Coastwalk

Port-Eynon → Pennard Cliffs

Distance: 10.2 miles
Ascent: 459 metres
Duration: 3 hours 38 minutes

Two bays
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By ten-thirty I thought I today's walk was near enough over. The walk consisted of two bays and the headland separating them. So on reaching the far side of the headland, I started to wonder whether I'd in fact be able to meet the early bus - the one I'd been certain to miss. In the end, I just about caught the next one - two hours later.

This is all to say: there are perfect bays that describe a wide arc of smooth, firm sand; then there are bays of dunes and marshland. Port-Eynon Bay fits the former profile while Oxwich Bay is a classic example of the latter.

That said, the first half of the walk - from Port-Eynon through Horton, then round Oxwich Point to Oxwich - was an absolute gem. I was the only one enjoying the firm, grassy headland but above gully circled the towering cliffs.

As I finished in Pennard, the mist turned into rain. Half an hour later I'd found the bus-stop for my trip back to Port-Eynon, and took shelter in the adjacent tea-shop. On a day like today you don't get much better than a hot bacon baguette for a late lunch. If you're ever on the Gower, I now know just the place.