Mewslade

From the field at Pitton, at the top of Mewslade Valley, used as a car park (a fee is payable via an Honesty Box), a delightful walk leads down through some very picturesque countryside (partially National Trust owned and a SSSI) to one of Gower's smallest beaches.

The quarry on the western side of the valley is the haunt of several species of bird of prey, which can often be seen hovering overhead as they seek out the small mammals on which they feed. In the 19th Century, the skeleton remains of half a dozen humans were found in a cleft in one of the quarry walls.

This is a very rocky terrain and the cliffs here are peppered with small to moderate sized caves.

There is a bit of a clamber involved as the bottom of Mewslade Valley is reached and the floor opens up to the sand and the sea. Once this narrow tract of pebble and wet rock is negotiated, however, the sand is smooth and interspersed by some incredible geology.

Marine wildlife can be found in abundance on Mewslade Bay, with lichen and barnacles and other shellfish clinging to most rock surfaces here and the numerous rockpools are alive with the usual incumbent wildlife.

The view west to Worm's Head is extremely impressive and the seventy metre high cliff face of Thurba Head is the main focal point to the east of the bay.

Mewslade Bay is one of Gower's real hidden charms - a perfect beach for those wanting something a little more from a bay than simply sunbathing.