Location: Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, Wales
This post is all about Pebble’s first hike to Three Cliffs Bay, featuring some cool photo spots! This day will always stay with me as a special one because this was our first time hiking with Pebble. We loved it! It was hard work – babies take a lot more planning. Just walking out the door is no longer possible (something we took a while adjusting to). Not only this, they also come, and go out, with a LOT of stuff. We have to ensure her backpack is nicely packed with spare clothes, bottles of ready made milk, nappies, nappy bags, nappy cream, muslin cloths, a blanket, a few toys to keep her entertained if need be…. All stuffed neatly into her awesome backpack that I will for sure show at some point as it is awesome! It has a nappy changing/nap time ‘bed’ built in to it!
Anyway… I’ve wanted to visit Three Cliffs Bay again for a while, to find some cool photo spots, and specifically to do the climb up through the woods to the castle that overlooks the bay! Pennard Castle has to have some of the most gorgeous views of any castle, and it was well worth the climb. From there we went on scrambling up the sandy hilltop to the viewpoint, marked by a shell statue and two benches, that overlooks the iconic three cliffs that jut out into the sea. As a Geography graduate, I found the views from the castle fascinating. The Pennard Pill river curls and curves its way to the ocean down below – and the jagged limestone peaks of the Three Cliffs were so cool to see!
If you enjoy a photo diary-style of post, do check out this post – The most picturesque Instagrammable spots in Lisbon!
Getting there and parking:
Always be safe on the trail, and prepare in advance! All Trails is a fantastic site, that has many Gower hikes already on there!
From Swansea, follow signs to the Gower, and then for Oxwich Bay and Rhossili! There is a teeny village called Parkmill, and there is a large grassy carpark through a metal gateway that is perfect for visits to both the beach and the castle. Once parked, pay £4 for all-day parking at the ice cream van. You can ask the ice cream vendor for directions to where you want to go!
Now onto the great photo opportunity spots! Three Cliffs is one of those magical places that would look amazing no matter the weather, so these spots should look fab whether the sun is out or Wales does that classic thing and decides to rain! Remember to make a note of these fabulously Instagrammable spots for your own trip!
Photo Spot Number 1: the view from the golf course
As you come up through the woods and onto the golf course, you get that first, special glimpse of what’s to come. That river snaking along to the estuary, a peak of golden sands, and then a glimmer of shimmering turquoise ocean, all surrounded by lush greens. With the castle stood majestically overlooking everything… it’s stunning.
Photo Spot Number 2: the ruins of Pennard Castle
Dating back to the 13th century, Pennard Castle is a place deserving of an Instagram post in its own right. Exploring the ruins doesn’t take long, but it’s free to look around. It also has some of the best views over the estuary below!
Photo Spot Number 3: THE Viewpoint over Three Cliffs Bay!
Marked by a shell statue and two benches, this is THE best spot for taking amazing photos of Three Cliffs Bay! The cliffs jut out onto the sandy beach, like a dragon’s spiny back, reaching into the estuary. Whether you’re a fellow Geographer or not, I think this walk is so worth it. We stopped for a rather windy lunch at the viewpoint, enjoying the sunshine, Pebble fast asleep in the wrap against me. It is 100% worth the hike the get there!
Chat with me!
Would you visit Three Cliffs Bay (with a baby??)? 🙂
Let me know in the comments!
