Rhossili Bay and Rhossili Down

Starting point  and OS Grid reference: National Trust Car Park, Rhossili (SS 415881)		Ordnance Survey Map OS Explorer Map 164 - Gower Buy this map from List of OS Maps     Note: If you use OS Maps on-line, you can download this route via this link.
Distance: 3.9 miles	Date of Walk: 15 June 2024
Ascent: Descent: See Walking Time Calculator	824ft (251m) 854ft (260m)
Traffic light rating:   (For explanation see My Walks page)
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To view route as a dynamic Ordnance Survey map click here.

Introduction: Rossili Bay provides a spectacular golden sandy beach at low tide and is backed by Rhossili Down, which provides a great ridge walk with views over the bay, the famous Worm’s Head and inland. It includes the highest point on the Gower Peninsula at 193 metres, marked with a trig. point. There are also the remains of a Bronze age cairn. The views inland are tremendous and virtually the whole peninsula is set out before you.

Looking down from the summit ridge towards the beach you will see what remains of a World War II radar station.

There are a number of Schedules Ancient Monuments on the Down, though I did not seek any of them out, save the remnants of one Bronze Age cairn, by the path.

Rhossili is a small village and its name is thought to come from the Welsh word rhos, meaning Moorland possibly added to part of St.Sili. Excavations have established the presence of a Mediaeval village, complete with church which was overcome by sand. The present church, St. Mary’s, is in a pleasant setting and has a particularly special, modern, stained-glass window, which commemorates Rhossili born Edgar Evans who died in 1912 with Captain Scott on the ill fated South Pole expedition.

This walk would no doubt be particularly colourful July/August as Rhossili Down is covered in heather.

Worms Head can be accessed at low tide.

Navigation is straightforward. There is a bit of a pull to the top of Rhossili Down hence the amber traffic light above but after that it is easy going.

The village has a pub and there is a large National Trust car park and facilities, from where the walk starts. The easiest way to find Rhossili is to join the A4118 from Swansea. Follow this until you reach a signposted turn off for Rhossili at Scurlage and then stay on the B4247 until you get there. Your sat. nav. may have other ideas but beware. There are some fearsomely narrow lanes, which sat. navs. seem to like!

Start: From the car park (SS 415881), turn right and return along the road the way you arrived. When you get to the bus stop on the left, turn left along a stony footpath between the garage and the gate to the rectory.

Reach a three way fingerpost at a wider track (SS 417881). Turn left following a fingerpost for the “Coast Path”.

As you walk along the track, the path up the hill is clearly visible ahead, which you access via a walkers’ gate, next to a five bar gate and bearing right.

Follow the obvious path to the summit where there is a trig point (SS 420889). Follow the path along the summit ridge.

At SS421890 are a collection of stones which are the remains of a Bronze Age cairn although it would be easy to walk past without noticing.

Just before a prominent limestone outcrop, the path forks. Take the right fork (SS420897). This takes you to the top of the outcrop from where there is a good viewpoint.

Continue ahead on a narrow path.

Meet another path at a marker post and turn left. This leads to another junction with a path at another marker post. Turn left again.

The path forks yet again at a marker post. Turn left (SS 419900).

Follow the path downhill until you see the obvious path heading back (left) along the coast back to Rhosilli (SS418908). On the way you pass a lone farmhouse (The Old Rectory).

The path returns you to a gate which should look familiar from the outward journey. Retrace your steps past the church to return to the car park.

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All information on this site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.