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Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Port Eynon

Port Eynon Beach & Headland loop to Blackhole Cliff from Port Eynon — Gŵyr / Gower

Routes
Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Port Eynon

Port Eynon Beach & Headland loop to Blackhole Cliff from Port Eynon — Gŵyr / Gower

Moderate

4.5

(15)

46

hikers

Port Eynon Beach & Headland loop to Blackhole Cliff from Port Eynon — Gŵyr / Gower

02:09

8.04km

90m

Hiking

Embark on the Port Eynon Beach & Headland loop to Blackhole Cliff from Port Eynon, a moderate hiking trail spanning 5.0 miles (8.0 km) with an elevation gain of 299 feet (91 metres). This route typically takes around 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete, guiding you through diverse coastal landscapes. You will experience wild, windy headlands and limestone grasslands, offering sweeping views over the Bristol Channel and Port Eynon Bay, with glimpses towards Rhossili and Oxwich Point.

This popular route starts at Port Eynon Beach, Gower's most frequented sandy stretch. While the research does not specify parking or public transport details, the trail is well-trodden by local hikers. The path is mostly accessible, but you should be sure-footed for some sections. The moderate difficulty suggests it is best enjoyed by those with good fitness levels, allowing you to fully appreciate the dramatic Carboniferous Limestone cliffs and coastal scenery.

Beyond the stunning views, the trail is rich in history and unique features. You will pass the ruins of a 16th-century salthouse, a significant site for early salt-making in South Wales. Further along, Port Eynon Point provides excellent vistas back towards the beach. A truly distinctive landmark is Culver Hole, a cave hidden in the cliffs behind an 18-meter stone wall, historically believed to be a pigeon shelter and linked to local smuggling legends.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Gower AONB

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

1.91 km

Port Eynon Beach

Highlight • Viewpoint

Port Eynon Bay is probably Gower's most popular beach. With nearly a mile of golden sand backed by sand dunes. It is popular for all types of water sports and generally offers safe swimming.

Tip by

2

2.46 km

The Salthouse Ruins

Highlight • Monument

This monument comprises the remains of a group of structures on the sea-edge, the site of a 16th - early 17th century salthouse and fortified house. Used in the 19th century as oysterman's cottages, the site is divided into a series of three stone lined chambers at beach level, and a group of two storey buildings at higher level. The largest chamber produced on excavation the remains of a wooden pump, 1.75m long, comprising a hollowed out tree trunk with non-return valve. This is still in-situ. Sea water was fed into these chambers at high tide and pumped to the higher level to be evaporated in coal-fired furnaces to make salt. The buildings have possible musket loops.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of early salt-making processes. Indeed, this saltworks represents the most intact example of its kind in south Wales. The monument retains significant archaeological potential and forms an important element in the wider south-Wales industrial landscape.

The area scheduled comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.

Tip by

3

2.74 km

Port Eynon Headland

Highlight • Natural Monument

Nearly all the south Gower coastline is formed of dramatic cliffs and slopes of light grey carboniferous limestone. Port Eynon headland is no different. Intrepid walkers will relish the magnificent walk along these craggy cliffs as it has some spectacular views.

Tip by

4

2.96 km

Culver Hole

Highlight • Cave

This unique harry potter type of witch house is an amazing must see. Nestled in a cleft in the rock it is simply a tall stone wall with no doors and just inset with a series of ill-matched windows. It was built centuries ago, and used as a shelter for domesticated pigeons and has smugglers and brigand type stories galore associated with it. It is well worth the effort to go and see it.

Now it is rough underfoot there and it is only accessible between low to mid tide. To get to it, ex-Welsh rugby international Chris Knight has an excellent video and additional information on his webpage.
Video here: ohwhataknight.co.uk/blog/how-to-reach-culver-hole
Tide information here: tidetime.org/europe/united-kingdom/swansea.htm

Tip by

5

5.39 km

Blackhole Cliff

Highlight • Viewpoint

Absolutely lovely stretch of coastline with rugged craggy limestone cliff formations. About as rugged as it comes actually and on a nice sunny day the views out to sea are sublime!

Tip by

B

8.04 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.11 km

2.08 km

2.05 km

456 m

283 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.70 km

2.16 km

602 m

527 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (60 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

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Tuesday 19 May

16°C

11°C

40 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 32.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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