Weatherman Walking – in Gower
Television viewers in Wales will be familiar with Derek Brockway – Derek the Weather – for his daily appearances on BBC Wales outlining what’s in store for us with the weather. Television viewers outside Wales might know him for his popular BBC television series Weatherman Walking, in which he introduces his audience to perhaps lesser known, and most definitely, hidden gems of walks across the length and breadth of Wales.
Last week, Welsh Coast, series 3: episode 1 saw Derek put the focus on the Gower peninsula’s quiet and little-visited north. In the programme, Derek walks the dramatic landscape of the north Gower saltmarshes where he learns of magical and mystical fairy folk, helps one of our best-known farming families here in Gower – the Pritchards - round up its flock of sheep, and even tests out his skills weaving near the old woollen mills in the estuary village of Llanrhidian.
It’s an absorbing watch and we learned so much about this part of Gower which is only a step away, but so very different in landscape, history and mood. Along the way, Derek meets some really interesting biologists and historians who offer some fascinating insights. If you didn’t catch this when it aired on the 11th April, you can still catch up with it on BBC iPlayer.
Our visitors to Bayview are always interested in the nitty-gritty details of the particular walks we suggest and the BBC website has an easily accessible, step-by-step guide where you can follow in the footsteps of Weatherman Walking. The downloadable PDF includes information on the length and difficulty of the walk, where to park, travel information, links to OS guides and further information.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4r0gdLJc3Hnm7t0k2cD3ZP4/maps-and-route-information
To whet your appetite, this is what you’ll see on Derek’s walk here in north Gower:
Start at the wonderful church in Llanmadoc – built in the 13th century it’s the smallest in Gower.
View the stepping stones across the north Gower salt marshes where the tides now have free access through what used to be a section of the Wales Coast Path.
Take in north Gower’s famed saltmarshes – 4,000 acres within the Burry Estuary.
Marvel at the views from Weobley castle – one of the best-preserved fortified manor houses in Britain.
Pause at Top of the Causeway and view the Pritchard family’s sheep – the largest flock of salt marsh sheep in the UK.
Walk in the peaceful village of Llanrhidan – a village seeped in history.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the church of St Rhidian and St Illtyd.
Touch the past in the two standing stones on the village green in Llanrhidian.
Finish up with a pint and a meal at the aptly named The Welcome.
So lace up your boots, and get ready to explore Gower on foot. For more information on walking in Gower and to book your stay.
01792 390979
info@bayviewoxwich.co.uk
Photography: Philip Griffiths @ nb-design.com