Barland Common

Settlement in Glamorgan

Wales

Barland Common

Pasture land in eastern Gower Hams Wood is in the distance, right. — Pasture land in eastern Gower Credit: Jonathan Billinger

Barland Common is a small village located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Situated in the southern part of the country, it is nestled amidst the picturesque rolling hills and lush green landscapes that characterize the region. The village itself is relatively small, with a population of around 500 residents.

Barland Common is known for its tranquil and rural atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet away from the bustling city. The village is primarily residential, with a scattering of quaint cottages and a few local businesses.

Surrounded by natural beauty, Barland Common offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. The nearby countryside provides idyllic walking trails, perfect for those who enjoy hiking and nature walks. Additionally, the village is in close proximity to several notable attractions, including the stunning Glamorgan Heritage Coastline, which offers breathtaking seaside views and sandy beaches.

Despite its small size, Barland Common has a strong sense of community. The local residents are friendly and welcoming, and the village hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including village fairs and community gatherings. The village also has a primary school, a church, and a pub, which serves as a social hub for locals and visitors alike.

In summary, Barland Common is a charming village in Glamorgan, Wales, offering a peaceful and rural lifestyle in a beautiful natural setting. It is a place where residents and visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside while still being within reach of nearby attractions and amenities.

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Barland Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.581919/-4.0508445 or Grid Reference SS5889. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pasture land in eastern Gower

Hams Wood is in the distance, right.

Jonathan Billinger

Gower moorland

View north from north of Kittle near Swansea Airport.

Jonathan Billinger

Edge of moorland

Looking north from the Kittle Road.

Jonathan Billinger

Kittle Road

Looking west towards the A4118 and Ilston.

Jonathan Billinger

Inside the Motte

This ancient and overgrown Motte lies on the southern edge of this square. It was difficult to photograph in the strong low sunlight on Boxing Day afternoon but the low boundary walls can be seen over the other side - the walls formed an almost perfect circle - even now after so many years. The over-exposed sunlit saplings in the foreground add to the magic of this hidden gem.

Dave Gray

Looking south towards the Motte

Finding the Motte which is marked on the OS map is quite difficult. But the stream and steep banks around its northern flank form a natural barrier around the bluff.

Dave Gray

Nature trail boardwalk

The approach to the Motte is naturally guarded by streams and boggy ground. In the recent past a permissive footpath has been established to allow walkers to enjoy this unspoilt corner of Bishopston Valley. This photograph shows how nature works to reclaim the ground.

Dave Gray

Footpath near the Bishopston Valley

The waymarker directs to Southgate village (behind me) or Pwll Du Bay (to the right) but I am off to the left and the deep Bishopston Valley. A nice ford here often used by cattle (to drink at) and horse riders (to ride through).

Jeremy Bolwell

Footbridge near the Bishopston Valley

A footbridge crosses the stream here as the footpath passes through pretty woodland.

Jeremy Bolwell

A June evening at Brandy Cove

Brandy Cove is a small sandy cove with rocky sides and a quiet spot to spend some time on a sunny June evening. Apparently its name derives from the fact that it was an ideal landing point for smugglers bringing in contraband French Brandy in the 1700's.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Gower coastline near Brandy Cove

Whiteshell Point is the prominent headland beyond Caswell Bay.

Jeremy Bolwell

Pwlldu Bay, Gower

What an impressive bay; sloping golden sands, high storm beach of bluey-white pebbles, almost a lagoon behind the storm beach, thickly wooded cliffs and valley and a few small cottages. A peaceful haven. But in the 19th century this spot was a hive of industry; the cliffs were quarried for limestone, the limestone was burned and shipped here to North Devon fields to be spread on the land, ships carrying this were beached awaiting their cargoes, and workers and sailors crowded the public houses, which is what these white cottages once were.

Jeremy Bolwell

Oh! The hand is out again...

The NT have obviously employed the services of a donation operative who is housed in here to ensure that passing walkers cough up. A bit direct though. Almost pushy.

Jeremy Bolwell

Ford behind Pwlldu Bay

The cottages here are accessed in a vehicle through this picturesque ford.

Jeremy Bolwell

St Teilo's Church, Bishopston

This ancient church on the Gower peninsula has a public footpath running right through its churchyard. See Link

for some history.

Nigel Davies

Footbridge over the Bishopston Stream

Bishopston Stream has disappeared down sink holes and reappeared in various different places at different times. Despite it not appearing on current maps it is now present above ground, here next to Church Lane. At the corner of Church Lane and Old Kittle Road if crosses the tarmac forming a shallow ford. This not entirely adjacent footbridge has been built to allow dry passage around the ford.

Nigel Davies

Bishopston Stream descends into a sink hole

The Bishopston stream fords Church Lane / Old Kittle Road just a few yards upstream from here, visible in the background. After just a short run it disappears down a small sink hole and isn't seen again for another kilometre. The riverbed immediately downstream from here is dry but devoid of mulch or vegetation, hinting that this small sink hole lacks the capacity to devour the stream during greater flows. See also SS5789 : Bishopston Stream disappears into a sink hole for a close up of the sink hole.

Nigel Davies