The really strong winds that were blowing across Swansea Bay as we passed St. Helens had virtually disappeared by the time that we reached the sea front car park at Pennard.
With clear blue skies and warmish sunshine, the air temperature was approximately 9 degrees as we walked along the headland on the outward loop eastwards from Southgale. At the furthest point we were able to see Caswell Bay in the distance. As we returned to Southgale we were surprised to establish that this particualr section was actually linked to the Pwll Du walk which we made in September 2011.
We returned in a westerly direction along the 'C' road towards Pennard. A few quiet moments were taken sitting on the bench at the car park looking out to the flat calm sea.
Forsaking the main footpath used by the majority of walkers Lord Twynyrodyn and Wandering decided to scramble down the 100 foot limestone cliff face to the beach below, without knowing at the time whether it would even be possible to make it safely to the bottom.
After posing for the obligatory photo at a rock promontory it was firstly a grass bank and then a slide down loose screed before tackling the final rocky outcrop. Circumnavigating a wide crevice in the rocks, the two 'veterans' managed to keep their feet long enough to make it to the safety of the sandy beach.
The bay takes its name from the three sea cliffs that jut out into the bay. The beach routinely qualifies for Blue Flag status. Inland about 500 yards from the main beach on high ground above Pennard Pill is Pennard Castle, which was built in the early 12th century.
In June 2006 the BBC Holidays at Home programme declared Three Cliffs Bay to be Britain's best beach. In a recent programme broadcast in the UK the view over Three Cliffs Bay was nominated for "Britain's Best View".
To leave the beach the duo needed to walk though the natural arch created in the rock, because Pennard Pill, the river that bisects the beach, was too deep to cross. After leaving the beach and crossing a wooden bridge we had to climb a steep, energy sapping sand dune to reach the ruins of Pennard Castle.
We crossed a section of the links golf course and passed the clubhouse before making our return to the car park, but only after his Lordship had enjoyed a bowl of hearty Pumpkin Soup (to celebrate All Hallows Eve) in the cafe before departing after our excellent adventure on the Gower Peninsular.
Photographs taken on this walk can be viewed here. Select 'slide-show' for automated viewing.
