Pennard to Three Cliffs Walk

Three Cliffs Bay is my first recommendation, this because it offers access options and scenic variety. It also provides opportunities for dogs to run on the beaches and swim in the sea at all times of the year. A good tip is that you check the tides before you plan your walk. Generally speaking there are three main access points, 1) Southgate via the cliff path, 2) Parkmill via the river valley and 3) Penmaen via the Headland close to The Great Tor. Options 1 and 3 will involve walking down to and up from the beach and this it moderately strenuous. Access from Parkmill is is relatively straight forward, only a slight incline through the wood before a short gradual descent to the valley floor.

The Pennard or Southgate option offers good National Trust parking, a dog friendly cafe with shop and souvenirs. There are toilet facilities within the cafe and bins for poo bags, one near the cafe and another about 800 metres along the track that leads toward 3 cliffs. Initually this is a fairly level cliff top walk that offers spectacular view over the sea toward Oxwich Bay. You then have the option to descend on to the Beach at Pobbles Bay that leads around the famous Three Cliffs. Ideally you should time this for an hour either side of Low tide. Alternatively you can follow the higher ground around towards Pennard Castle. There are various access points to the beach, but if you walk down then you know that you probably have to walk back up!. The lower paths tend to be soft sand and require more effort. The river runs down through the valley and will flood at top tide. If you wish to cross the the river and stay dry then there are stepping stones across the river, close to the Lifeguard hut. (The steps will flood on the larger tides).

Things to watch out for There is very little shade for dogs, so be mindful of temperatures and direct sun. Take plenty of water. The bay is known to have rips and currents particularly at mid tide as the water rushes around the Three Cliffs. Generally speaking, low and top tides are safer options.

Best Time to visit My favourite time to visit is mornings as the sun moves from east to west flooding the valley. The Cafe/ shop open early and you can stock up on water and picnic supplies. Sunsets on the beach are mostly blocked by the the terrain and the light can disappear quickly, you should to allow 40 mins to 1 hour get back to the carpark from the main beach