Mewslade to Rhossili Walk
A circular walk starting at Mewslade leading to Fall Bay, Worms Head causeway and returning through the village of Rhossili.
Getting There:
By Car: From the M4 Westbound exit at Swansea J42 on to the A483 to Swansea. Follow the signs to Sketty taking the A4118. Continue on the A4118 through Sketty and Killay. Then follow signs for the South Gower through Parkmill. At Scurlage you need to turn right on to the B4247 to Rhossili. After Pitton but before Middleton and Rhossili you will approach a small junction in a dip. Slow down and you will see a sign for car parking at the farm on your left hand side. There is a small charge for parking in the field, there is no car park attendant or machine, just an honesty box.There are no amenities close by and you are advised to stock up on refreshments before hand there is Shepherd’s store at Parkmill and a Texaco Garage at Knelston . The nearest toilets, cafe’s and pub/hotel are in Rhossili . As an alternate you could start and finish this walk at Rhossili itself.
By Bus: From the Quadrant Bus Station. Services 117/ 118 (Gower Explorer. Full details of the service can be obtained from Traveline on 0870 6082608 .
Accommodation: There are a number of campsites close by. The area is very popular with visitors to Gower and there are also a number of cottages to rent in the immediate area.
The Beaches: The beaches are mainly sandy and popular with surfers and fishermen. Dogs are allowed but no dog bins are provided - dogs should be kept under control especially if sheep are grazing. There are no emergency services or lifeguards. Swimming: The beaches can be subject to strong currents and rips, especially when there is a large swell.
Planning:
This walk includes Mewslade Bay Fall Bay, Worms Head Inner Causeway and Rhossili Bay. The degree of access to these beaches for your walk will largely depend upon the state of the tide. You are advised to check the local tide tables for this information before starting. It is normally possible to walk on the beach from Mewslade to Fall Bay at low water. The coast is often exposed to sea breezes and you should consider wearing appropriate clothing. You can stock up with provisions at Shepherd’s Store located at Parkmill or the Texaco garage in Knelston, just before Scurlage. There is a good bakers in Kittle if you want fresh sandwiches or pastries. Mobile phone reception on Gower is mixed and can often depend on the service provider that you use.
The Start:
Approximately 2 miles after the turning at Scurlage you will drive through Pitton, when you have passed Pitton Cross campsite you will start to descend towards the turning to the car park, this is on the left hand side. The sign is clearly visible from the road and the car park field is 50 metres after the turning. The start of the walk is about 20 metres from the car park entrance. Look for a metal gate next to a corrugated shed. The first part of the track is very good and leads to a wooden gate.
It is about a further 150 metres to Mewslade Bay. Access to the beach is via a short rocky gully and this is a bit tricky and might require you to use your hands for support. Children may need to be assisted. There is limited access to the beach at high tide, depending on the size of tide.
The gully has a pebble base and is often full of flotsam and jetsam.
If the tide is low, you should be able to walk on the beach around to Fall Bay, alternatively you can climb up on to the cliff path. (as per this walk). If you walk back up the path about 30 metres you will see a steep path rising upwards (opposite the style). This will take you up on to the cliff top paths. Caution: Some of these paths are subject to deterioration and you should avoid the paths close to the cliff edge.
There is good path about 20 metres inland, next to the boundary walls. You can see the route ahead and there are a number of paths to choose from. This walk runs behind Fall Bay, just above the beach. There is some deterioration on this path and it should be approached with caution. Above Fall Bay you will find steps into a field. You can take this route if you wish to walk directly to Rhossili Village, but you will miss Worms Head.
As you walk up on to the headland you will be greeted by the truly spectacular view of Worms Head and the Inner Causeway. At this point you will see the Coast Guard hut, head for this and the view will now include Rhossili Bay, Bury Holms and in the far distance Tenby and Pembrokeshire.
The main path is very good and wide in places. Please be careful though at the cliff edge. Over the years a number of people have lost there lives falling to the beach below. If you decide to walk out to Worms Head allow yourself enough time to return safely across the causeway. DO NOT TRY TO SWIM ACROSS. There are strong currents and these can be extremely dangerous.
When you approach the village of Rhossili, the first building that you come across is the National Trust Centre which contains an exhibition area and shop. Entrance is free. Immediately next to this building are toilets and showers. The Worms head hotel is close by and the are a Tea rooms and shops in the this small village. If you wish to access Rhossili Beach the path for this is immediately to right of the hotel. There is a car park with an attendant opposite the hotel.
Walking back through the village , there is a path near the bus stop that takes you past the church, this will avoid the road. You will arrive at the green near The Green Gallery. To the left of the gallery is a track that leads to Rhossili Down.
To return to your starting point for this walk you will need to follow the road for approximately half a mile back to the car park, this will take you through Middleton.