Climbing and hiking in Swansea

Gower Cliffs and Caves

The Gower Peninsula features a concentration of Carboniferous limestone cliffs and prehistoric sites. This collection includes Paviland Cave, where the 'Red Lady of Paviland' was discovered, and Cathole Cave, a site of Paleolithic and Mesolithic activity. Climbers utilize the steep faces at Three Cliffs Bay and Shipwreck Cove, while Cefn Bryn offers panoramic views from the peninsula's highest ridge. These locations combine geological significance with extensive opportunities for coastal hiking and rock climbing.

Gower Cliffs and Caves — Map

Daicaregos / Public domain

A

Cathole Cave

Cathole Cave, Cat Hole Cave or Cathole Rock Cave, is a cave near Parc Cwm long cairn at Parc le Breos, on the Gower Peninsula, Wales.

B

Three Cliffs

Iconic limestone arches and cliffs popular for traditional climbing. Located on the south coast of Gower, the site features a series of three peaks accessible via the beach at low tide.

C

Rhossili Bay

A three-mile stretch of sandy beach and coastal path providing views of Worm's Head. The area is managed by the National Trust and includes the remains of the Helvetia shipwreck.

D

Paviland Cave

Significant archaeological site where the 'Red Lady of Paviland' skeleton was found in 1823. It dates to the Upper Paleolithic period and is located within a limestone cliff face.

E

Culver Hole

A narrow cave near Port Eynon featuring a unique medieval masonry wall with window openings. Likely used as a dovecote or fortified storehouse, it is accessible via a steep coastal descent.

F

Cefn Bryn

A five-mile long sandstone ridge known as the backbone of Gower. It is home to Arthur's Stone, a Neolithic burial chamber, and provides views of the Bristol Channel.

G

Snaple Point

A coastal headland near Caswell Bay offering views across the Bristol Channel. The area features rugged limestone formations and provides access to the Gower Coast Path.

H

Oxwich Point

Limestone headland featuring tiered cliffs and woodland trails. It is an established location for rock climbing and offers views across Oxwich Bay toward Three Cliffs.

I

Shipwreck Cove

Steep, overhanging limestone crag near Rhossili used for sport climbing. The cove is tidal and contains the remains of a 19th-century shipwreck.

J

Mewslade Quarry Cave - Left Entrance

Cave system located within the limestone cliffs of Mewslade Bay, accessible via the coastal path.

K

Great Boulder Cove

Tidal cove near Rhossili known for technical sport climbing routes on limestone cliff faces and large boulders.

L

Giant's Cave

Limestone cave situated on the cliffs between Rhossili and Mewslade Bay, accessible at low tide.

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