2022 marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of this countrywide coastal footpath – so to celebrate, we’re going to share one of our favourite parts of the route …
Start at Swansea – our Waterfront City – with a warm-up stroll along the Promenade, flat and wholly accessible all the way to Mumbles. Your first stop will have to be for a famous Mumbles ice-cream, you won’t even have to deviate from your route!
After Mumbles the succession of towering South Gower cliffs begins. Some new parts of this footpath are also accessible, so walkers with wheelchairs and pushchairs can also enjoy the amazing views from sections of the path between Limeslade, Langland and Caswell Bays. Things start to get wilder after Caswell and it’s not just the scenery! Brandy Cove and Pwll Du Bay both played a key role in landing smuggled goods in the 18th and 19th centuries. Continuing along the clifftop you won’t miss the iconic Three Cliffs Bay (the clue’s in the name!) – look out for the ruins of Pennard Castle nearby. At Oxwich Bay, the terrain changes to sand dunes and marshland – part of Oxwich National Nature Reserve. Head for the cliff-tops again around Oxwich Point to Port Eynon Bay, once the 18th century HQ of another infamous smuggling gang.
You can continue along the cliffs, but if you take the route along the rocks or beach below (dependent on the tide), you’ll see the curious Culver Hole – originally a medieval dovecote but then used as storage for that smuggled contraband! Continuing along the clifftop path you’ll reach the Gower Coast National Nature Reserve and Worm’s Head snaking out to sea, this heralds the beginning of the Atlantic facing sweep of Rhossili Bay. Only venture onto the Causeway to Worm’s Head if the tide is in your favour – check this at the Coastwatch centre at the beginning of the Causeway.
Now head for the hill – and continue your walk atop Rhossili Downs for some outstanding views across the Bay, Worm’s Head and the tidal island of Burry Holms.
Allow 2-3 days to walk the route – dependant on how many stops you make to explore!
If 51 miles of Gower Coast Path is not enough, then don’t worry we have more routes to enjoy! If you’re ready to ramble then walk the Gower Way, in three sections, this takes you from the highest point in Swansea Bay at Penlle’r Castell, all the way to the westernmost tip of the Peninsula at Rhossili. In addition, we have woodland walks; try Bishop’s Wood Nature Reserve and Clyne Country Park, waterfall walks at Penllergare Valley Woods and lakeside walks in Lliw Valley.
Find more information on walking at visitswanseabay.com/walking
Comfy accommodation that doesn’t mind muddy boots visitswanseabay.com/walkers-welcome
