Walking the Wales Coastal Path on the Gower Peninsula

The Wales Coastal Path stretches around the whole coastline of Wales, a distance of 870 miles. Last weekend was spent walking the Wales Coastal Path on the Gower Peninsula. The Gower Peninsula is in the south of Wales, projecting westwards into the Bristol Channel. In 1956, Gower became the first area in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area is known for its coastline, popular with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially surfers.

Our walk took us from Rhossili Bay to Three Cliffs Bay, a distance of approximately 16 miles, just a small part of the Wales Coastal Path. We started at Rhosili Bay, voted Wales’ Best Beach 2017 and one of the UK’s Top 10 Beaches for five years running in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards. So what’s all the fuss about? Three miles of sandy beach, encompassing one of Gower’s most famous landmarks, Worms Head; whilst watersports and in particular surfing, benefit from the Atlantic swell. The views from the headland of the surfers down below and the expanse of Rhossili Bay were beautiful.

From Rhossili our walk took us across fields and cliff tops as we made our way towards Port Eynon, a distance of almost seven miles.

Port Eynon is a lovely spot, right on the beach, with a couple of cafes, shops and good pubs. We stopped and enjoyed a take-away tea sat on the edge of the beach looking out to sea.

Then on to our lunch spot at the Ship Inn, in Port Eynon. It was gloriously sunny by now so we sat outside and enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the sun. This is a great place to stop if walking the coastal path.

After our lunch in Port Eynon it it was time to continue onwards to Oxwich Bay, a distance of almost five miles. Most of this section of the walk is close to the sea with great views. The toughest section of the whole walk comes just before Oxwich Bay. Here you have to climb up to Oxwich Point (lots of steps!) and back down the other side. Then its a pleasant meander to Oxwich Bay. If you fancy afternoon tea at this point then you can stop at the Oxwich Hotel.

Our walk then took us along Oxwich Bay from one side to the other, with a final pull up to Penmaen.

In total this walk is about 16 miles, a spectacular walk, taking you through some of the best scenery on the south Gower coast. We would highly recommend walking the Wales Coastal Path on the Gower Peninsula.

WHERE WE STAYED

We stayed for two nights at the Old Vicarage, Llandewi, Reynoldston. This is a beautiful traditional house sleeping fourteen. We were nine and fitted perfectly. We would certainly recommend hiring this house if you are a larger group walking the Wales Coastal Path on the Gower Peninsula.