Skip to content
View towards Worm's Head, Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales
View towards Worm's Head | © National Trust Images/John Millar
Wales

Rhosili headland walk

This walk across the headland takes in views across Rhosili Bay and out to Worm’s Head before leading you back through the Vile, the remnants of an ancient landscape.

Livestock along the route

Ponies and cattle are present along the trail throughout the year.

Total steps: 10

Total steps: 10

Start point

National Trust shop, Rhosili, grid ref: SS414881

Step 1

From the National Trust car park with Rhosili beach and Worm’s Head Hotel to your right, walk towards the National Trust shop (on your left). The shop is in one of the former coastguard cottages.

Step 2

When you reach the shop, you will see the 3-mile-long beach of Rhosili on your right.

View down to Rhosili beach on the Rhosili headland walk, Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales
Looking down over Rhosili beach | © National Trust

Step 3

Go past the shop and through a pedestrian gate to continue along the track with the cliffs on your right.

Step 4

To the right of the path there are a series of mounds. These are the remains of one of at least 32 Iron Age forts found on the Gower Peninsula. The magnificent views from here enabled inhabitants of the fort to see their enemies for miles around.

Step 5

To the left of the track a dry-stone wall encloses a medieval open field strip system. Known as the Vile, it was introduced by the Normans in the 12th century. This system is now largely managed for wildlife by the National Trust using nature-friendly farming methods.

Step 6

Where the surfaced track bears sharp left, walk straight on, following a wide grass path towards the National Coastwatch Institute (NCI) lookout. From here, you'll have spectacular view of the Worm's Head. The lookout was built in Victorian times and is now manned by volunteers.

Step 7

At the NCI lookout turn left to walk along the clifftop. You will join a path that runs alongside the dry-stone wall. Continue until the path and wall take a sharp left overlooking Fall Bay.

View over Fall Bay on the Rhosili headland walk, Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales
View over Fall Bay on the Rhosili headland walk | © National Trust

Step 8

Keep to the path on the left.

Step 9

Follow the path until you reach an iron ladder and steps up to a pedestrian gate. Go up the steps, through the gate and follow the path on the right to take you uphill and through another gate.

Iron ladder with steps to a pedestrian gate on the Rhosili headland walk, Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales
Iron ladder with steps to a pedestrian gate | © National Trust

Step 10

Turn left and follow the marked footpath through sheep fields and onto a green lane. A short distance along the lane there is a sharp turn back to the left. Continue through the footpath gates and along this narrow, hedged track until you reach a wider lane on your right. Take the right turn onto the lane and follow it into Rhosili village, turning left onto the road which will lead you back to the National Trust car park.

End point

Rhosili Village, grid ref: SS414881

Trail map

Map showing the route and steps of the Rhosili headland walk
Rhosili headland walk route | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Clifftop view of sandy beach surrounded by green hills, with two white cottages at its edge
Trail
Trail

Bishopston Valley walk 

Discover caves, underground rivers and ancient woodland on this challenging walk through a hidden valley in Gower, Wales.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Enjoy this scenic running route around Rhosili beach, Wales
Trail
Trail

Rhosili Ranger Run 

Feel the wind in your hair and sand beneath your feet as you enjoy this scenic running route around Rhosili.

Activities
Running
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8) to miles: 0 (km: 0)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

View of Snowdonia with mountains in the background and a rocky landscape and wooden bridge in the mid ground

Walking in Wales 

Explore wide open landscapes, gentler coastal strolls or energetic hikes for something a little more challenging. We've rounded up some of the best places to walk in Wales.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

The white building of the Rhosili shop and visitor centre, in the distance the cliff edge can be seen with the blue sea and sky beyond meeting at the horizon.
Article
Article

Eating and Shopping at Rhosili 

Rhosili Bay, Gower, the site to one of our most unique shopping locations. With views across the 3 mile sandy beach, it’s a place like no other. With plenty of local treats and to enjoy or take back home. We also have plenty of choice for any last minute purchases to really make your day out the best it can be.

Father and daughter building a sandcastle on the beach in summer
Article
Article

Visiting Rhosili and South Gower Coast 

A scenic spot for coastal walks, water sports and wildlife. With 3 miles of sandy beach there’s plenty of space for the whole family to play in the sand or fly a kite.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.