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Cwm Ivy Marsh

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

A captivating tidal salt marsh and ancient woodland on the Gower Peninsula, offering serene walks and rich birdlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Explore the salt marsh fully

CrowdLow
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Cwm Ivy Marsh - Image 1

Cwm Ivy Marsh

Best Time

Low tide

Explore the salt marsh fully

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A captivating tidal salt marsh and ancient woodland on the Gower Peninsula, offering serene walks and rich birdlife.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A truly unique Gower experience where the landscape dramatically transforms with the tide."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:

Crucial for accessing the salt marsh. High tide can cut off paths. Plan your visit accordingly!

Wear Sturdy Boots :athletic_shoe:

Muddy, uneven terrain is common. Waterproof walking boots are a must for comfort and safety.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cwm Ivy Salt Marsh

Cwm Ivy Salt Marsh

Adjacent to Cwm Ivy Wood

A unique tidal landscape teeming with birdlife. Explore its ever-changing beauty at low tide.

Cwm Ivy Woods

Cwm Ivy Woods

National Trust land

Ancient woodlands offering serene walking trails with glimpses of the salt marsh and coast.

Coastal Views

Coastal Views

Various points along the trails

Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Bristol Channel and the surrounding Gower Peninsula.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tides

Cwm Ivy Marsh is a tidal area, meaning its appearance and accessibility change dramatically with the tide. Check tide times before you go to make the most of your visit, especially if you want to explore the salt marsh. High tide can make some paths impassable.

Footwear is Key

This is a natural landscape with varied terrain. Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are highly recommended for navigating muddy paths, salt marshes, and woodland trails. Expect uneven ground and potentially wet conditions, even on a dry day.

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Explore the salt marsh fully
Crowd
Low
When
Spring mornings
Why
Birdsong and blooming flora
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light on the marsh
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cwmbwla Roundabout #swansea #flood #cwmbwla #fyp #swanseaflood
@dani_33_c
640 likes • 21.8K views

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:

Crucial for accessing the salt marsh. High tide can cut off paths. Plan your visit accordingly! Instagram

Wear Sturdy Boots :athletic_shoe:

Muddy, uneven terrain is common. Waterproof walking boots are a must for comfort and safety. Instagram

We're back in Swansea to revisit last year's #BestWorstTeam Cwm Albion, and they're in the cup final?!​ Find out how they got on in the Cup Final Special of Best Worst Team on YouTube now.
@specsavers
494 likes • 267.1K views
First time visiting this hidden gem in #Gower — Cwm Ivy. 🌿 Start at Cwm Ivy car park (leave some money in the honesty box) 🌿 Turn right and walk through the village until you reach the National Trust gate signed ‘Cwm Ivy Wood’ 🌿 Get lost in the woods and explore the salt marsh 🌿 Cosy up with a pint at @britanniagower #walesbytrails #llwybrau #findyourepic #visitwales #croesocymru #wales #...
thegowergoodlife
50 likes • 2.7K views

Honesty Box Parking :parking:

Parking is available at Cwm Ivy car park, often with an honesty box for contributions. Instagram

Bring Binoculars :binoculars:

Ideal for spotting the diverse birdlife in the salt marsh. Instagram

Let’s take a walk outside…. Whitford/Cwm Ivy has so much to offer: woodlands, salt marsh and beach. • #whitford #cwmivy #gower #ntwales #nationaltrust #nationaltrustwales #nationaltrustwalks #walks #wales #southwales #lovegower #getoutside #letstakeawalkoutside #capturewales #ukhikes #hikinguk #walescoastalpath #walescoast #yourcoasts #yourwales #explorewales #walkingwales #staycation
photos_by_sarahlou
54 likes • 600 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:

Crucial for accessing the salt marsh. High tide can cut off paths. Plan your visit accordingly! Instagram

Wear Sturdy Boots :athletic_shoe:

Muddy, uneven terrain is common. Waterproof walking boots are a must for comfort and safety. Instagram

Honesty Box Parking :parking:

Parking is available at Cwm Ivy car park, often with an honesty box for contributions. Instagram

Bring Binoculars :binoculars:

Ideal for spotting the diverse birdlife in the salt marsh. Instagram

Respect Nature :seedling:

Stay on marked paths to protect the delicate salt marsh ecosystem and woodlands. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cwm Ivy Marsh for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the unique tidal salt marsh and serene woodlands. It's a haven for nature lovers and photographers, offering peaceful walks and abundant birdlife. However, the lack of facilities and the absolute necessity of checking tide times are frequently mentioned points to consider.

