A walker felt “apprehensive” as he came across a dangerous snake on his walk through a popular pilgrimage on the Gower peninsula. Paul Rees, a keen adventurer and walker, has advised fellow dog walkers to keep “a healthy distance” away from adders after he spotted one on his walk on Cefn Bryn.
Paul was walking along the historic route on the Reynoldston to Penmaen leg of the Gower Pilgrimage walk when he spotted the animal on Wednesday, April 8.
The 50-mile long Gower Pilgrimage Way links all 17 historic churches in Gower and is popular amongst those who enjoy the outdoors, including Paul who took on part of the walk for research for a website about historic Welsh walks that he is building.
With the weather getting warmer, reaching over 20C in Swansea on Wednesday, adders are more likely to be seen inwoodland, heathland and moorland habitats.
Adders are a species of venomous snake that can be dangerous, especially around pets. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here
After seeing the snake Paul said: “In all honesty I’d been half-expecting it as last Wednesday was remarkably hot, so snakes coming out to warm up was quite likely. I felt a little apprehensive as they can cause severe illness, and certainly dangerous to dogs, but also felt delighted and privileged.
“My message would be very much to enjoy observing them if you come across them, but to remain a healthy distance when doing so and keep pets under control.”