Swansea & Gower trail/Llwybr Abertawe a Gwyr
Swansea Castle/Castell Abertawe
The first castle, built of earthworks and wood, on this site was in the twelfth century. It was sacked on a number of occasions and destroyed by the Welsh. A new structure of stone was built over the period between 1221 and 1284, but sacked again in 1287. Although re-garrisoned and later additions made in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, it gradually fell into disuse for military purposes. The buildings then fulfilled other functions over the years. The remains of the castle include a curtain wall, residential block and tower. There is an arcaded parapet and the interior has vaulted basement chambers.
The site is located in Castle Street, Swansea City Centre.
Oystermouth Castle/Castell Ystum Llwynarth
This is a Norman castle site from the early twelfth century and was attacked and sacked on a number of occasions by the Welsh. A stone keep remains, along with other buildings added in the early medieval period. There is a gatehouse with curtain walls, chambers and the fourteenth century chapel has fragments of wall paintings. The site is set within grounds by woodland and is located on the A4067 south of Swansea. The sea front from Swansea to Oystermouth Castle has a good pedestrian and cycle path.
Pennard Castle/Castell Pennard
This twelfth century castle site overlooks Three Cliffs Bay. The later stone built south tower of the castle remains at a good height and there is a curtain wall on the north. The site is accessed via footpath and is about half a mile south of Parkmill on the A4118. From Oystermouth the B4593 can be taken west to Caswell and then on to Pennard. A footpath across the golf goes to the castle. The castle can also be reached via a footpath from Three Cliffs Bay.
Parc le Breos Burial Chamber/Siambr Gladdu Parc le Breos
This Neolithic cairn site is comprised of a wedge shaped tomb reached by forecourt leading to burial chambers. The monument is well maintained and dates back to about 5,500 BC. Archaeological digs have found the remains of over forty men, women and children in the tomb. The site is located off the A4118 west of Parkmill turning left at the Heritage Centre and then the narrow road to a car park. The cairn is a short walk into Parc le Breos Woods and very accessible.
Oxwich Castle/Castell Oxwich
Although built of the site of an earlier medieval castle these are the remains of a sixteenth century manor house. Having fallen into disuse two vaulted under crofts, vaulted kitchen and partial staircase can be seen along with a north east range. The site is located off the A4118 about eleven miles southwest of Swansea. From Parc le Beos Burial Chamber return to the A4118. Going west past Nicholaston take the right turn toward Oxwich and Oxwich Castle.
Penrice Castle/Castell Penrice
Built in the thirteenth century the ruins of this castle include curtain walls, gatehouse, stone keep and earthworks. It is located on private land of the A4118 with a footpath nearby. If coming from Oxwich follow the minor road back toward the A4118. On the left hand side is a small car park by Mill Wood. Across the road is a style next to the gate. Follow the driveway and you will see the castle on your left.
Maen Ceti /Arthurs Stone
This is Portal Burial Chamber. It has a very long 25 ton capstone, part of which is split away and lies next to the main structure. The site is reached by continuing west along the A4118 and then taking the minor road on your right towards Reynoldston. Then take the road east toward a small parking area on the north side of the road and the site is along a pathway.
Burry Holms/Bryngaer Burry Holms
This is a small tidal island at the north west end of the Gower Peninsular at the northern end of Rhossili Bay. There is archaeological evidence that it was inhabited by Mesolithic hunters at a time when it was some distance from the sea. Subsequently people of the Iron Age built a hill fort and ditch here and in later Medieval times a monastery was located on the site. If possible and the weather is suitable the high walk from Rhosilli across Rhosilli Downs can give spectacular views down to Burry Holm to the north and south to Worms Head. If going to Rhosilli from Mean Ceri then return to the A4118 and follow the signs west to Rhosilli along the B4247. Alternatively go west from Mean Ceti past Reynoldston and on to Burry Green and then Llangennith. Follow the road to the car park close to Llangennith Burrows opposite Burry Holmes on the coast. This is a tidal island and care needs to be taken.
Weobly Castle/Castell Weble
More of a fortified manor house than a castle this was largely built in the early part of the fourteenth century with fifteenth century additions. However, there are parts of the site dating back to the thirteenth century. It is located two miles north west of Llanrhidian village which is on the B4271.
Loughor Castle/Castell Casllwchwr
This Norman castle was built on the site of an old Roman fortification. Having been burnt down by the Welsh in the twelfth century, the remains of the structure that can now be seen is from the early and late thirteenth century, including the rectangular stone tower. The site is west of Swansea by the A484. If coming from Weobly Castle take the B4295 coast road towards Gowerton and then the road northwest to Loughor.