. a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty is so outstanding that it is protected for future generations. Designated in 1956 for its classic limestone coast and. There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom: 33 in England, four in Wales, one on the England-Wales border, and eight in Northern Ireland. The first AONB was established in 1956 on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, and the most recent to be designated is the Tamar Valley AONB, established in 1995. [7]
11 breathtaking images of The Gower, the spot so magnificent it inspired the creation of Britain
Explore the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower Peninsula in South Wales has a beautifully diverse landscape with golden beaches, salt marsh and countryside teeming with wildlife. Explore one of 22 easy hiking trails in Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 95 to 3,589 feet in elevation gain. This year, the Gower Peninsula celebrates 67 years since becoming the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Covering 188 sq km, it was awarded its AONB status for its classic coastline (much of it is Heritage Coast) and its outstanding natural environment (33% is National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest). Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 188 km 2, including most of the peninsula west of Crofty, Three Crosses, Upper Killay, Blackpill and Bishopston. [2] The highest point of Gower is The Beacon at Rhossili Down at 193 metres (633 ft) overlooking Rhossili Bay. [3] Pwll Du and the Bishopton Valley form a statutory Local Nature Reserve.
11 breathtaking images of The Gower, the spot so magnificent it inspired the creation of Britain
Gower was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With cliffs and woodlands ringed by sparkling beaches, the Gower peninsula is so adored by walkers, birdwatchers, sunbathers and surfers, it's been scooping awards ever since. Here are 10 ways to enjoy this 70-square-mile (180sq km) paradise. Worm's Head Find out why our five jaw-droppingly magnificent Welsh Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - Anglesey, Gower, Wye Valley, Llŷn Peninsula and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley - are so special. Gower was made Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty more than 60 years ago, this has allowed the area to maintain a low level of man-made disturbance, resulting in safe, established breeding areas and swathes of untouched common and cliffs where rare plants are able to flourish. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales From top-right clockwise; Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, Wye Valley [a], Gower, Llŷn, and Anglesey. There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) [b] in Wales, known from November 2023 as National Landscapes (Welsh: Tirwedd Cenedlaethol ). [1]
10 Mustsee Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty In The UK Tourism Teacher
Britain's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The peninsula measuring just twenty by five miles is less than fifty miles west of Cardiff and just a ten minute drive from Swansea, Wales' second largest city (see Gower Peninsula Map ). The Gower "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB) is an invention of post Second World War planning laws covering England and Wales, and represents a level of protection one step lower than offered by that of a "National Park". Get in edit] The Gower Peninsula is located in South Wales ( Map of Gower) a 10-minute drive from the city of Swansea.
Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Year of Designation: 1956 Population: 16,000 (approx) Size in square kilometres: 188 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): 25 National Nature Reserves (NNR): 3 Scheduled Ancient Monuments: 83 Listed Buildings: 126 Main Settlements close by: Swansea, Neath and Llanelli. Attractions Spanning just sixteen miles by seven miles wide, this small region boasts numerous historical landmarks. It holds the distinction of being one of the earliest locations designated as 'An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' under the 1949 Act. The Gower Peninsula stretches towards the west from the City of Swansea, spanning approximately 19 miles.
11 breathtaking images of The Gower, the spot so magnificent it inspired the creation of Britain
If you're looking for elevation gain, Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has you covered. Parkmill and Llagennnith CIrcular boasts the most elevation gain for bird watching trails with 2,834 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Gower Coast Walk: Rhossili Bay Circular, which will get you 1,125 ft of elevation gain. Explore the most popular moderately challenging in Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.