The Gower offers so many wonderful walks but where can you stop for lunch and take the whole family even your four legged friend? Here are my favourite locations that are fun for all the family.

The Gower Inn & Ilston Valley
The Gower Inn offers a hearty pub lunch with cosy fires inside and a large outside eating area where you can take your 4 legged friend. Situated in Parkmill, The Gower Inn offers a beautiful walk from the back of the car park, there is a magnificent walk along a river bank with lots of bridges and wildlife and the ruins of the first Baptist church in Wales. Also, if you walk right up through the valley, there is another (Ilston) church which dates back to the 16th (I think) century. Bring a camra and wellies or walking boots are recommended!

Lunch stop: The Gower Inn
Parking: The Gower Inn – Pay and display car park that offers a refund when you dine
Off lead walk: Yes
Find out more: http://www.thegowerinnswansea.co.uk/

The Valley Hotel & Bishopston Valley
Situated in the village of Bishopston, the Valley Hotel offers some of the best local dishes you can find on Gower. Dogs are welcome in the bar area but not in the restaurant. The Hotel is a rambler’s delight offering a great selection of beverages and fresh locally caught fish of the day. The fish and chips are out of this world. Bishopston Valley offers a multitude of walks, once used by smugglers, visible evidence of which can be seen as you walk through the valley to Pwll Du Bay. From Pwll Du Bay you can access Pwll Du Local Nature Reserve. Look out for  Long Ash Silver / Lead Mine and Iron Age Promontory Fort, caves and holes carved out in the limestone by water gushing through the valley down to the beautifully secluded Pwll Du Bay. If you're quiet you may spot a kingfisher or otter by the stream.

Lunch stop: The Valley Hotel
Parking: Free car parking
Off Lead walks: Yes
Find out more: http://www.valleyhotelbishopston.co.uk/ and http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rhossili-and-south-gower-coast/trails/bishopston-valley-walk

The Pilot Pub/Brewery & Mumbles Hill Nature Reserve
Mumbles is a popular spot for walking and enjoying the coastline. Situated on the water front, The Pilot is a dog friendly local pub serving their own brewed craft beers. Dogs are welcome in the pub and from there you can enjoy a wonderful walk up onto Mumbles Hill Nature reserve. A popular geocaching spot, there are a number of walks and the 360 views across Swansea and Mumbles are out of this world. 

Lunch stop: The Pilot 
Parking: Pay and display
Off Lead walks: Yes
Find out more: http://www.thepilotofmumbles.co.uk/ and http://www.swansea.gov.uk/mumbleshillnaturereserve

The Kings Head Hotel & Llangennith
The Kings Head Hotel is a hidden gem, situated in one of the furthermost points of Gower, the Hotel offers wonderful home cooked food for all of the family. Situated in the lazy village of Llangennith it really is a place to get away from the hussle and bustle. Just a few miles down the road is the sweeping coatline offering wonderful walks on Llangennith beach. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round. You can walk from the hotel, although it is a few miles. Alternatively you can park your car at hill end caravan park and stroll straight onto the beach.

Lunch stop: The Kings Head Hotel
Parking: Pay and display
Off lead walks: Yes
Find out more: http://www.kingsheadgower.co.uk/

The Oxwich Bay Hotel & Oxwich Bay
The Oxwich Bay Hotel is situated on the beachfront of Oxwich bay offering pub lunches and afternoon teas. Dogs are welcome in the large beer garden that overlooks the sea. Oxwich bay is a favourite for dog walkers as your 4 legged friends are allowed on the beach all year round. The beach is miles and miles of open sands with surrounding sand dunes -  a playground for all of the family. Walk out to Oxwich point or if you are looking for a long walk take the 5 mile jaunt across the bay to Pennard Cliffs taking in Nicholston and 3 cliffs on your way.

Lunch stop: The Oxwich Bay Hotel
Parking: Pay and display
Off lead walks: Yes
Find out more: http://www.oxwichbayhotel.co.uk/

Enjoy your day out!

Olivia Brace