GOWER: Only four locals took part last year — can Swansea’s own backyard event tempt more to take the plunge this June?

Hundreds of athletes will descend on Gower on 20 June for the third Gritty Rascals Swimrun Gower — an endurance event that takes competitors on a continuous journey of running and open-water swimming along one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Britain.

And yet last year, only four people from the local area entered — meaning the vast majority of those experiencing the Gower coast from the water and the clifftops were travelling from elsewhere in the UK or further afield.

Organisers are hoping to change that. “We have competitors travel from across the UK and Europe to compete and this year we’re keen to welcome more local athletes to enter,” said Gary Pavitt, founder of Gritty Rascals Events.

Unlike a triathlon, swimrun involves no transition. Competitors run in their wetsuits and swim in their trainers, alternating between cross-country running and open-water swimming throughout the entire race — without changing kit.

This year’s event offers three course lengths. The Sprint Course (12km) is aimed at first-timers and newcomers to the sport. The Gritty Course (21km) offers a half-marathon equivalent for those wanting a stiff challenge.

The Full Course (41km) — starting at Rhossili Bay and finishing in Mumbles — is the ultimate test, and has this year been designated an ÖTILLÖ Merit Race, allowing competitors to earn global ranking points towards the Swimrun World Championships.

The Full Course takes competitors on a route most locals will recognise stretch by stretch — a technical swim from Tears Point to Mewslade Bay, cliff top running to Port Eynon, a crossing of Port Eynon Bay, then on through Oxwich, around Tor Point, into Pwll Du, across to Brandy Cove, Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Rotherslade before a final climb up Mumbles Hill to the finish line.

Competitor Stacey Bramhall, who is also involved in promoting the event, said the experience of seeing Gower from both the coastal path and the water was unlike anything else.

“There is honestly nothing quite like the perspective of seeing Gower’s beauty from the coast path and the water,” she said. “The sense of achievement when you finish the race makes it all 100% worth doing.”

For those nervous about the swimming sections, the organisers point to an extensive water safety team who are in the water throughout. “We have a huge support team who are in the water for every stroke to support swimmers whether it’s their first swimrun or fifth,” said Pavitt.

Transport to the start lines is provided, with all courses finishing back in Mumbles. The event hub, registration and finish line are all based there, giving spectators a base for the day.

The Gritty Rascals Swimrun Gower takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026. Registration is open now at grittyrascals.com.

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SWANSEA: Four of Swansea’s beaches once again fly the Blue Flag — as the city’s marina picks up the award too

Swansea has once again proved it is home to some of the finest coastal locations not just in Wales, but in the world — with four of its beaches and marina picking up prestigious awards from environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Port Eynon — all on the Gower peninsula — have retained their Blue Flag status for another year.

Swansea Marina has also held onto its Blue Flag — one of just 20 sites across Wales to achieve the accolade in 2026.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised coastal awards. It’s not just about clean water — beaches and marinas must meet tough criteria covering amenities, sustainable tourism, environmental education, safety, accessibility and site management.

Bracelet Bay, on Mumbles Head, has also retained its Green Coast Award — one of 15 across Wales. The Green Coast Award celebrates hidden gems of the Welsh coastline, commending Bracelet Bay for its stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and excellent water quality.

A total of 48 beaches across Wales were recognised in the 2026 Wales Coast Awards — the most coveted annual recognition of coastal quality in the country.

The Blue Flag awards are presented by the Foundation for Environmental Education and are recognised globally as a symbol of quality — a guarantee to visitors that a beach or marina is clean, safe and well managed.

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said Swansea had once again shown it was home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

“We’re delighted to see this recognised in the 2026 Wales Coast Awards, which are a fantastic celebration of Wales’ beautiful and diverse coastline,” he said.

He added: “These awards recognise high and consistent standards and we would like to thank staff, volunteers and everyone else at sites across Wales who work so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.”

He added that seeing the Blue Flag flying gave visitors confidence. “All of these places are beautiful but seeing that flag flying means visitors can be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.”

The awards have been managed by Keep Wales Tidy for more than 20 years and require beaches to meet and maintain the highest environmental standards, including tough water quality targets, year after year.

The awards are entirely voluntary — a testament to the huge effort of the staff and volunteers who maintain these sites to the highest standards.

Also picking up Seaside Awards in Wales this year was Aberavon in Neath Port Talbot — a UK-only award recognising clean, attractive and well-managed beaches with a good standard of facilities and water quality.

A full list of award recipients can be found at keepwalestidy.cymru.

More on Swansea’s beaches

Four Swansea beaches named among Wales’ best in the Wales Coast Awards
Last year’s awards — when the same beaches picked up their Blue Flag status.

Beaches in Swansea getting ready for summer with Blue Flag awards
How the Blue Flag beaches prepare to welcome visitors each year.

