At the heart of Gower, there is a walking route that is steeped in history and natural beauty, spanning some 14,000 years. Found in the village of Parkmill, around nine miles from central Swansea, is Park Wood – a 164-hectare woodland popular among dog walkers, cyclists, and walkers. Once a medieval deer park of the de Bros, Lords of Gower, Park Wood offers a glimpse into its fascinating past the moment you enter through its wooden gates.
To the left stands a large stone Neolithic burial chamber, praised by Cadw as one of the best-preserved in the region. Discovered in 1869, the tomb revealed the remains of up to 40 individuals, along with artefacts like burnt flint, arrowheads, and rock quartz. Nearby stands a lime kiln from the mid-19th century, used to produce lime for the land and mortar, displaying the area’s industrial heritage.
Further along the path, signs direct you to caves, including the ominous-sounding Cathole Cave, once used by hunters and as an ossuary. Park Wood, with its ancient plantations and diverse wildlife, is part of a conservation area vital for its rich flora and fauna, including buzzards, woodpeckers, and bats.
As you explore Park Wood and its mysteries, a delightful reward awaits you at Parc le Breos House, a four-star country house and restaurant within the grounds. There, you can savour a delightful lunch in historical surrounds, dining on the terrace or by the roaring log fire. The restaurant offers lunches, afternoon teas, and Sunday roasts, providing a perfect ending to your woodland adventure.
For those keen to visit Park Wood, follow the postcode SA3 2HA on your sat nav. Drive towards the Gower Heritage Centre and continue on to Parc le Bros, where a convenient free car park awaits before you start your exploration of this historic woodland.