GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Oxwich Bay Circular Walk

4 miles (6.5 km)

This circular walk explores the area surrounding Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula. The Travel Magazine named Oxwich beach the most beautiful in Britain.
You start at the car park in Oxwich and head along the coast through Oxwich Wood before continuing to Oxwich point where there are splendid coastal views. On the way you will pass the fascinating St Illtud's Church. Founded in the 6th century the church has an interesting stone font and tranquil grounds.
From Oxwich point you continue around the southern part of the headland with views over Port-Eynon Bay. Footpaths through the countryside then take you back to Oxwich via the fine ruins of Oxwich Castle. The route then heads through the lovely sand dunes of Oxwich Burrows Nature Reserve where you can look out for a variety of flora and fauna. These include more than 600 species of plants such as Bee Orchids and Early Marsh-orchids.
The area also includes a freshwater lake, salt marsh and the pretty stream of Nicholaston Pill. Look out for birds including Cetti's Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Bittern.
If you'd like to continue your exercise then you could try the Three Cliffs Bay Walk which visits Nicholaston Burrows and Penmaen Burrows. The video below shows a walk from Oxwich to Three Cliffs also. The atmospheric ruins of the 12th century Pennard Castle are near here and well worth a visit too.

Postcode

SA3 1LS - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Oxwich Bay Circular OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Oxwich Bay Circular Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Oxwich to Port Eynon Walk starts from the same car park andf will take you west to the historic village of Port Eynon via Horton. It's a lovely walk passing along the coast with views of Port Eynon Bay and beach. In the village there's also a very fine pub for refreshments at the end of the walk.
Just to the east you can visit the delightful woodland trails at Bishopston Valley and visit the beautiful secluded beach at Pwll Du Bay.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Gower Walks page.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Oxwich Bay, Wales (3706991026)

Oxwich Bay, Wales

Oxwich Bay, from near St Illtyd's church - geograph.org.uk - 47313

From near St Illtyd's church.

Overlooking Oxwich Bay from Nicholaston Woods - geograph.org.uk - 1076524

Overlooking Oxwich Bay from Nicholaston Woods

European Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) growing on sand dunes in Wales 06

European Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria) growing on sand dunes at the bay

Oxwich Castle 2

The 16th century Oxwich Castle. The walk passes the ruins of this Grade I listed castle to the south of the village. It is a castle in name only as it is was originally a grand Tudor fortified manor house built in courtyard style.

St Illtyd's Church, Oxwich - geograph.org.uk - 3623135

St Illtyd's Church,

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Oxwich Bay Circular.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Oxwich Bay Circular.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)