Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Wild Stretch of Coast
START RHOSSILI
FINISH PORT EYNON
LENGTH 7 MILES; 3 HOURS
This wonderful walk takes in a precipitate stretch of Gower coastline, topped with ancient hill forts and punctu-
ated by beautiful sandy coves. It runs from Rhossili in the west to the quaintly touristy village of Port Eynon in
the east; there's no refreshment en route so take food and water.
The walk starts at
Rhossili
, a high vantage point overlooking a beach that's been voted one of the best in
the world. You might want to fuel up here at the Bay Bistro and Coffee House (
Click here
). Follow the path down
to the
Worms Head
- it is possible to walk out to the headland, but only at low tide or it will be partly sub-
merged. On the high point facing the head is a Victorian coastguard station, still very much in use.
The route follows the coast above the golden beaches of Fall and
Mewslade
bays. Beyond,
Thurba
Head
has been in National Trust hands since 1933. More ancient history is evident at the
Knave Promon-
tory Fort
, the largest of several Iron Age structures you'll see on the walk. Built 10,000 years ago, it would ori-
ginally have been edged by a fence constructed from wooden stakes. Beyond is the fossil-rich Horse Cliff. And
then you pass above the
Goats Hole
, a cave in the cliff (only accessible from the water) that was the site of a
hugely significant prehistoric burial: the Red Lady of Paviland.
Beyond this point the cliffs descend and the going is easier for a long stretch. Then you begin to climb upwards
to Port Eynon Point. There's an interesting detour near the summit - a steep descent to
Culver Hole
, a
ruined medieval dovecote crammed into a fissure in the cliff. Bear in mind though that it's unsigned, a little hard
to find, and the descent is steep.
On the fringes of
Port Eynon
you pass the Salt House, a salt-extraction unit built in the 16th century. At
the village itself, you can catch the Gower Explorer bus back to Rhossili.
Activities
Sam's Surf Shack
( 01792-390519;
www.samssurfshack.com
; Rhossili; board & wetsuit hire per day £22, bodyboard & wetsuit £20)
Hire surfie gear at the Gower's most beautiful beach; they'll give you dry-land instruc-
tions but they don't do lessons. Try bodyboarding to get a taste for the thrills of surfing.
SURFING
Eating
The Worms Head Hotel, which dominates Rhossili, is recommended for its epic beach
views.
Bay Bistro & Coffee House
BISTRO
£
