The bold and the beautiful
Start: Rhossili Car Park
Finish: Rhossili Car Park
Distance: 3 km
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: 4
Terrain: Mostly Tarmac
Features: Incredible Coastal scenery and unspoilt wild beauty
Overview of this walk: Without a doubt, the heart of the Gower can be found on foot. Especially when your steps take you to Rhossili which is highly regarded as the most beautiful and awe-inspiring beach in the country.
Rhossili is located at the most western point of the Gower Peninsula, and the best spot to park is on top of the cliffs in the village. The village itself is enchanting. The narrow streets are lined with charming cottages and galleries where local artists try to capture the wildness and magic of the surrounding scenery.
Walking directly ahead of you on to the cliff top itself, you can enjoy the best views of the extensive bay below. The cliffs cast enormous shadows on the golden sand beneath you, which stretches out for miles, eventually joining Llangennith. Part of the headland is known as Worms Head, an unusual shaped part of the headland which becomes an island at high tide, stretching far out to sea.
This area is packed with wildlife, from horses and sheep, to rabbits and a variety of birds. Situated towards the end of the headland is a National Trust Visitors Centre, which houses an interesting exhibition on the local area aswell as a shop for all your postcard needs. The view from the edge of the cliffs is truly breath taking and it is easy to understand why so many writers and artists have taken inspiration from the scene.
Heading back towards the car park, on your left you will find a set of steps leading down to the beach itself. It is quite a steep but safe walk, and is not at all suitable for bikes or buggies. This path leads you down the cliff side onto the beach, winding you in and out of the fantastic scenery. Once upon the beach take a look down the beach to your right. Here lies the wreck of the Helvetia, which ran aground on Rhossili Bay in 1887, bearing witness to the savage storms that can hit this impressive piece of coastline.
The distance you cover here is entirely up to you. If its New Years and you need to burn off all the calories from Christmas, then why not stroll down to Llangennith? Or if it’s a little too nippy, then walk along the waters edge and investigate what has been washed up in the surf. Making your way, when you are ready, back up the steps towards the village. The Worms Head Pub has a very warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere and can be just the ticket after such an adventure. The panoramic views from this pub are particularly incredible, especially the sunsets, watched over a steaming apple and rhubarb crumble.
If you are looking for rugged landscape, tranquillity and unspoilt naturally wild beauty, then Rhossili is the place for you.
...if you're looking for somewhere to stay in the local area visit our Mumbles hotels guide
Photos of this walk
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