Penmaen Burrows and Great Tor
Discover dramatic coastal paths, hidden beaches, and ancient history with stunning views over the Gower Peninsula.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Parking was plentiful, fewer crowds.
Penmaen Burrows and Great Tor
Best Time
Parking was plentiful, fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover dramatic coastal paths, hidden beaches, and ancient history with stunning views over the Gower Peninsula.
"The views along the coast path are breathtaking."
🎯 Navigate Parking Wisely
Avoid satnav! Park near Penmaen Church or campsite. Be ready for a walk.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No facilities on-site. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you need.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Breathtaking Coastal Views
Coastal Path
Panoramic vistas of the coastline, cliffs, and sea. Absolutely stunning, especially on a clear day.
Neolithic Burial Chamber
Overgrown area
Discover a hidden piece of history. It's overgrown but a fascinating find for history buffs.
Scenic Beaches
Below the cliffs
Beautiful, often quiet beaches with glorious views. A long walk down, but worth the effort for the scenery.
Three Cliffs Bay Proximity
Adjacent to Three Cliffs Bay
Just a short walk from the iconic Three Cliffs Bay, offering a different perspective and often fewer crowds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Facilities & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate Parking Wisely
Avoid satnav! Park near Penmaen Church or campsite. Be ready for a walk.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No facilities on-site. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you need.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for a Walk
Access to beaches involves a long walk down. Enjoy the views on the way!
📸 Capture Coastal Beauty
The coastal path offers breathtaking views. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate Parking Wisely
Avoid satnav! Park near Penmaen Church or campsite. Be ready for a walk.
🎒 Pack Essentials
No facilities on-site. Bring water, snacks, and anything else you need.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared for a Walk
Access to beaches involves a long walk down. Enjoy the views on the way!
📸 Capture Coastal Beauty
The coastal path offers breathtaking views. Don't forget your camera!
🗺️ Find the Burial Chamber
It's overgrown but a fascinating historical find. Look carefully!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely breathtaking coastal views and scenic beaches, making it a worthwhile destination despite access challenges. The historical neolithic burial chamber adds a unique element of discovery. However, the lack of on-site facilities and the long walk to the beaches are noted drawbacks.
"Had a great day here. Parking was good and the weather helped. The views along the coast path are breathtaking.
Primary reason for visit was to find the neolithic burial chamber. It was overgrown but I found it and will try and set the location on google maps."
David Nurse
"Visited on a wet Tuesday afternoon but the view alone was worth the effort. A long walk down to the beach so we stayed at the top. Beware of following Google maps or satnav if driving as you're taken down a narrow dead-end road with a final turn warning you not to follow the satnav. You can see the National Trust sign, but you have to walk to this road, either from the Camp-site car park slightly further on or, better still, turn right in Penmaen in front of the Church and park just after the cattle-grid, also National Trust land. Various paths down to the beach with glorious views on the way down."
Gordon Riches
"Wonderful scenic beaches.. Difficult to access though.. No restrooms or cafes on site.. Free parking about 2 miles away."
Lekshmy Shaji
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving can be tricky as satnavs may lead you down narrow dead-end roads. It's best to park near the National Trust sign in Penmaen, either by turning right in front of the church and parking just after the cattle grid, or using the campsite car park slightly further on.
Yes, there is free parking available. One reviewer mentioned finding a largely empty free car park midweek in late August.
The walk down to the beach can be long, so be prepared for a decent trek. The views along the way are a highlight.
Information on public transport is limited, but given the rural location and parking advice, driving is the most commonly recommended method.
While there are National Trust signs, following satnav is discouraged. It's advisable to have a general understanding of the area or use a physical map.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the natural area itself is free. Parking is also free at recommended spots.
As a natural area, there are no set opening hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the views and safety.
No, booking is not required as it's a natural landscape.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's a natural environment, so visitors should be mindful of the landscape and wildlife.
While you can enjoy the views from the top without a long walk, reaching the beaches requires a significant walk. A quick visit might focus on the cliff paths.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy breathtaking coastal views, explore scenic beaches, and find a neolithic burial chamber. It's also adjacent to Three Cliffs Bay.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms or cafes on-site. Visitors need to bring their own provisions.
Yes, it's ideal for walking, with coastal paths offering stunning scenery. Be prepared for varied terrain and inclines.
Expect cliff paths, dunes, and potentially rocky or sandy areas on the beaches. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Absolutely! The dramatic coastal scenery, beaches, and views make it a fantastic spot for photographers.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastal path offers the most dramatic and sweeping views. The beaches below also provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially at different tides.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) will likely offer the most dramatic lighting for coastal landscapes. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views.
The neolithic burial chamber, though overgrown, can make for an interesting historical subject. The rugged coastline and the proximity to Three Cliffs Bay are also key features.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant features. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance skies and water.
Drone regulations can vary. It's always best to check local bylaws and National Trust guidelines before flying a drone in such natural areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to pack plenty of snacks and drinks as there are no facilities on-site. Consider focusing on exploring the coastal paths at the top for easier access to views, rather than attempting the full descent to the beach with very young children. The neolithic burial chamber could be an interesting historical 'treasure hunt' for older kids.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the natural beauty of the dunes and the rugged coastline. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna. The relative lack of amenities means a more unspoiled natural experience, so be sure to pack everything you need for a comfortable trek.
📸 Photographers
Aim for golden hour for the best light, but the dramatic scenery is impressive at any time of day. The neolithic burial chamber offers a unique, historical element to capture. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for those expansive vistas and consider a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and seas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
Be aware that even from these recommended parking areas, there's often a walk involved to reach the main attractions like the beaches or the coastal path. This walk, however, is part of the experience, offering increasingly beautiful views as you descend. It's essential to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven.
Exploring the Coastal Path and Beaches
Reaching the beaches below the cliffs involves a significant walk, but the reward is often secluded and scenic spots. These beaches are characterized by their natural beauty and the dramatic backdrop of the cliffs. Visitors should be prepared for the descent and ascent, and it's advisable to check tide times if you plan to spend time on the sand. The effort is consistently described as worthwhile for the glorious views encountered along the way.
Discovering the Neolithic Past
Locating the burial chamber might require a bit of searching, but the sense of uncovering a piece of history is rewarding. It's a reminder of the long human presence in this beautiful landscape. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respect the historical significance of the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit