We run monthly activities for 4-16 year olds around the Gower Lordship. These activities aim to introduce new ways for children to explore and engage with the Gower countryside. All activities are free, funded by The Gower Society, and based at a different location each month. They range from river dipping and butterfly hunts to woodland adventures and pirate days.
The list of Gower Society Youth activities below is updated regularly so please check for changes. All activities will also be published in the Gower Society programme and on the Gower Society web site. http://www.gowersociety.org.uk
We have started a Gower Society Youth Facebook page. It is a members only page so to see photos of the activities and what is going on so find us on Facebook and like our page. Gower Society Youth has also started an older section for 11+ called Gower Adventurers These sessions will involve children being left with a leader. The aim is then to teach the young people skills to help them become better explorers and discerning users of the countryside.
Contact Nature Days if you would like to become a member of GSY's Gower Adventurers.
View: Latest Activities, Past Activities
Meet at 2.00 pm at the car park beside the Railway Inn in Killay. Grid Ref: 598 924
We will go off the beaten track of this well used path and discover the hidden history lying deep within the woods. Learn about the structure of our woodland and watch out for the spring flowers. We will do some river dipping for animals, so wear wellies.
Directions: Follow the A1448 from Swansea through Killay. Just before the hill turn left into the car park beside the Railway Inn.
Meet at 1.00 pm outside the Joiners Arms Bishopston. Grid Ref: 578 892
We will wander down into the magical valley looking at the Geology and the amazing plants. See how the power of the water has created the spectacular rock formations. Wear wellies or good walking boots as the ground is uneven and usually wet.
Directions: Follow the B4436 from Mumbles road up the Mayals. Just before the sharp bend down the hill turn left towards Bishopston. On the right is the Joiners pub and next to that is a small car park. There is also some parking just up the road from the pub. We will meet at the back of the car park where the footpath down to the valley is.
Meet at 2pm at the entrance to Penllergaer Grid Ref: 644 913
We will be taking a 41/2 Km walk around the old estate of John Dillwyn Llewelyn. Look at the waterfalls, lakes, ruins and old landscape gardens of this extensive estate. There are also some amazing old oak trees and hopefully some great spring flowers. If you haven’t explored this remarkable old woodland then join us for this leisurely walk to discover this hidden historical garden.
Directions:
At the M4 junction 47 take the turning for the A48 towards Moriston. On the right there is a road side café, Pit stop café, and a lay-by. Park in the lay-by and walk back along the road towards the Penllegear roundabout. The entrance to the woods is just north of the lay-by.
Meet at 2pm at Woebley castle car park. Grid Ref: 477 926
We will explore this lovely old manor house and discovered its secrets, (there is an entrance fee for the castle; Adults £2.60 children £2.25 and family £7.50) Once we have exhausted the castle we will walk down the hill onto the road which heads out onto Llanrhidian marsh. Discover the amazing plants and animals which live in this harsh habitat. Bring binoculars to see the over wintering wading birds.
Directions:
From Llanridian follow the road west to Oldwalls. When the road forks take the right towards Cheriton and Llanmadoc. After a kilometre take the right turn for Weobley Castle. Park in the lay-by on the left. We will meet in the grounds outside the castle.
Meet at 2pm at Penmaen village hall. Grid Ref: 525 884
Start the Christmas season with this relaxing creative craft afternoon. Start your Christmas cards, make your crackers and tree decoration to the Yule time music, mince pies and mulled wine. This is always a popular event with a leisurely start to the Christmas planning and festivities.
Directions:
Follow the A4118 past Parkmill. The Car Park is on the left at the top of the hill. Penmaen Hall is through the gate which says “Private no parking”.
Meet at 2pm at Broughton farm caravan Park car park. Grid Ref: 416 926
Take a walk back in time to explore the archaeological remains on Burry Holms.
We will walk along the coastal path looking over the cliff at Blue pool and then walk down onto the beach and cross the causeway to the tidal island of Burry Holms. We will visit the remains of the hill fort, bronze-age burial mound, the remains of an old lighthouse and the monastery. If time we will continue our exploration of the island and the adjacent beach and sand dunes.
Directions:
Drive to Llangennith. At the mini roundabout go straight across and continue down the road until you get to the car park with the play park just before the Broughton farm caravan park. We will meet in the car park.
