Returning back to the sheep laden hills of the Gower for Love Trails festival this year felt somewhat like returning a piece of my soul home. It’s achingly beautiful scenery provides the perfect surrounding for a weekend that is filled with positivity and warmth. Wether you chose to get involved with some of the many runs on offer, ranging from a 400m beer relay race (yes that does involve exactly what it sounds like- downing a beer and then running 400 meters!), a 4k run to yoga or even an ultra trail race- there really is something for everyone here.

In-between the runs, plenty of activities are on offer such as rock climbing, yoga and even foraging. There are also plenty of talks in a range of subjects from optimising your running technique to cooking whilst camping. It’s lovely just to go for a stroll around the local area or immerse yourself in the area and take a trip to the nearby and absolutely stunning beach Rhossili beach which offers a long stretch of picture perfect sand- honestly unbelievable that you are in the UK if lucky enough to be a sunny day whilst you’re there.

Throughout the day and into the nights there is a range of music on offer, from headliners Joy (anonymous) who not only performed on the main stage on the Saturday night but did a fantastic secret set next to the castle, with a stretch of stunning sheep laden fields as a backdrop. They also focus on bringing local acts to the festival, highlighting their talent.

This festivals atmosphere is so welcoming and friendly and small enough that you’ll recognise and make friends with many new faces- and a very short walk from your tent to the stages so you can take it easy on your aching legs! My final tip is to make use of the hot tubs, especially with a prosecco in hand.