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Cefn Bryn

7.5 miles (12 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This super walk in the Gower AONB takes you along an elevated sandstone ridge known as the 'backbone of Gower'. With a high point of 188m/617 ft the walk is quite challenging but you are rewarded with wonderful views of the coastline and countryside of the Gower Peninsula.
The walk starts in the little village of Penmaen where there is parking at the National Trust car park. You then pick up the good footpath along the ridge with wonderful views back to Oxwich Bay. You continue towards Cefn Bryn Common and to the neolithic burial ground of Arthur's Stone. Its name comes from a legend that the ancient British King Arthur threw a large stone from Llanelli which landed on this spot. Look out for Wild ponies and horses in this area. There is also the Broad Pool  nature reserve consisting of a large pond which attracts wildlife such as dragonflys and wetland birds. At the summit point there is a handy toposcope detailing all the landmarks that can be seen from the hill top.
This walk descends back to Penmaen from Arthur's Stone but you could continue along the ridge to Ryer's Down and Llanmadoc where you will find the splendid Whiteford Sands Nature Reserve. Here you will find woodland and sand dunes with nice coastal views to the lighthouse at Whiteford Point.
The Three Cliffs Bay Walk also starts from Penmaen.

Postcode

SA3 2HQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Cefn Bryn OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Cefn Bryn Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Gower Innis located a short distance north east of Penmaen and a good place to go for refreshments after your climb. There's a good menu and an outdoor seating area to relax in. You can find it in Parkmill at postcode SA3 2EQ.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

There's more great views over the area to be found in the nearby village of Llanmadoc to west. Here you can enjoy a climb to Llanmadoc Hill. Near here you can also vist Llangennith where you can enjoy trails through the beautiful sand dunes of Llangennith Burrows and fine views of Burry Holmes island.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Gower Walks

Photos

Cefn Bryn - geograph.org.uk - 301407

Looking towards the highest point on Cefn Bryn, 186m.

Toposcope on Cefn Bryn (5395)

Toposcope on Cefn Bryn

View north from Cefn Bryn (5384)

View north from Cefn Bryn (5384)

Cefn Bryn - geograph.org.uk - 1465470

Pretty heather

On Cefn Bryn Ridge - geograph.org.uk - 1490088

On Cefn Bryn Ridge Green, purple and yellow mix of colours on top of Cefn Bryn, the long ridge crossing the Gower Peninsula. In the distance is Penmaen.

Footpath on Cefn Bryn - geograph.org.uk - 663445

Footpath on the hill. View north-east across Park Woods and the Gower interior.

Elevation Profile

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Cefn Bryn.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Cefn Bryn.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)