Wales

Rhosili Down, Hillend and beach walk

Walk to the highest point on Gower, take in the views and meander through ancient landscapes before descending onto a three-mile-long sandy beach.

Near to

Rhosili and South Gower Coast

Start point

National Trust shop, Rhosili, grid ref: SS414881

Trail information

View route

Print trail

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)

Duration2 hours 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Challenging walk with steep paths, uneven terrain and steep steps to the finish. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**The walk covers a variety of terrain including steep footpaths, uneven tracks, a sandy beach and steep steps to the finish. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are allowed, providing they are kept under control as livestock are present throughout the year. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Flora and fauna

Rhosili Down is lowland heath and home to a variety of birds and insects including the rare black bog ant. The south Gower coast hosts many rare plants and birds including yellow whitlow grass and choughs.

Address
National Trust shop, Rhosili, grid ref: SS414881
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Alight at Swansea and catch a bus to the bus station.
On foot
Rhosili is situated right on the Wales Coast Path and at the end of the Gower Way.
By bus
There are regular services from Swansea to Rhosili. (Monday–Saturday, Sunday (summer service only). Services 118/119 (NAT) and 114 (Sundays First Cymru). Additional services connect quieter parts of Gower with the 118 and 116 (Swansea–North Gower service).
Cycling
Take the National Cycleway Route 04 to Upper Killay from Swansea or Gowerton. From there, switch to the A4118 to Scurlage, then take the B4247 to Rhosili. Please note: Gower’s roads can be busy and are not suitable for family cycling.
By road
From Swansea (J42) take the A483 to Swansea. Continue on to the A4067. At Black Pill, turn on to the B4436. Turn right to keep on the B4436 at Pennard before turning left on to the A4118. At Scurlage, take the B4247 to Rhosili.
From Swansea (J47) Take the A483 and then take the A484, Turn left to Gowerton. At lights, take the B4295 to Llanrhidian. Then take the B4271 and follow signs for Reynoldston. Continue to A4118 and turn right. At Scurlage, take the B4247 to Rhosili.
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
National Trust shop, Rhosili, grid ref: SS414881
Stage 1
Start in the National Trust car park. Walk along the road past the bus stop. Follow the footpath as it bears left towards the churchyard and past St Mary's Church. At the junction with the stony track go left and continue on this track until you reach the gate marked with a National Trust sign for Rhosili Down.
Stage 2
Head up the hill through the heathland. It's steep, so take the opportunity for a well earned rest on your way, before making your way to the top of the Down.
Stage 3
Continue on the main path along the ridge of the Down. The beacon marks the highest point in Gower and is also the site of a Bronze Age cairn built around 4,000 years ago. As you continue along the ridge path you will pass the remains of Stone Age burial chambers called Sweynes Howes.
Stage 4
The ridge-land takes you through a vast area of heathland. Further down the slope to the right there are areas of wet heath.
Stage 5
As you approach halfway along the Down you will see the remains of a Second World War radar station in front of you. Continue through here and continue up the slope on the far side.
Stage 6
From here the path descends steeply towards Hillend campsite. Go into the site and straight on past Eddie's Café and turn left on the beach. You are approximately halfway around now.
Stage 7
Turn left onto the beach and head back towards Rhosili.
Rhosili beach
The muddy cliff to your left is the remains of a glacial feature known as a solifluction terrace. Soil would slip from Rhosili Down whenever the ice melted a little and over time built up into the raised area we see today. As you walk look out for the remains of the Helvetia, which was shipwrecked on the beach in 1887 whilst carrying a cargo of wood. At three-miles-long, Rhosili beach is one of the longest beaches on the Gower. It's a haven for people who want to get out and enjoy the coastline.
Stage 8
Once you have passed the Helvetia, look out for the slope back up to the top of Rhosili Cliffs.
Stage 9
At the top turn right to head towards the car park.
End point
Rhosili, grid ref: SS414881
Trail map
Map route for Rhosili Down, Hillend and beach walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
You made it
Share your experience

View towards Worm's Head, Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales

Trail

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.

Clifftop view of sandy beach surrounded by green hills, with two white cottages at its edge

Trail

Bishopston Valley walk

Discover caves, underground rivers and ancient woodland on this challenging walk through a hidden valley in Gower, Wales.

Rhosili, Swansea, SA3 1PR

01792390707

visit.rhosili@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

View of Snowdonia with mountains in the background and a rocky landscape and wooden bridge in the mid ground

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.

Father and daughter building a sandcastle on the beach in summer

Article

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.

The white building of the Rhosili shop and visitor centre, in the distance the cliff edge can be seen with the blue sea and sky beyond meeting at the horizon.

Article

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.