Hardings Down
Hardings Down (owned by Llangennith Manors) is an open heathland hill site covering approximately 65 hectares. It was largely inaccessible until recently due to the height and density of bracken coverage.
Mechanical methods have been used to control the bracken, allowing a wide range of heathland flora and fauna to re-establish. Bracken management has also increased the grazing for commoners' livestock.
On Hardings Down there are the remains of three Iron Age hill forts, in use about 2000 years ago. If you are visiting the site look out for the grassy banks that were once the basis of defences that circled the protected inner area of the fort.
Highlights
There is considerable archaeological interest on the site including:
- a Bronze Age cairn
- three Iron Age hill forts (all are Scheduled Ancient Monuments)
- a standing stone of unknown period
Look out for skylark, linnet and brown hare. The site is also important for barn owls.
Designations
- Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) on site
- Common Land
Hardings Down lies within:
- an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- West Gower landscape which is included in the Register of Landscapes or Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales (CCW/CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments/ICOMOS UK 1998, 53-56)
Facilities
- Nearest refreshments at Kings Head pub in Llangennith.
Access information
Near Llangennith, Gower
Grid Reference SS436908
OS Explorer Map 164 Gower
Footpaths
There are several rights of way across the site.
Car
There is no official car park area at the site. Nearest road access from Upper Hardingsdown, off main road to Llangennith.
Buses
Nearest bus stop at Kings Head pub in Llangennith or at bottom of lane (to east of Llangennith) leading to Upper Hardingsdown.
Bridleways
There are several bridlepaths around the site. Refer to OS Explorer Map 164 Gower.