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#WalesCoastPath

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Final stretch of Gower coast path to be upgraded by end of 2025

Swansea Council has confirmed that two remaining sections — totalling just over 300 metres — will be resurfaced and widened by the end of next year, following earlier improvements funded through the Welsh Government’s Wales Coast Path grant scheme.

The upgrade will mean temporary closures along parts of the route, with diversion signs in place to guide walkers.

In recent years, the path has been rerouted to avoid areas affected by coastal erosion. A 450-metre section was completed in March, adding to a 270-metre diversion built in 2022.

Now, the Council is investing £80,000 from its highways and transport budget to finish the job.

“A well-loved asset for the city”

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the path was one of Swansea’s most popular walking routes.

“Thousands of people walk it each year. The section between Limeslade and Rotherslade has unfortunately been a victim of coastal erosion in recent years, and we’ve done all we can to create new sections and divert it away from the affected area.”

He said the final upgrades would improve accessibility for families with pushchairs and wheelchair users.

“There are now two short sections that have not been upgraded. While they’re not currently impacted by erosion, they would benefit from a similar upgrade to the others. We’ve chosen to invest in this work to make sure the route is safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

The Gower coast path forms part of the wider Wales Coast Path, which stretches 870 miles around the country’s shoreline.

Autumn start for final upgrade to Gower coast path

A brand new 450 metre section of path was created in March this year, and is in addition to a previous section, stretching for a further 270 metres, which was completed in 2022. 

Both new sections were created as a diversion away from the original path which was affected by coastal erosion. The upgrades were funded via the Welsh Government’s Wales Coast Path grant scheme.

The ongoing upgrade to the path now leaves two remaining sections to be completed between Rotherslade and Limeslade, providing visitors with a fully accessible route, wide enough for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.

Swansea Council is investing £80,000 to complete the upgrade, as part of its overall plans to maintain roads and walking routes across the city.

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

“The Gower coast path is an extremely popular and a well-loved asset for the city. Thousands of people walk it each year.

“The section between Limeslade and Rotherslade has unfortunately been a victim of coastal erosion in recent years, and we have done all we can to create new sections and divert it away from the affected area.

“This has also given us the opportunity to create a more accessible walking route that everyone can access.

“There are now two short sections that have not been upgraded and while they are not being impacted by coastal erosion, the overall would benefit from a similar upgrade to the others.

“We’ve chosen to invest some of our highways and transport budget to enable the upgrade to take place.

“Our intention is to wait until the busy summer period has ended and our chosen contractors will be able to move on site and complete the job.”

Swansea’s section of the All Wales Coast Path was officially opened in 2012, where 61km of coast path have been joined together to enable walkers to trek from Swansea’s waterfront in SA1 and walk right through to Loughor, travelling through Caswell Bay, Port Eynon, Rhossili and Llanmadoc.

A further 1.5km of coast path has also previously been upgraded between Caswell Bay and Langland.

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

An excellent walk yesterday on the to see St Tudwal's lighthouse. On an island off the Llŷn Peninsula, it was built in 1877 and is still working, now with an LED light. The island was once owned by Clough Williams-Ellis, creator of the nearby Portmeirion Italianate village, and is currently owned by TV adventurer Bear Grylls.