The Gower Society Youth will be present at the Gower Show.
There will colouring and craft activities.
The show has something for the whole family. Dog shows, horse jumping, and many stalls. If you enjoy the countryside, or are looking for a really great day out, you will enjoy The Gower Show – it is a day not to be missed.
Gate Prices: Adult £10 Seniors/Child £5
Advanced discount tickets at http://www.bradsons.co.uk/tickets/2012/08/05/gower-show/
Directions:
Follow the A4118 through Parkmill and on past the turn off for Oxwich. Parking is well sign posted and the show ground is on the left inside the Penrice Estate grounds. The Gower Society tent is usually beside the horticultural show tent and opposite the main ring.
After last years highly successful camp we are doing it again. The family camp will take place at Parc le Breos scout camp running from 12.00 non on Saturday 15th September until 12.00 noon on Sunday 16th September. This event requires booking in advance so please contact me for a kit list, you will need to bring your own tents, and parents will have to stay.
Camping costs £3 per person.
During Saturday and Sunday there will be the opportunity to have a go at a number of activities. If there is anything in particular you would like to try just let me know in advance and we will bring the appropriate equipment.
An example of activities available are;
Lighting fires by friction – rubbing two sticks together,
Campfire cooking,
Den building,
Pioneering – building with poles and string.
Compass trails
Tracking – following trails, and looking for signs of animals and following them.
Foraging – looking for food in the wild.
Cordage – making string from wild plants, such as nettles.
Whittling – shaping wood with knives.
In the evening, after we have all created and cooked a campfire feast, we will sing campfire songs and tell stories. In the evening, those who are not tired can go for a night hike to the top of Cefn Bryn where we will do some star gazing and owl calling.
On Sunday morning after a cooked breakfast there will be further opportunity to undertake activities before leaving at 12.00 noon.
If you do not wish to camp then you are very welcome to join us on Saturday afternoon for the activities from 2.00 p.m. until late.
Kit list for GSY Camp.
Tent
Sleeping bag – each
Sleep mat – each
Warm clothes
Waterproofs
Torch
Water bottle
Cup
Plate
Bowl
Knife, fork and spoon
Wash kit
Camp chair
Food:
A picnic lunch for Saturday.
A raw jacket potato each.
Either a pack of bacon, eggs or bread.
A carrot, Swede, potato, parsnip, leek or tin of corned beef.
Any snacks you might want during the days.
Directions:
Follow the signs to Parc le Breos Trekking centre at Parkmill. Pass the car park for the heritage centre and follow the road for ¾ of a km. On your left is the car park opposite some large pine tree and a gate. We will be camping on the shed site, same place as last year, just through the fence adjoining the car park. Not up the valley of Green Cwm.
Meet in the field which sides onto the car park at 12.00 noon.
Celebrate National Bog day at Crymlyn Bog NNR. Turn up any time between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. to look around the centre with its information boards. Then take a guided walk around the site with the warden and have a go at pond dipping and some environmental art. Crymlyn Bog NNR is a little visited, hidden gem of Swansea wildlife. If you haven’t visited yet it is well worth a visit with its world class plants and animals and amazing industrial and war time history.
Directions:
Travel eastwards along Fabian Way (A483), straight through crossroads (traffic lights) with Park and Ride junction.
After about 100 metres (immediately after BMW service garage) turn left into Port Tennant (Wern Terrace), by Hooker Dyers pub. At the top of Wern Terrace (T junction), turn right onto Dinam Road. Drive past entrance to Tir John tip, and the Crymlyn reserve centre and car park is on your right about ½ mile further on.
MEET 2pm – 4pm at Parkmill Shepherds shop car park. SA3 2EH.
Discover the stories of Pennard castle and explore Pennard river. We will walk down next to the river looking at all the meanders. Then do some fishing at the mouth. We will then climb up to the castle, explore the remains and hear the legend of Pennard castle. Suitable for families.
Directions:
Take the South Gower road (A4118) to Parkmill past the Gower Inn and through the narrow bit of road. Park either at the Three Cliffs Bay field car park, Shepherds shop, or the Gower Heritage Centre – all of which charge. If the Three cliffs car park is open turn left into the field. Or turn right into Shepherds shop car park and onwards towards the Gower Heritage Centre then cross the South Gower road and follow the footpath to the bridge.