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South Gower Coast, Rhossili to Oxwich

This stretch of coast is rich in wildlife and history and is a stunning and varied landscape of cliff scenery, woodland and dunes.

Clear days allow views out to the island of Lundy and across to the North Devon Coast. Probably the most recognisable feature along this stretch of coast is the tidal island of Worms Head at Rhossili.

From Rhossili to Port Eynon, this stretch of limestone coast is remote, rugged and wild, mostly owned by the National Trust Gower (opens new window) and managed with help from The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (opens new window), which manages six reserves here including Deborah's Hole, Long Hole Cliff, Port Eynon Point, Sedger's Bank, Overton Cliff and Roydon's Corner and Overton Mere. It is along this stretch of coast where the prehistoric bones of the Red Lady of Paviland was discovered in one of the cliff side caves, along with bones of mammoth. The south facing cliffs support an array of scarce flora and fauna. Birds such as chough and raven can often been seen.

From Port Eynon to Oxwich is a mosaic of coastal habitats including the Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats: lowland heath, sand dune, lowland acid grassland, lowland calcareous grassland and maritime cliff and slope. The site supports a good biodiversity of flora and fauna and is of importance for several species of conservation concern including peregrine falcon.

Oxwich Wood adjoins this area which is predominantly ancient woodland and again of considerable importance for nature conservation.

Oxwich National Nature Reserve is a wildlife rich area of sand dunes and marshland managed by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW).

Highlights

The rare Dartford warbler is being spotted with increasing frequency along this stretch of coast.

Designations

  • Slade Cliffs, Horton Cliffs, Sedgers Bank and Port Eynon Point are all areas of registered common land
  • There are several Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) including Penmaen and Pennard Burrows, Oxwich Woods and Port Eynon to Horton
  • Heritage Coast
  • National Nature Reserve (NNR)
  • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
  • Gower Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
  • Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Facilities

  • Pub/hotel/restaurant at Rhossili, Port Eynon, Oxwich
  • National Trust Shop and Visitor Centre at Rhossili
  • Public toilets at Rhossili, Port Eynon and Oxwich Beach
  • Seasonal snack kiosks on Oxwich Beach
  • Car park (with charges) at Rhossili, Oxwich and Port Eynon
  • Fish and chip shops at Port Eynon

Access information

Grid Reference SS495835
OS Explorer Map 164 Gower

Footpaths

There are way marked footpaths along this whole stretch of coast. Mobile phone reception is poor and parts of the route are remote so be well equipped and prepared. 

Self guided walk leaflets - produced by the National Trust titled 'Port Eynon to Rhossili' and 'Worms Head, Fall Bay and Mewslade', available from the National Trust Visitor Centre and Shop and local shops.

Car

Car parking at Rhossili, Port Eynon and Oxwich. From Swansea follow the main South Gower road (A4118) to Oxwich (closest to Swansea) and Port Eynon. For Rhossili, turn off A4118 before Port Eynon onto B4247.

Buses

There are regular buses (Gower Explorer) along the South Gower.

Bridleways

Bridleway access along the coast is very limited. There is a small stretch in Overton, near to Port Eynon.

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