Around 500 walkers from across the UK, Europe and the United States have explored Gower and the surrounding area as part of this year’s Gower Walking Festival.
The nine-day festival featured 36 walks covering a combined 193 miles, with both the number of participants and distance covered increasing compared with last year.
Organisers built on the success of the festival’s 21st anniversary edition in 2025 with another varied programme of walks covering different distances, themes and parts of the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The festival also provided a boost for local tourism, with visitors travelling to Swansea from across the UK and further afield and requiring overnight accommodation during their stay.
This year’s event was officially launched by Swansea Lord Mayor councillor Penny Matthews, while organisers said early feedback from participants had been encouraging.
“I would like to thank all the walk leaders, back-markers, stewards, sponsors and supporters for all they did to make the festival such a success,” said chair of the 2026 GWF organising committee Linda Welch. “It is always a real team effort and once again everyone rose to the challenge.
“We are very proud that the event can attract visitors from all over the UK and abroad so they too can experience the diversity of the stunning landscape that we call home. In doing so, we are delighted to be able to make a contribution to the local economy in these challenging times.
“We are grateful for the vote of confidence shown by our many local regulars and it was also good to see a lot of newcomers from the area as well.”
History, heritage and local attractions
The programme included walks exploring the history and heritage of the area, with some routes taking participants across challenging terrain.
Activities included a beach clean and original poems recited by the festival’s honorary poet Jim Young.
Walkers also had the opportunity to visit Swansea International Jazz Festival, while the programme featured a singing walk, a walk accompanied by afternoon tea at Gower Heritage Centre and a visit to White Rock Industrial Heritage Park.
Volunteers wanted for 2027 festival
Organisers are now turning their attention to next year and hope to recruit new volunteers to help make the 2027 festival even bigger.
They are particularly looking for people to join the organising committee and help with administrative, marketing, social media and sponsorship roles.
“We always hold a debrief session soon after the event to consider all the feedback so we can continually improve,” said Linda. “And, as volunteers, we are always on the lookout for anyone to come forward and add some value to our efforts.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the festival organisers by emailing [email protected].
