Harding's Down & Rhossili Down from Rhossili

(S/E)The start is the car park behind the sea front at Rhossili (grid ref. SS415879). After parking walk towards the sea and turn left and follow the Wales Coast Path in a westerly direction. Ahead you soon enjoy fine views to Worms Head. It is worthwhile continuing to the Lookout Station (grid ref. SS403874) and descending to the lower path. As an alternative you can stay on the higher path but both routes meet in a short distance. Keeping the sea on your right follow the path along the shore climbing up to meet the cliff top path. Continue along the coast past Fall Bay towards Mewslade Bay. Here again you have two options. You can take the higher path and continue to the lane in Pitton (grid ref. SS426876) or take the lower path before continuing into Pitton.

(2)Reaching the lane, turn left. Reaching the B4247, go straight across (taking care) and follow the lane ahead. Ignore the first track to your left and continue ahead bearing left to follow a track initially through trees that heads north. The track becomes more of a path as you walk and after 600 metres or so you reach a junction with another track (grid ref. SS430885). Take the footpath opposite and continue following the path initially north-east but then north to reach a track at Kingshall (grid ref. SS434891).

(3)From Kingshall the path heads across fields in a northerly direction with the field boundary on your left. Reaching a lane just past Cathan at grid ref. SS433903, turn right towards Harding's Down. There are many paths and tracks on this hill and its best to choose your own route to the summit from where there are pleasant views across the surrounding countryside. From the hill top walk northeast passing a large earthwork and clear track beyond. Careful navigation here will help you locate the onward path at grid ref. SS432908. Follow the path across fields past Ravens Well to the village of Llangennith where there are opportunities for refreshments.

(4)From the village centre take the lane heading south and in 150 metres turn right onto a footpath (grid ref. SS428913). A map comes in useful on this section as you cross fields to College Mill. Here cross the stream and take the path to Hillend with a map providing useful guidance. Reaching the lane at Hillend turn left and follow the clear path heading south up the main ridge of Rhossili Down. (If you are feeling tired then an option is to follow the Wales Coast Path which follows a route along the lower slopes of the hill.) From the main ridge you get some wonderful views. These include much of the route just completed, the Gower Coast and in particular Rhossili Bay. All that remains is to descend back to Rhossili village and the start.

The Gower Peninsula is well known for its coastal walking. This walk does explore a section of coastline but also includes some inland walking crossing two of the prominent hills in the area. The route is generally easy to follow although some care is needed with navigation on the inland section of the route between Pitton, Llangennith and Hillend with an OS Explorer map the preferred choice.