I walked the Oxwich to Three Cliffs route on a warm late-summer afternoon, with the tide well on its way out and the promise of good views ahead. The drive into Oxwich was slow going — the narrow lanes were busy with cars, and I had to wait more than once to let others pass. By the time I reached the pay-and-display car park near the bay, it was almost full with beachgoers. I slotted into a space, laced my boots, shouldered my pack, and set off.
The walk began easily along the curve of Oxwich Bay. The sand was firm, making for quick progress, and the sound of waves rolled steadily in the background. Families were still spread out along the shore, some packing up for the day, others determined to stay until sunset. At the far end of the bay, I turned inland, following the track into Nicholaston Woods.
The shift from beach to woodland was immediate. The air cooled, and the shade under the trees was welcome after the glare of the sand. The path climbed gradually, the surface a mix of dry earth and patches of loose stone. After a dry spell, it was easier than usual underfoot, though I could picture how slippery it would become after rain. The woodland gave occasional glimpses of the coastline, teasing the view to come.
Breaking out of the trees, I was rewarded with one of the best panoramas in Gower. Three Cliffs Bay lay below, framed by its sharp limestone peaks and the winding estuary cutting a silver line through the sand. Even after countless visits, the sight makes you stop. A steady breeze blew across the headland, strong enough to keep me zipping up my jacket despite the sunshine.
I descended carefully toward the estuary. The path was sandy and loose, demanding slow, deliberate steps. At the bottom, the crossing was manageable with the tide out, though the wet sand was soft enough to make each step heavy.
The bay itself was quiet compared to Oxwich, with only a few other walkers scattered along the sand. The cliffs towered overhead, casting long shadows as the sun dipped lower. I climbed partway up the grassy bank for a better vantage point, boots gripping well on the uneven slope. From here, the estuary and the cliffs framed the sea perfectly, the light catching the water as it receded.
On the way back, I retraced the route through the woods. The climb back up felt sharper on tired legs, but steady pacing made it manageable. By the time I returned to Oxwich Bay, the crowds had thinned, and the beach was calmer, with only a few families lingering as the evening set in.
I finished with a coffee at the Oxwich Bay Hotel before heading home — a habit on this route and a good way to wind down after a few solid miles on varied ground.
The Oxwich to Three Cliffs walk is a Gower classic, and with good reason. The variety — wide open bay, shaded woodland, steep descents, and the dramatic finish at Three Cliffs — makes it a route that never feels repetitive. It’s not the hardest walk, but it demands attention in places and rewards with some of the finest views on the peninsula.
– **Distance**: Around 5 miles (circular).
– **Weather**: Warm, late-summer sun with a steady breeze.
– **Terrain**: Firm beach sand, woodland tracks, steep sandy descents, estuary crossing.
– **Parking**: Pay-and-display at Oxwich Bay, busy in peak season.
– **Gear**: Boots with grip, light jacket, water bottle.