Three Gower beaches retain Blue Flag status
A look back at an earlier round of awards for Caswell, Langland and Port Eynon.

Port Eynon: Blue Flag beach joins smoke-free campaign
How Port Eynon has gone above and beyond to protect its award-winning status.

Gower named one of the best places on Earth to stargaze as dark‑sky status confirmed

The announcement lands just ahead of Welsh Dark Skies Week (13–22 February 2026) and marks a major moment for the region, with Gower now joining a global network of protected night‑sky locations.

A coastline where the Milky Way still shines

With some of the clearest, least light‑polluted skies in Wales, Gower is now being hailed as one of the country’s most spectacular places to watch the night sky. On the darkest nights, stargazers can see the Milky Way stretching over the waves — a sight that’s vanished from most of Europe and the US, where 99% of people now live under light‑polluted skies, according to DarkSky International.

The new status means Gower is officially recognised as a landscape where the night sky is protected, celebrated and accessible — whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or someone who’s never pointed a telescope at the sky before.

And it’s not just stars. In summer, beaches like Caswell, Three Cliffs and Port Eynon glow with bioluminescent plankton, creating surreal, neon‑blue shorelines that draw photographers and night‑time walkers from across the UK.

A major milestone for Swansea Bay

The accreditation was awarded by DarkSky International, the global authority on night‑sky conservation. It follows years of partnership work between Swansea Council, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, the Gower Society and local communities.

Every street light on Gower has now been retrofitted with dark‑sky‑friendly LED lanterns, and new developments must follow strict lighting rules to protect the night environment.

The move puts Swansea Bay firmly on the map for astro‑tourism — a growing sector that brings visitors in outside the traditional summer season.

Where to find the darkest skies in Swansea Bay

https://youtu.be/9apykobwbLY

Gower’s landscapes offer a mix of easy‑access viewpoints and remote, wild locations where the night sky feels almost untouched.

Port Eynon
A wide, open bay with huge skies and uninterrupted views across the Bristol Channel.

Three Cliffs Bay
A dramatic, secluded spot where stargazers can watch constellations rise over the tidal estuary.

Oxwich
Easy to reach, with facilities nearby — ideal for families and first‑timers.

Rhossili Bay
One of the UK’s most famous coastal viewpoints by day; by night, a vast stage for meteor showers.

Cefn Bryn
Gower’s sandstone ridge offering 360‑degree views and some of the clearest skies in Wales.

https://youtu.be/wTh4GSL0rTA

A growing draw for visitors

Visit Swansea Bay says the new status strengthens the region’s reputation as a year‑round destination, already attracting more than 4.6 million visitors a year to its beaches, countryside, attractions and food scene.

The organisation works with more than 260 local tourism businesses and says dark‑sky tourism is becoming a major part of the region’s appeal.

Horton and Port Eynon Crew members receive prestigious awards

The lifeboat had been tasked to go to the aid of seven casualties cut off by the tide at Worms Head Rhossili. The lifeboat had to contend with a very strong swell and high wave conditions in going to Worms Head where the 7 students had been cut off by the rising tide. 

The students had made an initial attempt to cross the water and had turned back. The lifeboat crew assessed the conditions and made and executed a plan to take the students back to the mainland two at a time. The series of transfers was completed successfully and is an example of the excellent seamanship of the crew. 

The Commendation also recorded that “Throughout the service, you demonstrated excellent courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Your ongoing determination and commitment to saving lives at sea are greatly appreciated.” 

The letters of Commendation were presented to the crew by the President of the Station, Sir Bob Hastie. 

Lawrie Grove, Lifeboat  Operations Manager of the lifeboat station,  said:

“The presentation had been kept under wraps and was a complete surprise to the three of them. The rescue was a difficult and challenging one where they needed all of their skills and training.

“We are extremely proud of them. It is a measure of their down-to-earth nature and humility that the crew were  keen to stress that they are part of a team at the station and could not do their job without the support and hard  work of everyone at the station.”

[Lead image RNLI Lifeboats]

#Horton #PortEynon #Rhossili #RNLILifeboat #WormsHead

Swansea Council trials smart bin sensors to improve rural waste collection

Swansea Council has begun trialling smart bin sensors in remote communities as part of a pilot scheme aimed at reducing unnecessary journeys and keeping streets cleaner. The sensors, which use low-power wireless technology, alert cleansing staff when bins are full — allowing teams to prioritise locations that need attention and avoid visiting those that don’t.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The sensors are a win-win all round. For residents there’s less chance of them finding unsightly overflowing bins, and for staff it means their time can be focussed on tackling bin and litter problems where they’re most needed. It’s early days because we’re still piloting the scheme, but it’s looking very promising.”

