Whiteford Point & Broughton Bay from Llanmadoc

(S)The start is the car park (grid ref. SS439935) in the village of Llanmadoc. After parking, exit onto the lane and turn right down hill to Cwm Ivy. Reaching the village take the track on the right leading through Cwm Ivy Woods. Reaching a path junction at the end of the woods (grid ref. SS446938) ignore the path on your right and continue ahead to join the Wales Coast Path. This path soon turns sharp left and takes you across a low embankment with marshes to your left and the estuary on your right. Reaching the end of the low-embankment, bear right following the Wales Coast Path all the way north to Whiteford Point.

(1)The route now turns south following the clear path that runs parallel with the beach. Stay on this path through the Whiteford Nature Reserve. Eventually as you get closer to Cwm Ivy the path becomes a track and continues a short way to reach a t-junction (grid ref SS437939). Turn right here staying on the Wales Coast Path. This takes you around the foot of Cwm Ivy Tor before climbing to the summit of Hills Tor.

(2)The path descends to Broughton Bay passing dunes behind the beach to reach the caravan park at Broughton Farm. Just before the caravan park leave the Wales Coast Path and turn inland (grid ref. SS420929). Continue across two fields to join the access track to Delvid Farm. Continue straight ahead along this track passing Brynymoor on your left. The track becomes a lane with the slopes of Llanmadoc Hill on your left.

(3)After passing Cockstreet on your right, take the first clear rising path on your left. Like many similar areas Llanmadoc Hill is criss-crossed by paths and precise directions are almost impossible to provide. Taking a zigzag approach, climb up the steep western flank of the hill to reach the summit from where wide ranging views, especially over areas just walked, can be enjoyed.

(4)All that remains now is to descend in an easterly direction from the summit following a clear wide path towards the Bulwark (an Iron-age fort). You have a number of options. Either continue to the Bulwark and descend north back into Llanmadoc, or bear left before reaching the old fort and descend directly into the village.(E)

The Gower Peninsula is well known for its wonderful coastal scenery and this route enables you to enjoy the varied landscapes in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route takes you out along the sandy reaches of Whiteford Point before returning along the coast to Hills Tor. After another section of coastal walking you turn inland and ascend Llanmadoc Hill, one of the highest point in the Gower peninsula from where you can enjoy a panorama that includes most of the route just completed. Much of the route follows the Wales Coast Path which is generally well-signed.