Highlight • Viewpoint
View of Three Cliffs Bay
Hiking
5.0
(109)
Running
5.0
(4)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
January 2, 2020
Hiking
April 19, 2023
Running
September 21, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View of Three Cliffs Bay
4.8
(19)
85
hikers
4.74km
01:16
60m
60m
Embark on the Three Cliffs loop from Southgate, a moderate 2.9-mile (4.7 km) hike that takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete, featuring 186 feet (57 metres) of elevation gain. You will navigate varied terrain, including uneven coastal footpaths, sandy sections near the beaches, and potentially muddy paths through wooded valleys. The route offers spectacular views across Gower, with the iconic Three Cliffs Bay and its distinctive limestone peaks as a major highlight, alongside dramatic vistas from Pennard Castle ruins.
Starting from Southgate, you will find convenient National Trust parking, a cafe, and toilet facilities. It is crucial to check tide times before you go, as the Pennard Pill river flows into the bay and can become impassable at high tide; stepping stones are available for crossing at lower tides. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but please keep them on leads due to the presence of livestock along the route.
This trail is renowned for Three Cliffs Bay, widely considered one of Gower's most iconic and photographed locations due to its unique three limestone peaks. You will also encounter the dramatic 12th-century ruins of Pennard Castle, perched on a clifftop overlooking the bay. The area boasts a diverse ecosystem, offering opportunities to spot various birds, including kestrels, and observe limestone soil-loving wildflowers.
4.8
(5)
43
hikers
13.8km
03:43
180m
180m
Embark on a classic Gower Peninsula hike from Oxwich Bay to Three Cliffs Bay, a moderate 8.5-mile (13.8 km) journey that takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes to complete. You will experience diverse terrain, moving from the firm sands of Oxwich Bay into the shaded Nicholaston Woods, then emerging to spectacular views of Three Cliffs Bay with its distinctive sharp limestone peaks. The route involves a total elevation gain of 583 feet (178 metres), with some steep, sandy descents and climbs that require careful footing.
This trail is generally considered moderate, requiring good fitness due to its varied landscape, including soft sand dunes and potentially slippery paths after rain. Oxwich Bay offers easy access with ample parking, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure. Be aware that crossing the estuary at Three Cliffs Bay requires attention to tide times; stepping stones are available at higher tides, but walking the continuous sandy expanse between the bays is possible at low tide.
Beyond the stunning coastal panoramas of Oxwich Head and Tor Bay, the route showcases a rich variety of habitats, including beaches, sand dunes, woodlands, and marshes, many within the Oxwich Nature Reserve. You can also discover historical elements along the way, such as an Iron Age fort on the cliffs above Three Cliffs Bay and remnants of old lime kilns, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Sections of this trail are also part of the broader Wales Coast Path.
4.5
(13)
46
hikers
10.6km
02:56
180m
180m
Embark on a moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) hike around the Three Cliffs & Pwlldu Head loop from Southgate, featuring varied terrain and coastal vistas. This route, taking approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes with an elevation gain of 592 feet (180 metres), guides you across cliff tops, stony tracks, and sandy paths. You will experience undulating dunes, heathland, and woodland, all while enjoying views of the iconic Three Cliffs Bay and the dramatic ruins of Pennard Castle.
Prepare for a trail that requires good fitness, as some sections can be steep, particularly when descending towards Pwll Du Bay and navigating sandy dunes. Sure-footedness is beneficial on certain parts of the route. During winter months, you might encounter muddy conditions, so appropriate footwear is recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.
The Gower Peninsula, where this trail is located, holds the distinction of being the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Much of your journey follows sections of the Wales Coast Path, offering continuous views of the coastline. You will pass the secluded Pwlldu Bay, historically known for smugglers and limestone quarrying, adding a layer of intrigue to your hike.
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Elevation 40 m
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