LIFETIME of WALKS by DEREK HARWOOD

This walk was excellent and varied. Views were excellent, but would be even better in good weather. I almost forgot to take map, camera and hat. It was a stiff walk to Rhossili Beacon with improving views after each step. I passed sheep, gliders, cattle and horses on the path to the summit. The camera blew around whilst on OS column taking a timed photo. There were panoramic views from the top of the Down although it was windy. The rocks on the top of the Down look like discarded lumps of concrete. It was a long descent to the lane at the entrance to the caravan site. A guard dog waited until I passed before barking. I sampled the local blackberries on the lane to Llangennith village. I passed Sylvia's ideal cottage between Hillend and Llangennith which was 'up for sale'. It was a steady climb through Llangennith village to St Cenydd's church. I passed Burrows Hall nursing home on Broughton Lane. From the end of Broughton Lane at the entrance to the caravan park I took care to choose the path across Llangennith Burrows. The path could be very hard going and very undulating. I took the good track south-west over several stiles until the track turned further south, then I crossed the many dunes to the beach. Surprisingly I came to a fence in between the dunes, where fortunately, there was a stile right in front of me, with no sign of a path to or from the stile. It was an easy walk to Burry Holms over flat, firm sand. I spoke to a couple leaving Burry Holms and they recommended I returned from the island before the incoming tide submerged the causeway. When I reached the causeway I could see that the sea would cover the causeway when approximately one foot (34cm) higher. I visited the island very briefly, only taking a photo of the church ruins, but not climbing to the summit of the island. I returned to Rhossili beach without getting my feet wet. I disturbed many gulls and oyster catcher birds while walking along the beach. I passed a kite boarder enjoying speedy runs up and down the beach. I also passed surfers enjoying the large waves on the perfect beach. I made good progress on the firm sand along the full length of the bay. There was a good path with steps from the beach to Rhossili car park.

Location Map: - www.streetmap.co.uk
Worm Head Car Park, Rhossili.Parking in 2005 was £2.50.

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