The Gower peninsula and its semi-feral ponies
At Bayview Oxwich, we’re used to the sight of our very own Gower ponies roaming freely on the Gower peninsula. But visitors are often blown away by these semi-feral, hardy ponies – primarily Welsh Mountain Ponies, Welsh Cobs and other breeds and cross breeds, seemingly grazing free-range on Gower’s common lands, saltmarshes, hillsides and even cliff tops!
We’re often asked who owns them? Why are they allowed to graze where they do? Isn’t it dangerous? So here goes:
While the ponies appear wild, they are semi-feral, having owners (farmers and pony societies) who manage these tough and resilient animals. Some farming families have grazed these free-range ponies for generations, enjoying their grazing rights to common lands and pastures of the peninsula. The ponies are known for their hardiness and ability to live outdoors year-round, grazing on tough vegetation like gorse, brambles and grasses.
So, whatever time of year you choose to stay with us in one of our holiday rental properties, you can see these wonderful creatures living in herds and roaming freely. They make a wonderful sight.
Our top places to view are:
The clifftops at Gower’s iconic scenic jewel, Worm’s Head at Rhossili Bay where you’ll be blown away by the animals and the scenery.
Gower’s spine, the upland area at Cefn Bryn. This is a well-known area for spotting them grazing, often near the small parking space at the summit. See the ponies and the famed King Arthur’s Stone.
The Salt Marshes on the Gower peninsula’s northern shores. Whiteford, Landimore and Llanrhidian are recommended.
The moorlands and commons, such as Fairwood where you’ll often see herds at the side of the roads.
You’ll be captivated by the sight of them, but they come with health warnings to keep both you and the ponies safe. Please, please:
Drive with caution – there are warning signs, but please be extremely careful when driving as the ponies (and other livestock) can wander onto roads unexpectedly.
Do not feed them – the ponies are on a specific diet and feeding can cause health problems and encourage them on to the roads!
Keep your distance – although the ponies are accustomed to people, it is important to keep a safe distance for that photo opportunity and not approach them closely.
We don’t have any wild ponies in or around Oxwich but all the locations mentioned above are within a maximum of 5-mins driving time.
We’d love you to see Gower’s wild ponies and for you to make Bayview Oxwich your base. Please contact the Team at Bayview Oxwich to discuss your booking needs or if you have any other queries regarding our collection of luxury holiday rentals.