The Wild Days guide
A picturesque bay on the South coast of the Gower Peninsula. This beautiful location in Wales takes it name from the limestone three cliffs that jut out into the sea, on the left hand side of the bay. It has dramatic views from the top of the cliffs down, looking over the beach, sand dunes, Pennard Pill, the large stream which feeds into the sea and the three cliffs!
This beach has everything for the whole family to enjoy! Lots to keep the kids entertained! A moderate walk down the hill; either through the wooded area or down the path. Pennard Pill which is a wide, deep (in some parts) and winding stream, meanders through the beach to the sea. It is a fun addition to the beach for kids and adults to paddle in and enjoy looking out for fish. There is a stepping stone crossing at the bottom of the path, so definitely head down the more direct route if you don’t fancy wading through. There are some sand dunes, once you make your way out of the wooded area, which are great to explore or for some hill sprints if you have a little extra energy! The wide expansive beach stretches out in front of you, after making your way to the other side of the stream. Lots of room for everyone to enjoy. The beach is also dog friendly all year round.
Inland, up on higher ground behind the beach, you will see the ruined Pennard Castle, built in the early 12th century. It’s just over half a mile walk up to it by crossing back over the stream from the beach either via the steeping stones or wading through at low tide and making your way up one of the routes through the sand dunes. Once at the top, take a left towards the castle or a right towards the top of the three cliffs, from where you’ll get fantastic views.
Things to consider
The walk to the beach is about half a mile from the closest free car park- 51.578632, -4.120973 and it is steep in parts, so pack as light as possible for a beach day. You can also park at Gower Heritage Centre, the parking charge is £4 and includes free entry to the centre and exhibitions. From there follow the signs for Three Cliffs Bay and the walk will take you through the woods and down by Pennard Pill to the castle and then further on to the beach. It is a flatter route but longer route.
The stream is impassable at certain areas in high tide, so please check before you go and use the stepping stones to cross to the beach side.
At low tide Three Cliffs bay forms one beach with Oxwich Bay and Tor Bay which sit to the west and Pobbles Bay which is to the east. These are all cut off at high tide though, so check your tide times and make sure not to get stranded.
It is a long walk back to the car, so make sure to take shelter and enough food & water for however long you plan to stay.
If you’re planning on staying in the area for more than just the day, there is a lovely campsite- Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park, right at the top of the cliff overlooking the whole bay, with stunning views and the nicest toilets of any campsites we’ve stayed at!
It is a perfect spot to stay relatively sheltered if there are north westerly winds, as you are surrounded by cliffs down on the beach.
Tide Times
Tides on this beach can take you by surprise, they come in fast and depending on where you are on the beach you can become cut-off. During the incoming tide we recommend you go towards the west side of the bay in-front off the sand dunes.
