meant we were able to walk almost right round the cliffs to Worm's Head itself, and get close to the caves under the cliffs.

For once (very annoyingly!) I didn't have my trusty SLR, but my companion took some great shots with his compact digital camera.

In the photo below, you can see some of the caves.

The very low tide also exposed an old wreck, with jagged metal struts rising spookily out of the sand. There was also a convenient pool, which reflected the wreck beautifully!

We love Gower and think it is one of the best places in the world to live - and to visit! We'd love to hear all about your Gower experiences and see your photo's too, so do post about them!

Four Star News!

2009-10-15T05:48:00.000-07:00

We're really excited to report that, following a thorough inspection, Bryngwyn has been awarded four stars by Visit Wales, the Welsh tourist board, and we will have a logo up shortly. Whilst we think Bryngwyn is lovely, it is always nice to have it confirmed!

We were very impressed by how detailed and thorough the inspection was - every light switch, fitting and appliance was tested, furniture was moved to check for dust and the whole thing took nearly two hours. Obviously, you can really trust ratings given by Visit Wales!

We're also working towards earning our Walkers Welcome and Cyclists Welcome badges - check back soon to see if the logo's are on www.gowerholidayhome.co.uk!

Gower Wins Award for Friendliness!

2009-10-15T01:19:00.000-07:00

People living in Gower know that it is a friendly place.

That friendliness has now won the area an award!

According to a Virgin Money survey Gower is in the top ten of the UK's friendliest destination.

The friendliness that characterises the Gower is an added bonus on top of the superb beaches and countryside, as well as the wildlife that lead to its protected status as the UK's first designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

You can read the full story on News Wales.

English Breakfast at The North Gower

2009-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Don't fancy cooking during your stay in Bryngwyn?

At the North Gower Hotel, just one minutes walk from Bryngwyn you can find a superb English Breakfast for just £4.99.

The pub/hotel also does a great value lunch, with a two meal offer for just eight pounds - and that includes a free salad bar.

See more Pubs in Gower.

Mustard Bomb in Whitford

2009-10-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

On a description of a recent walk I wrote that all through my childhood I had only heard of one bomb being found in Whitford.

Yet only days later a Mustard bomb was discovered on Whitford sands.

The bomb was dismantled by army experts, but a small amount of mustard gas was released in the process.

Two of the experts were later treated in hospitals.

The beach is now open, but warning signs have been posted around the area. All other beaches are safe.

So, while finding an unexploded bomb is still rare, do keep your eyes open. And if you discover something that is round and black and says bomb on it, it is best not to jump up and down on it - or even try to open it with your pen knife.

Late Availability for Gower Accommodation

2009-09-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Brynwgyn is still available for the half term holidays.

There is also a discount from our usual peak holiday tarrif - we are charging GBP600 for a week in our house.

For more information ring Jean or Mike on 01792 391223, or visit our website www.GowerHolidayHome.co.uk.

Reynoldsten Woods

2009-09-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

A great little walk for people with mobility scooters lies down Reynoldsten way. It's also a place where you will find precious few other walkers - few, it seems, know this little pocket of Gower.

To get there from Bryngwyn, turn left out of the house and proceed straight along the road. Drive along the B4721. Eventually you will pass over a cattle grid, and drive along the edge of a heather and gorse covered common. At the first turning after the cattle grid, turn right - this will take you up and over Cefn Bryn and past the famous Arthur's Stone. Turn left and follow the lane round until just before it meets another road, the A4118, and park alongside the road.

View Untitled in a larger map

Cross the road, and you will see a wide path heading through the fields, just besides the old police station.

If you follow the path right down, you will come to a gate, and at the side a kissing gate - which you can just about manouvere through with a scooter. (Jean, the owner of Bryngwyn - and The Disabled Shop! - managed to get through with a Rascal Liteway 4.)

You are now into the woods, and surrounded by sycamores, beeches and some ancient oaks - it is said round these parts that you can find the oldest oaks in Gower here.

At the bottom of the path there is a mill pond, now getting clogged with reeds (see the picture above). Watch out for the moor hens that like to hide amongst the reeds, as well as the woodpeckers that inhabit the woods.

Head to the right of the pond, and you will see the water flowing down over the stone steps of the mill pond stream.

The path forks into two, and if you follow the path to the left you will come to the back of the Penrice estate. Just before the path ends, you can see the foundation of the massive mill wheel that once turned here, as well as other old buildings.

This is as far as you can get on a scooter (the higher path back is later blocked by fallen trees), but for the more able there are many small paths to explore in these woods.

Gower Society Walks

2009-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

We have been sent this information by the Gower Society which may be of interest for our guests.

Wed. 2nd September. CILIFOR Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Penmaen CP GR 532887 for a moderate 9m/14.5k walk to Cilifor returning over Cefn Bryn with a a bit of a climb at the end of the walk. Lynne Lock Dogs on short leads.

Sat. 5th September. LATE SUMMER ROAMING Meet at 10.30 a.m. at Cefn Bryn CP on the minor road from Cilibion to Reynoldston GR491900 for a 7-8m/11-13k fairly easy walk on common land, woods, fields and some roads and with one climb on to Cefn Bryn. Leader Peter Hutchison Dogs on short leads.

For Sunday walks, boots, waterproofs and warm windproof clothing must be taken, together with sufficient food and drink for the whole day. In the mountains, rough country without recognisable footpaths is often traversed and the going can be difficult.

For Saturday walks, strong shoes should be worn and waterproof clothing should be taken. If on a full day walk, bring a picnic lunch and tea; if a half-day walk, a snack and drink is recommended. For long walks in the hills the advice for Sunday walks applies.

Weekday walks are walked at a leisurely pace and a picnic lunch taken.

Members and Visitors travelling by car should seek permission before parking on private property e.g. car parks of shops and inns etc.

Dogs are welcome on walks, provided that:

the leader is willing and the walk is suitable. (If not "no dogs " will be stated in the programme.)

the dog is on a non-extendable lead and controlled by its owner

the owner is responsible for getting their dog over/under stiles.

Fancy a stay in Gower? Visit our self catering Gower accommodation site.

Our own Gower blog!

2009-08-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, our own Gower blog!

We have finally finished the total renovation of the holiday home we bought in Llanrhidian, about half a mile from our own farmhouse, and I love it - would really like to move in myself. It is so light and spacious, with a lovely big rear garden and stunning views over the estuary to Cwm Ivy point and beyond (when not raining of course).

Pictures taken by wonderful brother in law John give some idea of the size and space, and to date the first three families of guests have been very happy, and so have we, the last ones left the house immaculate! Do come back!

You can see our house here! Gower Self Catering Accommodation