The system uses LoRaWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technology to transmit data from battery-powered sensors, which can last up to eight years. The pilot is focused on rural locations such as Gower and Port Eynon, where bin usage varies significantly depending on weather and seasonal tourism.

Stuart Willingale, Cleansing Strategy Team Leader, said: “Some of our bins are sited in fairly remote locations in places like Gower, which are a considerable distance away from where our staff are based. The data tells us when our Cleansing Teams need to visit a location to empty a bin — or when not to. This saves us time our teams can better use in other locations and tackling other cleansing issues. It also reduces our environmental impact of driving to a location only to be met with an empty bin.”

The pilot is being supported by Welsh Government funding, and early results suggest the system could help reduce fuel use, improve response times, and cut down on overflowing bins — especially in areas with fluctuating visitor numbers.

#binSensors #CllrCyrilAnderson #Gower #IoT #litter #litterBin #LoraWan #PortEynon #sensors #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Beach-goers urged to back ban on ‘flying ring’ frisbees

The cute and inquisitive creatures have made their home on rocky outcrops around Gower, but their lives are put at risk by the discarded doughnut-shaped flying rings which can snare them round their necks.

Swansea Council says it has already been working with Gower Seal Group, local schools and businesses on Gower to promote the ban after passing a notice of motion that aims to see an end to the use of the rings anywhere near wildlife along the area’s coastline.

Gower businesses Pitton Cross Caravan and Camping, Kennexstone Camping and Touring Park, and Surfside Café, Langland, Northway Garage, Bishopston have already voluntarily stopped selling them.

Gower Seal Group continue to visit schools in the area to talk to youngsters about seals and other marine life, spotlighting how they can support the effort.

Gareth Richards, Founder of Gower Seal Group and Vice Chair of the UK Seal Alliance Executive, said: “Nobody buys a flying ring with the intention of causing pain and suffering to seals. But that’s what can happen if a flying ring is lost or discarded at a beach or near a waterway.

“A seal’s natural curiosity and playfulness when finding a flying ring in the water soon becomes a nightmare when, very quickly, they find themselves trapped by one around their neck.”

He said the creatures can’t free themselves of this entanglement and as they grow the ring tightens restricts their movement and will often cause pain, suffering and ultimately death.

And now the seal group is planning a national campaign to ‘Save Our Seals From Flying Rings’, launching on May 26, which includes a petition calling on the Government to ban the import of flying rings and to councils across the UK to ban them.

Mr Richards said: “That’s why we are extremely grateful to councillors in Swansea for continuing to support this campaign and showing leadership to protect our visiting seals from suffering by not supporting the sale or use of flying rings in our area.”

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “We fully support what Gower Seal Group is doing to protect our seals. We are so lucky to have seals near many of our beaches in Swansea and Gower.

“The vast majority of the many thousands of people who visit Gower every year treat the area, its wildlife and its coastline with respect. Along with the Gower Seal Group we are urging visitors to play their part to protect our seal population as well.”

Rocky coastal spots such as Limeslade and Bracelet Bay, as well as Port Eynon and Langland Bay have all been known to provide resting spots for groups of seals as well as thousands of visiting public every year.

Seals spend around 80% of their time at sea and come ashore along Gower to rest, sleep and digest their food.

The short time they are on land is vital to their health but also makes them vulnerable to the impact of humans on their lives.

#beaches #BraceletBay #Environment #frisbee #Gower #GowerSealGroup #LanglandBay #Limeslade #PortEynon #Seals #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Four Swansea beaches named among Wales’ best in prestigious Wales Coast Awards

Environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy today announced the recipients of the much-coveted annual awards, with three beaches receiving the globally-recognised Blue Flag Awards, and one receiving a Green Coast Award.  

A total of 49 beaches across Wales were recognised in the awards, which play a vital role in protecting our precious marine environment and are known around the world as a symbol of quality.  

Caswell Bay, Langland Bay and Port Eynon, all in Gower, all retained their status as Blue Flag beaches. This is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and tourism boats, recognising not only the highest standards of water quality, but also high-quality amenities, sustainable development of tourism, information provision, environmental education, safety and access, and site management  

The three locations were among 21 across Wales achieving the Blue Flag accolade. Awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), beaches must adhere to specific criteria ensuring the beach or marina is clean, safe, and well-managed, promoting sustainability and attracting visitors.    

In addition, Bracelet Bay, on Mumbles Head, retained its status as a Green Coast Award-winning beach, one of 15 locations in Wales to achieve the award which celebrate the ‘hidden gems’ of the Welsh coastline. The Green Coast Award celebrates Bracelet Bay as an exceptional place to enjoy stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and diversity. It joins the likes of Mwnt and Penbryn in Ceredigion, and Freshwater East and Manorbier in Pembrokeshire in being commended for unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality and a high standard of environmental education.  