What People Like

Beautiful tidal salt marsh
Peaceful woodland walks
Abundant birdlife

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Tide-dependent access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cwm Ivy Marsh is located on the Gower Peninsula. The most common access point is via the Cwm Ivy car park. You can reach this by car, following signs for Cwm Ivy. Public transport options are limited in this rural area, so driving is generally recommended. Instagram

Yes, there is a car park at Cwm Ivy, which often operates on an honesty box system for contributions. It's advisable to bring some cash for this. Instagram

Cycling is possible on the local roads leading to Cwm Ivy. However, once you reach the marsh and woodland areas, it's best to dismount and walk to protect the environment and for safety. Instagram

Public transport to Cwm Ivy is infrequent. While buses may serve nearby villages, you'll likely need to walk a significant distance or arrange a taxi from the nearest bus stop. Checking local bus timetables is essential. Instagram

Using a map of the National Trust trails and paying attention to signage is recommended. The area is best explored on foot. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Cwm Ivy Marsh itself. However, the car park at Cwm Ivy often has an honesty box for donations to help with maintenance. Instagram

Cwm Ivy Marsh is a natural landscape and is accessible at all times. However, your ability to explore the salt marsh is dictated by the tide. Instagram

The Cwm Ivy Woods are managed by the National Trust. While there's no specific entry fee for the woods, donations to the National Trust are always appreciated to help maintain these beautiful areas. Instagram

You can visit Cwm Ivy Marsh at any time, but it's crucial to check the tide times. High tide will limit access to the salt marsh areas. Instagram

No, there are no booking requirements for visiting Cwm Ivy Marsh or its surrounding woodlands. It's a natural area open to the public. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking through the Cwm Ivy Woods, exploring the unique salt marsh at low tide, and observing the diverse birdlife. It's a great spot for nature photography and peaceful strolls. Instagram+1

Yes, Cwm Ivy Marsh can be suitable for children, but supervision is essential, especially near the water and on uneven terrain. The woods offer a safe space for exploration. Instagram

The salt marsh is a haven for various bird species, particularly waders and waterfowl. The woodlands are home to woodland birds and small mammals. Instagram

Dogs are generally welcome in the Cwm Ivy Woods and surrounding areas, but they must be kept on a lead, especially during bird breeding seasons or when near livestock. Always check local signage. Instagram

Facilities are minimal. There are no public toilets or cafes directly at Cwm Ivy Marsh. The nearest amenities might be found in nearby villages like Llanmadoc or in the Britannia Inn. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The salt marsh offers dramatic landscapes at different tides, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ancient trees in Cwm Ivy Woods also provide excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography. Low tide provides unique textures and reflections on the salt marsh. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for birdwatching. A tripod can help with low-light conditions and capturing reflections. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be mindful of the environment and other visitors. Instagram

The combination of tidal salt marsh, ancient woodlands, and coastal views provides diverse and photogenic scenes throughout the year. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cwm Ivy Marsh and its woods can be a fun adventure for families, but careful planning is key. The Cwm Ivy Woods offer a safer, more contained environment for children to explore, with clear paths. Pack waterproofs and wellington boots for everyone, as the marsh can get very muddy! Instagram

Visiting during low tide is essential to make the most of the marsh. Bring binoculars for a bit of wildlife spotting – kids often love trying to find birds. While there are no dedicated play areas, the natural environment itself provides plenty of opportunities for imaginative play. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near any water or uneven ground. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers

For those passionate about nature, Cwm Ivy Marsh is a gem. The tidal salt marsh is a crucial habitat for a variety of bird species, especially waders and waterfowl. Visiting at low tide is paramount for observing feeding and resting birds. Bring your binoculars and a good field guide to identify the species you encounter. Instagram

The surrounding Cwm Ivy Woods also offer opportunities to spot woodland birds and other wildlife. The changing light throughout the day, particularly during sunrise and sunset, can create dramatic and beautiful scenes for photography. The National Trust's management of the woods ensures a well-preserved natural environment for you to enjoy. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Tides at Cwm Ivy Marsh

Cwm Ivy Marsh is a dynamic environment heavily influenced by the tides of the Bristol Channel. At low tide, the vast expanse of the salt marsh is revealed, creating a unique habitat for wading birds and offering opportunities for exploration. This is the prime time to walk across the marsh, observe its intricate patterns, and capture stunning reflections. However, at high tide, much of the marsh becomes submerged, transforming the landscape and potentially making certain paths impassable. It's essential to consult local tide tables before your visit to plan your exploration effectively and avoid getting stranded or missing out on the marsh's full character. Instagram

The changing nature of the marsh means that each visit can offer a different experience. The water levels and exposed mudflats create ever-shifting photographic opportunities. Birdwatchers will find the marsh particularly rewarding, as it attracts a variety of species that feed and rest in this rich environment. Remember that the ground can be very soft and muddy, so appropriate footwear is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience. Instagram+1

Exploring Cwm Ivy Woods

Adjacent to the salt marsh, Cwm Ivy Woods offer a contrasting yet complementary experience. These ancient woodlands provide a sheltered and serene environment for walking, with well-defined trails winding through the trees. The woods are managed by the National Trust, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for visitors. As you wander, you might catch glimpses of the salt marsh through the trees or hear the calls of woodland birds. Instagram

The atmosphere within the woods is often peaceful and tranquil, offering a welcome respite from the open expanse of the marsh. The varied terrain within the woods means sturdy footwear is still advisable. These trails are perfect for a more relaxed stroll or for those seeking shade on a sunny day. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna that thrive in this woodland ecosystem. Instagram

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