British Travel Journal | Autumn/Winter 2023

coast path towards Rhossili. The panoramic views across
the bay and out to the Bristol Channel are absolutely
breathtaking, and on a clear day you can see as far as the
Pembrokeshire Coast and Caldey Island.
Halfway along the Down, we stumbled upon the
remains of a WWII radar station and decided to take a
tea break and indulge in some delicious Welsh cakes while
soaking in the beautiful scenery.
Continuing on the path a little further, you pass the
remains of Stone Age burial chambers, Sweynes Howes,
constructed around 6,000 years ago, closely followed by
the beacon marking the highest point in the Gower, and
the site of a Bronze Age cairn.
Rhossili Bay is vast, stretching three miles from Burry
Holms at the northern end to Worm's Head – one of
the Gower's most famous landmarks – and the village
of Rhossili at the southern end. Rhossili is a very pretty,
tranquil and quaint village with laid-back locals – a place
to truly escape from the hustle and bustle. There’s an art
gallery, several coffee shops and independent boutiques,
a hotel and bar, and a church that dates back to the
12th century – take a peek inside the chancel and admire
the original 14th-century window. When the tide is out,
visitors are able to catch a glimpse of the 1887 Helvetia
shipwreck – a timber ruin belonging to a bygone era and
once a proud ship that has become a famous landmark for
Rhossili Bay.
We stopped for an alfresco lunch at The Bay Bistro,
with views of Rhossili Bay as our backdrop. Inside the
pretty white-and-mint-green painted cottage are rustic
shabby chic interiors – wood panelling, comfy leather
armchairs and a cosy log burner.
We sat outside on the large terrace where we indulged
in a mouthwatering Korean Loaded Fries with roasted
chicken thighs and vegetables in a gochujang sauce.
We chatted with a fun group of rock climbers from York
who were in Gower for the annual BMC Climbing Festival.
Poppy was well catered for too, with locally made doggy
ice cream and natural dog biscuits from Gwen’s Pantry.
Next door to the restaurant, there’s The Bay Shop
selling a range of locally made ice cream (for humans)
and mementos from local craftspeople, including handpainted
wooden earrings, locally distilled gin, artisan
candles, Gower honey, local maps, books and postcards.
86 BritishTravelJournal.com