A walk on the Gower - from Port Eynon

Last weekend, I fancied an adventure. Looking quickly on the internet, I found Port Eynon, on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales.

And here we are, setting off from the car park (£5 all day)

The tide was out, and the forecast sunshine was somewhat absent, but, leaving the bay, we followed the coast path.

...which immediately (but fairly briefly) took us away from sight or sound of the sea.

Peering through the branches, ...

...we climbed steeply to Port Eynon Head,  

..with its distinctive Gower Monument marking the protected status of the area.

And then the sun came out: the (very hilly) limestone coast stretched ahead invitingly

There was a very steep descent, with a coast path direction sign in the foreground here.

Apparently, sand extraction further down the coast appears to have taken away much of what were previously beaches, leaving exposed rock strata instead.

Great views in all directions

The path goes in front of some of the towering limestone cliffs

So that's what my rucksack looks like when it's being worn!

More rocky beaches

Then the path goes up this narrow gorge-like valley to climb above the cliffs.

Everywhere, people have moved the stones about, for artistic purposes. This is the curved body of a dragon, or snake - I think.

And then the rain came towards us. This photo is looking ahead,...

...and this is looking back the way we had come.

Getting misty out to sea.

The rain started.

But we carried on.

More tomorrow. Click here to see it

Today's walk: Park at Port Eynon car park ( right on the seafront.) Turn right and follow the coast path. We walked out for 3.5 miles, and then back by the same route. The path has two steep climbs, but is otherwise fairly easy. After the first mile and a half, it keeps to the higher ground, as you can see from the above picture. It's very good for an out and back walk, because the views look different from the other way.

You can walk from Port Eynon to Rhossili, which is 7 miles, with a connecting bus service, but we didn't want to rely on Sunday buses in Wales.  During the week, buses are approx every hour till about 3pm.