Gower Coast Walk: Rhossili Bay Circular

This is a lovely circular route across Rhossili Downs and the South Gower Nature Reserve within the Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The trail starts from Hillend and leads you across the heathland up Rhossili Down. This is a steep ascent to the top of the Down, where you are treated to wonderful views of Rhossili Bay.

You’ll pass the remnants of a Second World War radar station and the remains of Sweynes Hower, Stone Age burial chambers.

You’ll reach the Beacon, which is marked by a Bronze Age cairn and descend to Middleton. As you proceed to Mewslade Bay, you’ll pass several quarry caves, where there are three cave openings for the long disused quarry.

Continue along the coastal cliffs, from where you’ll have excellent views of Penrhyn Gwyr (or Worms Head), a tidal Island that can be accessed via the causeway during low tide.

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you make your way along. Some of the wildlife at Worms Head include Razorbills, Guillemots and Grey Seals.

You’ll pass the Coastwatch Lookout Station and start heading back from here, following the gravel coastal path along the sea cliffs, along which you’re likely to encounter free-roaming sheep and ponies, so keep dogs on leads. You’ll pass Rhossili on the way, where you could detour to stop by the pub or cafe for refreshments.

From Rhossili continue along Rhossili Bay Beach all the way back to the car park.

Take care on the rougher sections of this trail, especially in wetter weather when the trails become muddier. Appropriate footwear is required.

Other points of Interest are the shipwrecks, and an anchor of the Samuel can be found near the causeway at low tide, which was carrying coal from Swansea when it crashed on the rocks in 1884.