The Gower Coastal Trail Races are three unforgettable long-distance challenges along the Wales Coast Path, showcasing the beauty and drama of the Gower Peninsula.

Gower Ultra 50: A full 50-mile circumnavigation of the peninsula.

Gower Ultra Bach: (34 miles): The final two-thirds of the coastline, from Llandimore to Mumbles.

Gower Trail Race: (23 miles): The last stretch of the Ultra route, from Rhossili to Mumbles.

The Ultra 50 begins at Mumbles Cricket Club, heading out to the cliffs above Limeslade Bay before descending to Mumbles Pier.  From there, the course follows a fast, flat section around Swansea Bay before turning inland through Clyne Woods, then dropping onto an old railway line cycle path that leads runners north to Gowerton.

Here, the route regains the Coastal Path along the Loughor Estuary, winding towards Llanrhidian and the start of the true coastal trails. This is where the Ultra Bach joins the course, and the terrain quickly shifts – hard paths give way to rolling cliff tops, soft trails, dunes, and hidden coves.

A long crossing of Rhossili Bay brings runners to a steep climb onto the cliffs, with breath taking views across the bay and out to Worm’s Head.  Now joined by the Trail Race all 3 routes head east together along the rugged South Gower coastline.

From Port Eynon through Oxwich, Three Cliffs, Caswell and Langland, the route delivers a chain of spectacular bays and dramatic headlands before the final push to Rams Tor, where your Gower adventure comes to a close.

A map and GPS File is available at the link at the bottom of the page. To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.

The route mainly follows the Wales Coast Path, which is clearly signposted throughout. At points where the course leaves the Coast Path, or where navigation could be tricky, we will add extra arrows, flags, or marshals.

This is a self-navigated event, and runners are expected to use a combination of: GPS trace (on a watch or phone app), Wales Coast Path signs and Route map and instructions

In reality, navigation is straightforward: over 90% of the course hugs the coastline, and many runners complete the race simply by following the Coast Path markers. Most participants, however, will rely primarily on their GPS devices for reassurance.  Our aim is to make navigation as smooth as possible, but ultimately it is the runner’s responsibility to stay on the advertised route.  

If your expected 50-mile time is over 12 hours, you should also be prepared to run and navigate in the dark, as the final checkpoints may well be after sunset.

There will be a number of manned checkpoints which we will provide refreshments, usually water, energy drinks, tea & coffee, sweets, biscuits, crisps, fruit, soup etc.  Please see question 17 on the FAQs for a full list of checkpoint provisions. The checkpoints are at:  

 

CP1- Dunvant (7miles)- Layby on Cyclepath 

CP2- Llhanrhidian (16.5 miles)- Indoor Village Hall - SHOE BAGS AVALIABLE HERE (Ultra 50)

CP3/1- Broughton (23/5miles)- Private caravan site  

CP4/2- Rhosslli (27.5/9.5miles)- Large Tent in Car Park by National Trust Building.  

CP5/3/1- Port Eynon (34/16/6miles)- Indoor in Village Hall  

CP6/4/2- Oxwich Bay - (38/20/10miles) Large Tent in Car Park 

CP7/5/3 -Three Cliffs (42/24/14miles) - Campsite  

CP8/6/4- Southgate (46/28/18miles)- Large Tent in Car Park

Bus Transport

Ultra Bach (34 miles): Coaches leave Mumbles Cricket Club at 08:00.

Trail Race (23 miles): Coaches leave Mumbles Cricket Club at 09:30.

If you’d like to use this service, please select the bus option when you register.

Drop-off at Race Starts
You are welcome to be dropped off at the start lines.

Important: There is no parking at the Ultra Bach start. This is a working farm with a very narrow lane. We recommend being dropped at the top of the lane and walking down to the start.

For the Trail Race, there is ample parking at Rhossili Pay & Display Car Park, making it easy for friends and family to cheer you on.

More details on checkpoint access for supporters will be shared in the event notes.

All courses close at 2230 and the overall time limits are as follows. 

-Gower Ultra 50 has a 15.5 hours time limit 

-Gower Ultra Bach has a 13 hours time limit

-Gower Trail Race has a 11.5 hours time limit

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried.  All items must be carried - regardless of the forecast.  This can be viewed here. 

1800-2100 Registration for all races at Mumbles Cricket Club.  Please note GPS trackers will be fitted on Saturday at Mumbles Cricket Club.  There is no tracker fitting at the race starts.

Ultra 50  

-0600-0630 Registration for Ultra 50 Runners at Mumbles Cricket Club

-0600-0630 GPS Tracker fitting in Mumbles Cricket Club 

-0640 Race Brief for Gower 50 Runners in Mumbles Cricket Club 

-0700 Gower Ultra 50 Start at Mumbles Cricket Club 

Ultra Bach 

-0715-0745 Registration for Ultra Bach Runners at Mumbles Cricket Club 

-0715-0745 GPS Tracker fitting in Mumbles Cricket Club 

-0800 Coach collection for Ultra Bach Runners and drop to Weobley Castle 

-0915 Race Brief for Gower Ultra Bach Runners at Weobley Castle 

-0930 Gower Ultra Bach Start from Weobley Castle 

Trail Race 

-0830-0915- Registration for Trail Race Runners at Mumbles Cricket Club

-0830-0915 GPS Tracker fitting in Mumbles Cricket Club

-0930 Coach collection for Trail Race Runners and drop to Rhossili 

-1045 Race Brief for Trail Race Runners at Rhossili

-1100 Gower Trail Race Start from Rhossili

Access and Accommodation  

The Start locations provides easy transport links. The mumbles is 1 hour from from Cardiff, 35 minutes from Llanelli, 1 hour 40 minutes from Bristol and 20 minutes from the M4. 

There are many hotels, campsites and bunkhouses around Swansea and the Mumbles and further afield on the Gower Peninsula itself. Furthermore, it is a great event to bring the family, and supporters to with numerous easily accessed beaches, numerous (and exceptional) cafes and ice-cream parlours, great leisure facilities and excellent bars and restaurants. 

£85 for the Gower Ultra 50  

£55 for the Gower Ultra Bach (race only)

£42 for the Gower Trail Race (race only)

£10 for Coach to start (Limited places so book when you sign up to guarantee a space!)

£35 Race hoody

£15 Technical race t-shirt

Entry into an established and professionally run event 

Well stocked checkpoints - 8 for the Ultra 50, 6 for the Ultra Bach, and 4 for the Trail Race 

Changing facilities, toilets and showers at the event base

Free race photography

Event buff

Event medal

Social afterparty where the bar will be open at the Mumbles Cricket Club!

Post race soup and a roll

Physiotherapy and first aid cover

Electronic timing

Drop bag provided along transportation to and from Llhanrhidian for the Ultra 50. 

GPS Tracking for all competitors so friends and family (and the event safety team) can monitor your progress around the course