This walk was done last summer on a warm but unsettled day — blue skies at times, heavy clouds at others, the sort of weather that makes you pack both sunglasses and a waterproof. The drive into Oxwich was steady but narrow in places, the kind of single-track lanes that make you hope you don’t meet anything larger than a hatchback. I pulled into the pay-and-display car park at the bay, which was already filling with beachgoers despite it only being mid-morning.
I laced up my boots at the car, threw on a light waterproof over a t-shirt, and stuffed a flask and a couple of cereal bars into my pack. With the tide low, I decided to begin with the beach before cutting inland toward the woods.
The sand was firm underfoot, the kind that makes for easy walking. A few dog walkers were out, their pets darting in and out of the surf. The breeze coming off the sea was cool but not uncomfortable. Walking the sweep of Oxwich Bay always gives you a sense of space, but after a mile or so I cut inland, following the track that led toward Penrice Woods.
The shift from open coast to shaded woodland was immediate. The air cooled, and the sound of waves gave way to birdsong. The trail here rose gently at first before pitching a little steeper. After a few wet days earlier in the week, the ground was soft in places, with patches of mud that required careful footing. Waterproof boots were essential — a trainer would have been ruined quickly.
The climb wasn’t long, but it worked the calves. My wife joined me for this walk, and we talked about how different the atmosphere felt from the beach below. She pointed out a patch of foxgloves lining the path, adding colour to the otherwise green canopy.
The effort paid off at the clearing near the top. From here, Oxwich Bay spread out below — a broad curve of golden sand between wooded headlands. The tide was out far enough that the wet sand glistened like glass. To the left, the remains of Penrice Castle could just be picked out above the treeline, a reminder of the area’s long history.
We stopped here briefly, not to rest but to take in the view and grab a quick drink from the pack. The breeze was stronger on the ridge, and clouds were moving in quickly, so we didn’t linger too long.
The route downhill was easier, though the damp ground demanded steady steps. Soon the trees thinned and the sound of the sea returned. By the time we reached the sand again, the bay was busier — families laying out towels, children shrieking as they dashed into the water.
We finished the walk with a slow stroll along the shoreline back to the car park. Before leaving, we stopped at the Oxwich Bay Hotel for a coffee — a habit more than a necessity, but one that makes this walk feel complete.
Oxwich Bay and Penrice Woods is a walk of contrasts — wide open shore and enclosed woodland, level beach and muddy climbs. It’s not the hardest route on Gower, but it gives variety in a compact loop. Done in summer, it reminded me how quickly the weather can change here and how important it is to prepare for both sun and showers. Walking it with my wife added to the enjoyment — the kind of outing that leaves you ready for a coffee and content with the day’s effort.
– **Distance**: About 4 miles (circular).
– **Weather**: Warm with mixed cloud, breezy on the ridge.
– **Terrain**: Firm sand, muddy woodland tracks, gentle inclines.
– **Parking**: Pay-and-display at Oxwich Bay, busy by mid-morning.
– **Gear**: Waterproof boots essential, light waterproof jacket, small daypack with flask/snacks.
