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United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Penrice

Blue pool bay & Rhossili beach loop from Oxwich — Gŵyr / Gower

Routes
Running trails & routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Penrice

Blue pool bay & Rhossili beach loop from Oxwich — Gŵyr / Gower

Hard

129

runners

Blue pool bay & Rhossili beach loop from Oxwich — Gŵyr / Gower

05:12

45.7km

760m

Running

This difficult jogging loop on the Gŵyr / Gower Peninsula offers a challenging 28.4 miles (45.7 km) with 2477 feet (755 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 11 minutes to complete. You will experience dramatic coastal paths, vast golden sands of Rhossili Bay, and tranquil ancient woodlands. Expect varied terrain, including rocky sections and steep climbs, especially when accessing the secluded Blue Pool Bay with its unique natural rock pool and the distinctive Three Chimneys rock arch.

To tackle this hard run, you will need very good fitness and sure-footedness, as some paths can be unstable. The trail's diverse habitats mean you will encounter a mix of surfaces, from soft sand to earthy paths. Preparing for these varied conditions will ensure a more enjoyable and safer experience on this demanding route. Given its length and difficulty, starting early in the day is advisable to allow ample time for completion.

This route covers an iconic portion of the Wales Coast Path, immersing you in one of the UK's most treasured landscapes. It is recognized as one of the most popular jogging routes within the Oxwich National Nature Reserve area. The presence of Blue Pool Bay, with its deep natural rock pool and remote atmosphere, along with the expansive Rhossili Bay, makes this trail a truly distinctive and memorable experience of the Gower's dramatic coastline.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Gower AONB

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

5.03 km

View of Oxwich Bay and Three Cliffs Bay from Cefn Bryn

Highlight • Viewpoint

Steady climb on moorlands with views of Oxwich on one side, and Three Cliffs Bay ahead! Greeted by Welsh Ponies at the top.

Tip by

2

8.38 km

Arthur's Stone (Maen Ceti)

Highlight • Historical Site

Arthur's Stone lays close to the road from Cilibion to Reynoldston, that traverses the length of Cefn Bryn. Near to the village of Reynoldston, an unmarked, makeshift and somewhat craggy car park marks the well trodden footpath that leads to the Neolithic monument. Suitable footwear is recommended as the footpath is often muddy and the surrounding heath, despite its elevation, is often waterlogged and boggy.

Tip by

3

19.8 km

Blue Pool Bay Natural Pool

Highlight • Natural Monument

A rock pool which you can swim in at low tide.

Tip by

4

21.0 km

Rhossili Beach

Highlight (Segment) • Beach

Beautiful long sandy beach, very typical of south wales with big tides, and lots of surfers. A nice viewpoint from the downs (if you are brave and don't mind the short but steep climb).

Tip by

5

24.0 km

Nice trail for when you don't fancy running on the beach.

Tip by

6

26.6 km

View over Rhossili Bay

Highlight • Viewpoint

Rhossili Bay is the focal point of the Gower Peninsula. It is just such an iconic destination. In the immediate vicinity, you have views of the amazing rocky peninsula of Worms Head, the sweeping panoramic view across Rhossili Bay Beach, and the nearby ridge that forms Rhossili Down with its trig pointed summit. There is a National Trust car park here for parking, bars, and cafes. The path down to the beach is good but not accessible for wheelchairs, unfortunately.
On the beach itself, there is the iconic wreck of the Norwegian barque Helvetia. The remains of the wreck at low tide are simply one of the most photographed locations on Gower, and its ribbed outline resembles something akin to a dinosaur ribcage poking its way out of the sand.
On the far side of this glorious three-mile beach is Burry Holmes Island, but it is only accessible at low tide. This is equally so with nearby Worms Head, which is a great adventure but one that needs due care due to its rocky nature and tidal access. This iconic tidal penninsula is only available 2.5 hours either side of low tide, and the walk will take you a minimum of two hours. Ensure you are in good physical shape to do the journey and have checked the tide times before you depart. If in doubt or for further excellent information, see Chris Knight's webpage below.
ohwhataknight.co.uk/blog/worms-head-hike-guide
WARNING: Crossing to Worms Head has resulted in injuries and drowning fatalities in the past. If you have been caught out by the tide, do not attempt to swim ashore.

Tip by

7

27.5 km

View of Rhossili Bay

Highlight • Natural Monument

3 miles of gorgeous sand and coastline when looking north along Rhossili beach.

Tip by

8

27.9 km

Worms Head

Highlight • Natural Monument

You can ride almost all the way down to Worms Head, and if the tide's low you can walk all the way across the causeway to the most westerly point on the peninsula. With provisions available in Rhossili up the path, it's a perfect place for a mid-ride break, surrounded on almost all sides by the sea.

Tip by

9

30.7 km

Hilly single track with awesome coastal views.

Tip by

10

37.3 km

Port Eynon Headland

Highlight • Natural Monument

Nearly all the south Gower coastline is formed of dramatic cliffs and slopes of light grey carboniferous limestone. Port Eynon headland is no different. Intrepid walkers will relish the magnificent walk along these craggy cliffs as it has some spectacular views.

Tip by

B

45.7 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

24.0 km

7.13 km

6.62 km

6.08 km

984 m

901 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

19.8 km

16.9 km

2.63 km

1.68 km

1.13 km

418 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Highest point (170 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

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Monday 25 May

29°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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