Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the beach car park at Oxwich. A lane and woodland path lead up to St Illtyd's church above the bay, where people have worshipped since the sixth century, and a cliff path goes on south to Oxwich Point, with the open Bristol Channel ahead and the long sweep of Oxwich Bay behind. The return is by tracks and field paths to the ruins of Oxwich Castle and the lane back to the car park.
It is 6.0 km with 140 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy.
Stay on the path and away from the cliff edge at Oxwich Point, above all in wind or wet. The woodland path to the church is uneven and can be muddy, and has a long flight of steps.
The beach car park charges. There is a café on the beach.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- St Illtyd's church above Oxwich Bay stands where people have worshipped since the sixth century, and its tower is fourteenth-century
- Oxwich Castle is thought by many academics to be the most historic castle on Gower, with Philip Mansel recorded there in 1459
- Oxwich Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Gower, with Oxwich National Nature Reserve of dunes, lakes and woodland behind it
- On 1 January 1916 the SS Dunvegan was wrecked off Oxwich Point and three Port Eynon lifeboatmen died going to her help
Getting there
Start: Oxwich beach car park · Pay and display. 51.55724, -4.16160
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Llanelli: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.