The Gower Peninsula – South Wales
by Jon Smith (JugglerJon)


The Gower Peninsula is a stunning part of South Wales just to the West of Swansea. I first went down there over whitsun bank holiday ’04 and have been back regularly ever since. It is a superb venue for kiting due to it having North, West and South facing coastlines with large hard sandy beaches. The only draw back is that the roads get very busy on Bank Holidays as do the campsites so get there early if possible. However other weekends are much quieter.

Now then where would I recommend?

Basic'ly there are 3 Beaches that sort you out for most winds Broughton Bay, Rhosilli Bay and Oxwich Bay.


Broughton Bay -
  • Sand Quality - rock Hard whilst we were there can have softer areas nearer to dunes.
  • Size - big when tide is out loads more usable sand than Cleethorpes.
  • Wind – W, NW, N are excellent. SW and NE get a bit gusty.
  • Parking - Brilliant if camping at Llanmadoc campsite, right next to beach. However if you are not camping the car parking area is small.
  • Campsite – Llanmadoc Campsite - Excellent, right next to beach, big fields, we were allowed a campfire on a stand. Allows dogs. Chilled out!! Large toilet, shower and washing up facilities. Shop that does sarnies, tea and some tinned foods and bacon. Can't remember how much it cost but didn't bust the bank. Click the link above for details.


    Llanmadoc Campsite looking over the dunes to Broughton Bay – you get some awesome sunsets here.
    Broughton Bay - impression of size and surroundings. The beach extends for a couple of miles behind where this picture was taken from. (Rider – Leon Lever)


    Broughton Bay extending into distance. (Riders – Veggie John and Leon)

    Rhosilli Bay -
  • Sand Quality - Rock hard whilst we were there
  • Size - big when tide is out loads more usable sand than cleethorpes. Just stay North of the river near Hill end campsite.
  • Wind - SW,W,NW Good N and S gets bit gusty due to surrounding rocks.
  • Parking -Brilliant, right next to beach, just go to hill end campsite you’ll have to pay a couple of quid though.
  • Pub and other stuff - Good pub in Llangennith (Kings Head) can get busy at times. Surf hire shops and lessons are available in Llangennith. There is a Cafe at campsite and a minimarket (Bit overpriced). There is also an excellent pub up in Rhossilli looking north, down onto Rhossilli bay, very impressive view.
  • Campsite - Not stayed there yet but looks excellent, right next to beach, seems a little livelier than other campsites. Don't think they allow dogs. Chilled out!! Can't remember how much it costs.

    Hill End Camping Site Llangennith
    Hillend
    Llangennith
    SA3 1JD
    tel: 01792 386204


    Rhossilli bay looking north – over the dunes is Broughton Bay (Rider 540 Dave)


    Looking down the beach towards worms head – the pub in rhosilli is on the cliffs to the left. (Ade and Jess in photo)

    Oxwich Bay -
  • Sand Quality – Rock hard with the odd soft spot.
  • Size - Smaller than other two but still big, at least as big as Cleethorpes.
  • Wind - SE, S, Good SW gets bit gusty E might be ok too.
  • Parking - Brilliant right next to beach costs a couple of quid.
  • Cafe - 100yds from beach - toilets on beach – shop on beach.
  • Campsite - I know there are a couple near by but I haven't stayed at them. However Port Eynon Youth Hostel is superb and even has kites on the bedroom walls.



    Oxwich Bay – Unfotunately not much wind that day.


    Oxwich Bay (Liz, Freddy, Jess and Leon)

    I have also stayed at a campsite called Kennexstone camping which was really nice. It is a little inland but only 10 min drive to Rhossilli and Broughton Bay.

    Kennexstone campsite 01792 391296
    General campsites.

    Please note that all of these beaches allowed traction activities at the time of writing, however this may change and it would be prudent to check with local flyers on the flexiforums before venturing all that way.

    If you want to see any more pictures or video check them out in my gallery.

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