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Our award-winning beaches are a real asset for the city and a huge draw for visitors and locals alike.

“Gaining and retaining blue flag status takes a lot of time and investment so locals and visitors can enjoy clean, safe and beautiful beaches all year-round. So we are delighted to once again fly the Blue Flags at some of our most iconic Gower beaches.”

Alongside the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards, Seaside Awards were given to 15 beaches across Wales, including Aberavon in Neath Port Talbot, Aberystwyth South and North, Penarth and Barry Island’s Whitmore Bay in the Vale of Glamorgan. This is a UK-only beach award available in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, with its distinctive yellow and blue flag signifying a clean, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch, with a good standard of water quality, public facilities, safety provision and management.  

The Wales Coast Awards have been managed by Keep Wales Tidy for more than 20 years and signify that a beach or marina meets and maintains the highest environmental standards and achieves tough water quality targets, as well as ensuring high standards of information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management.  

The Awards are voluntary and recognise the huge effort of staff and volunteers across Wales who are committed to protecting and preserving our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances. 

Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy congratulated Swansea on its award-winning coastal locations. 

He said: “Congratulations to Swansea on its Coast Award-winning beaches for 2025. Swansea is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Wales and we’re delighted to see this recognised in the 2025 Wales Coast Awards. Not only are these beautiful beaches to visit, but visitors can. Ow be assured that they are clean, safe and well-managed with excellent facilities too.” 

He added: “The Wales Coast Awards are a fantastic celebration of Wales’ beautiful and diverse coastline and are testament to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.”  

#BlueFlag #BraceletBay #CaswellBay #Gower #GreenCoastAwards #KeepWalesTidy #LanglandBay #PortEynon #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Police issue snake warning for Gower dog walkers

Police have issued advice for dog walkers if their pet has been bitten by an adder, and urged owners to keep their dog on a lead at all times – particularly on the sand dunes of Port Eynon and near Worms Head in Rhosilli on Gower.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police’s Gower Neighbourhood Policing Team, who cover wildlife and rural crime, said: “Please be advised that we have received several reports regarding increased sightings of adders in Port Eynon (sand dunes) and near NCI Worm’s Head, Rhosilli. Please do the right thing and keep your dogs on leads at all times.

“Adders are the only venomous snakes in the UK and are generally active from early spring to October when they aren’t hibernating. They often live in sand dunes, hillsides, moors and woodlands and are more likely to bite dogs between April and July, especially in the late afternoon.

“If you suspect an adder has bitten your dog, immediately check for two small puncture marks, swelling or redness in the area – these are common signs of adder bites. It is important to keep your dog calm and still to prevent the venom spreading and seek veterinary advice ASAP.”

#adder #Dogs #Gower #PortEynon #RhossiliBay #snakeBite #snakes #SouthWalesPolice #WormsHead

Port Eynon collision sees Air Ambulance rescue to free person trapped inside car

Two fire crews attended the incident, together with the Welsh Ambulance Service, South Wales Police and the Wales Air Ambulance.

The casualty was trapped inside the vehicle after the collision and had to be cut out and airlifted to hospital.

A statement from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“At 11.57am on Friday, January 31, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Swansea West and Gorseinon fire stations were called to an incident in Port Eynon in Swansea.

“Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving one private motor vehicle that had collided with a wall, with one casualty medically trapped inside the vehicle.

“Crews utilised road traffic collision cutting gear, stabilisation gears and small gear to release the casualty, who was then conveyed to hospital by air ambulance.

“This incident required a multi-agency response, with the Welsh Ambulance Services Trust, Wales Air Ambulance and South Wales Police also in attendance.”

[Lead image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service]

#Collison #featured #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #PortEynon #WalesAirAmbulance

Swansea Council is aiming to fully reopen a section of the A4118 in Port Eynon for the weekend coming, after recent heavy rainfall led to a sinkhole appearing recently.

Road repair teams moved in today (Wednesday 11 September) to commence the work and temporarily closed the route for the start of the repairs.

Further temporary closures will be required during the morning of Thursday (12 September) while works are ongoing. A tarmac team will visit on Friday to complete the job and fully reopen the route ahead of the weekend.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure, said:

“Our maintenance teams are working as quick as they can to repair the road.

“The narrow nature of this main road to the beach at Port Eynon has meant the work and the temporary closure has created some disruption, both for residents and visitors.

“Thankfully, local people living near by have been very supportive of our efforts to repair the sinkhole despite the disruption.

 “I’m also very pleased with the response from our highway maintenance teams. The previous weekend brought many challenges with the heavy rainfall, with teams working throughout the night and the following days.”

[Lead image: Teresa Ashmole]

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/11/repairs-underway-on-gower-beach-road-following-sinkhole/

#Gower #PortEynon #SinkHole #SwanseaCouncil