WALK 11: PENNARD CLIFFS TO THREE CLIFFS BAY

This is easily one of the most stunning of all Gower walks with extensive views of the south Gower coast and much of inland Gower.

Map: OS Explorer 164 or Landranger 159

Distance: 3 miles, 5 kilometres there and back; allow 1 hour each way

Terrain: Easy along cliff top paths but steep descent/ascent to and from Three Cliffs Bay. Good footwear advised.

Start: Pennard Cliffs bus terminus; map reference 553874

Bus there: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru 14 from Swansea (connection from Mumbles at Blackpill); frequency every hour daytime, every 2 hours evenings. Sundays: No service; resumes Spring 2012

Walk: The bus stop is at the start of the cliff top path which heads towards Southgate Bay for about 100yds/metres, then a 90 degree right turn on metalled road for ¼ mile (0.5km). Just before this ends, a grass track bears off left and for the next ½ mile (0.8 km), follow this wide but vaguely defined track or one nearer the coast which will give you better views. A third alternative is to bear right to a bridle path with a more solid footing. After walking about 1 mile (1.6 km), the cliff top paths descend steeply to the east end of Three Cliffs Bay and the bridle path more gently downhill to a shallow valley also leading to the east end of the bay; this is uneven with soft sand. Proceed westwards along the beach past the three cliffs and the main bay opens out in all its glory. It is bisected by Pennard Pill which is shallow but fast flowing water.

Return to Pennard by the same routes.

Finish: Pennard Cliffs; map reference 553874

Facilities: Three Cliffs Coffee Shop is next to the bus terminus serving a wide range of food and drink. Show your bus ticket to get a 10% discount in the coffee shop. There are toilets adjacent.

Bus back: Mondays to Saturdays: First Cymru 14 to Swansea (connection to Mumbles at Blackpill); frequency every hour daytime, every 2 hours evenings. Sundays: No service; resumes spring 2012

Tickets: First Day Swansea City tickets are valid from Swansea and Mumbles; Welsh concessionary bus pass holders travel free!