Port Eynon to Rhossili Coastal Walk (Along the Wales Coast Path)

The Gower Peninsula in South Wales is home to some gorgeous stretches of coastline, characterized by dramatic cliffs, crashing sea, and sweeping beaches. The stretch from Port Eynon to Rhossili showcases the epic scenery particularly well, making the Port Eynon to Rhossili coastal walk a must-do activity for keen hikers visiting the area.

The walk starts from the sandy beach at Port Eynon, and follows the Wales Coast Path west for roughly 7 miles before reaching Rhossili. Along the way, you’ll pass by many scenic beaches such as Mewslade Bay and Fall Bay Beach, as well as the narrow tidal island of Worms Head. You’re also likely to encounter a fair amount of livestock, and possibly even a wild Welsh Mountain Pony or two. And, in the summer months, much of the hillside will be covered with pretty purple heather.

Tip: You can take the 118 or 119 bus back to Port Eynon from Rhossili at the end of your walk.

Port Eynon to Rhossili coastal walk logistics

Start: Port Eynon.

Finish: Rhossili.

How to get there: Port Eynon is a 40-minute drive from Swansea, and there are buses across the Gower that go to Port Eynon.

Distance: 7.2 miles.

Time: 3-4 hours.

Difficulty: Moderate; simple to navigate but there are several steep sections.

Port Eynon to Rhossili coastal walk details

1) Start from Port Eynon. At the western end of the beach, there is a youth hostel with a path next to it. It’ll take you past the hostel, through the Skysea Caravan and Camping Site, and onto a slightly forested trail. This path is the Wales Coast Path, and you’ll be following it all the way to Rhossili.

2) Follow the Wales Coast Path up the cliff. You should see a stone monument (pictured below) once you reach the cliff tops.

3) Walk along the cliff tops until the path drops down to a gate. The path is grassy and will take you through to Overton Mere. It was shortly after passing the gate that we spotted some Welsh mountain ponies grazing by the side of the trail. Continue along the path; the sea will be to your left, showcasing dramatic cliffs and the crashing Bristol Channel swirling below.

4) The path splits into two after some time. The official Coast Path goes off to the right, taking you slightly away from the coastline and through scenic meadows. If you go left, you’ll continue skirting along the cliffs. The choice is yours, but if you choose left, you’ll need to veer up the cliff back onto the Coast Path after 1km or so.

5) The walk will continue onto the scenic Mewslade Bay. There is a steep drop down into a small valley and then a steep climb back up again.

6) The Wales Coast Path will then take you past Fall Bay Beach and onto the end of the peninsula, where you’ll see Worms Head, one of the most iconic sights in Wales. Worms Head is a mile-long island that can only be reached at low tide by crossing a natural rocky causeway. Worms Head takes its name from the old English word for dragon – it takes a bit of imagination, but it looks like a dragon has landed just off-shore. Sort of.

7) From Worms Head, follow the highly-trafficked path into Rhossili, where your walk will come to an end. Opt to head down to Rhossili Bay Beach, a magnificent, sweeping, golden beach that has been voted as one of the best beaches in the world. You may also want to treat yourself to a meal or coffee at one of Rhossili’s tearooms or pubs. Once you’ve had your fill at Rhossili, you can catch a 118 or 119 bus back to Port Eynon.

Tip: If you’re hiking near Rhossili, why not try this Rhossili Circular Walk, too?

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