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RSPB Rhossili Coastal TrailAn exhilarating walk in one of the most spectacular areas in Wales, owned and managed by The National Trust Autumn in Rhossili Bay, Gower The mix of dramatic cliffs, large beach, undulating upland and wild sea-scape on this walk ensures good views of exciting birdlife throughout the year. Moderate Type Circular Suitable for Adults with good fitness level. Terrain A mix of coastal and heathland terrain, with some rocky areas. Steep part at Rhossili Down when descending from the Beacon. A few points of the walk pass close to cliff edge. Start Rhossili Car Park Finish Rhossili Car Park Distance covered 6 miles Average time 4 hours Useful Information Public Transport: Yes, see our Exploring by bus page Grid reference (start): SS 415 881 OS Explorer 164. Toilets and refreshments available in the small village of Rhossili. Ample parking (private fee applies). Walk details From the car park, turn left onto the concrete path towards Worm's Head. Keep an eye out for soaring peregrines and listen for curlews and other wading birds below on Rhossili beach. Follow the track to the coastguard's house, where you may spot oystercatchers, cormorants, kestrels and even diving gannets. Still on the path, ignore the approaching stile and continue right to the next headland. Soon, you will see Fall Bay, where you may spot choughs and wheatears. At a fork in the path, keep left. At a ladder and wall, turn right, down the slope and then up to the left around the cliff (take care in this rocky area). As the path levels off, watch out for meadow pipits. When you go left, further inland, look for skylarks and bullfinches. Follow the path as it veers left. Go through a gate and continue to the road in Middleton. Have a look at Nitten Field on the left, just after the gate - a wildlife cover crop project attracts yellowhammers, linnets, choughs and tree sparrows. Turn left at he road. After 2 or 3 minutes, turn right at the T-road and walk past Jessamine Farm B&B on the left. After 5 minutes, you will pass Rhossili Activity Centre. Look out for colourful bullfinches. Pass a National Trust sign to Rhossili Down and take an uphill path to your left. At the next 'junction', go left through the gorse, and take the next right. When the path widens into a bridleway, follow it until you see a trig point in front of you. This is the Beacon. Walk towards the caravan site you can see below. Take care as the path goes steeply downwards. Turn left at the wall below, keeping it on your right. Keep to this path, with the NT Visitor Centre in the distance. Watch for kestrels and listen for the sharp chatter of wrens in the undergrowth and the shrill 'zee-zee-zee' of our smallest bird - the goldcrest! Cross a small bridge and follow the path through a gate to the road, where you will see St Mary's Church. Turn right, back to the car park and a well-deserved rest and drink at the local pub or tea room! The above information is an extract from 'RSPB Trails in Wales', www.rspb.org.uk/wales (tel: 02920 353000) |
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RSPB Rhossili Coastal Trail 