Southgate, Hunts Bay and Pwll Du circular walk
A beautiful but challenging walk along the South Gower coast, passing over clifftops and down through wooded valleys. Enjoy stupendous views, discover rare and fascinating flora, and root around an Iron Age hillfort.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Southgate car park, grid ref: SS554874
Step 1
Start with the National Trust car park hut on your right and walk along the track for about a mile (1.6km). On a clear day there are far-reaching views across the Bristol Channel to Somerset and Devon.
Step 2
When you reach Hunts Farm head right onto the coast path, signed Pwll Du Head, which will go up some steps with a wall on your left.
Step 3
When you pass a small pond on your left look for the path which bears right and go uphill, keeping the fence on the left. When you reach the top, look out for the banks and ditches. These are all that remain of an Iron Age promontory fort.
Step 4
You will now see High Pennard, which is one of a series of Iron Age promontory forts irregularly spaced along the South Gower coast. Pottery dating to the first or second century AD has been found here.
Step 5
Continue along the coast path, following the route through the gorse and around the headland.
Step 6
You are now standing above a cliff known as Graves End, so named as it's near the spot where the ship the 'Caesar' was wrecked in 1760.
Step 7
Keeping left, continue round the headland. Be sure to stop and admire the view over Bantam Bay.
Step 8
Carry on up the path, climbing the steep slope to the top of the headland.
Step 9
Follow the signs for the coastal path, up to Pennard Farm. Further on, you can turn right to walk through woodlands Pwll Du Bay (please note that this is a steep slope), or turn left to walk back along the road to re-join at Step 2. Please note that this is a country road so please take care.
End point
Southgate car park, grid ref: SS554874
Trail map
More near here
Rhosili headland walk
Journey out along one of Wales's most famous cliffs with views of the golden sand of Rhosili and the rugged limestone rocks of the South Gower Coast.
Bishopston Valley walk
Discover caves, underground rivers and ancient woodland on this challenging walk through a hidden valley in Gower, Wales.
Rhosili Down, Hillend and beach walk
A challenging walk to the highest point on Gower and a descent onto a three-mile-long sandy beach. Burial chambers, radar stations and shipwrecks, are some of the highlights you will pass along the way.
Circular walk around the Vile, Rhosili
Explore the wildlife-rich fields of the Vile, an example of medieval strip farming now restored and farmed to create new habitats, backed by views of Rhosili Bay.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Visiting Rhosili and South Gower Coast
A scenic spot for coastal walks, water sports and wildlife. With 3 miles of sandy beach there’s plenty of space for the whole family to play in the sand or fly a kite.
Eating and Shopping at Rhosili
Rhosili Bay, Gower, the site to one of our most unique shopping locations. With views across the 3 mile sandy beach, it’s a place like no other. With plenty of local treats and to enjoy or take back home. We also have plenty of choice for any last minute purchases to really make your day out the best it can be.
Walking in Wales
Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.