GOWER: Huw Stephens brings the legend of Pennard Castle’s faeries to life in GWR’s Trackanory storytime series

The legend of Pennard Castle and its faeries has been given a new lease of life — with BBC Wales and Radio 6 Music presenter Huw Stephens narrating the Gower tale as part of a new GWR storytime series.

Stephens has recorded a reading of The Faeries of Pennard Castle for Great Western Railway’s Trackanory series, which celebrates The Line to Legend Land — a new collection of 11 myths and legends from across the South West and Wales, updated from a book GWR first published around 100 years ago.

The legend tells of Lord Volk, a harsh and controlling ruler who resents the joyful nighttime celebrations of the Gower faeries. Angered by their defiance, he shows deep disrespect for their magic and the natural world — with his daughter ultimately stepping in to save her people from a magical sandstorm triggered by her father’s actions.

The tale has roots in Gower folklore stretching back centuries. Pennard Castle itself is a ruined 12th-century Norman fortification that sits dramatically above Three Cliffs Bay, one of Gower’s most celebrated landscapes. The castle was gradually engulfed by sand dunes over the centuries — a fate which local legend attributes to the curse of the faeries who were wronged there.

Swansea Bay News reported earlier this year on the unveiling of The Faerie — a striking statue between 5ft and 8ft tall at Swansea Station that forms part of GWR’s physical Legend Trail, which places statues at stations across the network to bring each story to life. The trail runs from London Paddington through Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central, Swansea, Castle Cary and St Ives.

Stephens said he enjoyed the opportunity to narrate the Gower tale. “There are dragons, giants, ghosts and even a mythical mermaid as Great Western Railway brings back to life a book it first published around 100 years ago,” he said.

“So, as we journey from London Paddington to Swansea, sit back, relax and enjoy as I tell you all about The Faeries of Pennard Castle.

https://youtu.be/m3F-rkDBIC8?si=B3l4HTJvBnNPqXXI

The Trackanory series, produced by So-Motive, also features War Horse author Michael Morpurgo reading his brand-new legend The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey, and children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson reading The Giants of Avon Gorge. The campaign also supports Farms for City Children — the charity founded by Morpurgo which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Morpurgo said the project spoke to something deeper than entertainment. “Folklore is the lifeblood of our landscape; it’s how we connect the earth beneath our feet to the imagination in our heads,” he said. “A century ago, the original Legend Land series invited families to find magic in their journeys, and I am thrilled to help GWR revive that spirit. By retelling these ancient stories we aren’t just looking back at the past — we are ensuring that the giants, dragons, and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today.”

Other legends in the collection span the full length of the GWR network — from The Red Dragon of Cardiff and King Arthur’s Camelot in Glastonbury, to The Mermaid of Zennor in Cornwall and Herne the Hunter in Windsor Great Park.

The book also includes a QR code linking to an online travel guide, with details for travelling to each location so families can plan their own legendary adventures. Pennard Castle itself is accessible on foot from Southgate on the Gower Peninsula, with Three Cliffs Bay — one of Wales’s most photographed beaches — visible from the castle ruins.

The Line to Legend Land is available to buy from gwrsouvenirs.co.uk, or as a free PDF download from gwr.com/legends.

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FAIRIES LAND IN SWANSEA: Magical statue unveiled at station to bring Gower legend to life

The eye-catching installation, unveiled by Great Western Railway (GWR), brings to life the legendary Faeries of Pennard Castle — a haunting tale rooted deep in Gower folklore.

From Gower legend to city centre spectacle

The striking sculpture shows a winged faery perched among bright yellow flowers — a nod to the ancient story of how magical beings punished a cruel lord by burying his lands beneath sand dunes near Pennard.

Now, that legend has been transported from the windswept Gower coast straight into the heart of Swansea, as part of a wider campaign to get families exploring the stories behind the region.

GWR says the move is about turning everyday journeys into adventures — encouraging passengers to step off the train and discover the landscapes behind Wales’ most famous myths.

“Step into the stories”

The Swansea statue is part of a wider rollout linked to a new book, The Line to Legend Land, which retells traditional tales from across Wales and the South West.

A spokesperson for GWR said the aim is to “bring legends to life” and inspire a new generation to connect with the places around them.

And Swansea’s faery isn’t alone.

A giant red dragon has also appeared at Cardiff Central railway station — representing the iconic national symbol of Wales.

Boost for Swansea footfall?

The installation could also prove a boost for the city centre, with the station acting as a gateway for visitors heading to Swansea and the Gower.

With its mix of local heritage, family appeal and Instagram-ready visuals, the statue is already drawing attention from passers-by and travellers alike.

More than just a statue

The campaign is also supporting a children’s charity founded by author Michael Morpurgo, with hundreds of books being distributed to schools across the rail network.

But for Swansea, the focus is firmly local — shining a spotlight on one of Gower’s most enduring legends and putting it right in front of thousands of commuters every day.

And if GWR gets its way, this could be just the start — with more people swapping routine journeys for myth-filled adventures across South Wales.

💚 Pannier Tanks

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