Burry Holms

At the northern end of Rhossili Bay is Burry Holms, a small tidal island that is accessible approximately 2.5 hours after high tide.  This was my fathers favourite fishing spot and where he would spend far too many hours spinning for bass off the north point. The island  is a 20 minute walk from Broughton Caravan Park or a 30 minute walk from Hillend Caravan Park. 

History:

Burry Holms once overlooked expansive plains, and it is believed that during the Middle Stone Age, hunters used this location ground as a hunting base camp. During the last century, small shards of flint were discovered on the island. Razors flints were used for spears that were used for both fishing and hunting. It was during the Iron Age that the earth work that can be seen today was developed. Later, the island was home to ecclesiastical monks during Medieval times. These days there are only rabbits, but be careful, as it is easy to lose your footing in a rabbit hole.

Standing on top of the island  and on a clear day, you can see Caldey Island to the West.  Turning towards the north-east there is the Whiteford Lighthouse and past this is Burry Port harbour. The flora on the island includes thrift and sea campion.  Seals can often be seen in the waters close by.

Burry Holms is also popular with surfers because under the right conditions, wave swells reflect off the the island and form a Peak, hence the name.
Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round.
The RAF use Pendine, on the opposite Carmarthenshire coast, to practice and very often fighter planes that can be clearly seen and heard as they fly past the island.

A large waterbird, the cormorant has a long neck making it appear reptilian. It is often seen standing with its wings held out to dry. Cormorants are supreme fishers which can bring them into conflict with anglers. These are common along the south coast of Gower and around Burry Holms

Winter swell at Peaks, adjacent to Burry Holms