Gower was the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a protected landscape of around 17,000 acres of commons, marshes, coastline and farmland. It is home to rare wildlife, free-roaming animals, working farms and local communities, and we're privileged to be able to share it with you.

Looking after this landscape is central to how we plan and run Love Trails. We want to leave Gower better than we found it.

Working with the Gower Landscape team

We work closely with the Gower Landscape team to make sure our routes and activities support the long-term care of the land. As part of this partnership, Love Trails has helped fund the installation of new gates across the Wales Coast Path, and these improvements benefit walkers, farmers and livestock all year round.

We also work with local landowners, commoners and the council to plan routes carefully, and we value the trust they place in us to use this land responsibly.

Be respectful on the trails

We give this advice to every runner and hiker taking part in Love Trails. Our run and hike leaders will also remind you of it throughout the weekend.

✅ Stay on marked paths and follow the route signs

✅ Close gates behind you, even if you didn't open them

✅ Give livestock and wildlife plenty of space

✅ Share the trails considerately with walkers, residents and other runners

✅ Carry out everything you bring in. Anyone caught littering will be disqualified

✅ Leave the music at the festival. No music is allowed on the trail races or hikes

✅ Tread lightly and help us honour our Leave No Trace commitment

Please keep noise to a respectful level, especially when passing homes. People live and work here, and we want every resident to be glad to see us on their doorstep.

Gower is home to farmers, families, livestock and centuries of history. With your care, we can keep celebrating and protecting it for many years to come.

Please read on for more guidelines.