Circular walk around the Vile, Rhosili
Take your time on this circular walk by the Gower coast. The Vile is an example of medieval strip farming, restored to be full of wild flowers and pollinators. Wander its individually named fields and see how we're farming them in a wildlife-friendly way, with new hay meadows and traditional crops.
Start point
Rhosili National Trust car park, grid ref: SS414880Trail information
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Rhosili National Trust car park, grid ref: SS414880
Stage 1
From the car park, walk towards the bottom left-hand corner of the overflow field. Look out for a gateway marked Caer Ditch. Go through the gate and turn right, following the path alongside the hay meadow. You’ll also see an oak post with a green arrow marking the way. Continue on the path through Higher Castlepark, into another meadow, and walk along the path until you reach the gate onto the coast path.
Look out for the gateway marked Caer Ditch | © National Trust Stage 2
Go through the gate, turn left onto the coast path and walk along the track, looking out for a gate on your left marked Limedland.
Go through the gate onto the coast path, with views of Rhosili Bay | © National Trust Stage 3
Re-enter the Vile by going through the gate into Limedland and continue on the path, making your way into Linseedland, keeping an eye out for a gate on your left marked Withyland.
Stage 4
Go through the gate into Withyland and turn right immediately, following the green arrow.
Stage 5
Follow the green arrows through another gate, turning right onto a track (you’ll see the National Coastwatch Institution lookout station and Worms Head in the distance). Follow this track around to the left.
Stage 6
When you come to a crossroads in the track, take the left track, so that you are looking up the track towards the houses in the village.
Stage 7
Continue on the track until you see a gate on your right onto a more grassy track. Go through the gate and walk along the track.
Take the gate on your right, onto a more grassy track | © National Trust Stage 8
You’ll reach another gate on your left. Go through the gate and walk along the edge of the field.
Go through the gate on your left | © National Trust Stage 9
Continue until you reach another gate and turn right onto the track again. After about 65yd (60m) you’ll reach another gate – continue until you reach the next gate to return to the car park.
End point
Rhosili National Trust car park, grid ref: SS414880
Trail map
Map of the circular walk around the Vile, Rhosili | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
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.
Bishopston Valley walk
Discover caves, underground rivers and ancient woodland on this challenging walk through a hidden valley in Gower, Wales.
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.
Rhosili Ranger Run
Feel the wind in your hair and sand beneath your feet as you enjoy this scenic running route around Rhosili.
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
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
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
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.
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.
Coastal walks in Wales
Discover the best walks along the Welsh coast, taking in picturesque peninsulas, rugged headlands, quaint hamlets, prehistoric monuments and outstanding wildlife.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.