Gower Peninsula, Wales

A rider powers up the Cefn Bryn ridge on south Wales' Gower Peninsula.

-  John Whitney

This high and handsome 5-mile sandstone ridge, one of the highest points on the peninsula with 360° panoramic views, runs down the centre of the Gower and is a tranquil escape from what, in the summer months, can be a tourist magnet down below. One reason why can be seen to the left of the rider, in the spectacular Three Cliffs Bay and beach, part of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path that includes the entirety of the Gower's coastline. With its easy-on-the-eye limestone cliffs and sand dunes, from the village of Southgate it's one of the best walks you'll find in the whole of the UK.

Thanks to its brilliant beaches, the Gower is a hugely popular holiday destination. West of Three Cliffs Bay is Oxwich Bay Beach, popular with families; and head far west to reach Rhossili Bay Beach, a three-mile stretch of sand popular with dog walkers and watersports enthusiasts that's regularly voted as one of the best British beaches.