Cefn Bryn

Cefn Bryn

Cefn Bryn is the prominent common-land ridge across central Gower, in Swansea. Current DoBIH records give 186.6 m, with 132.5 m prominence, making it a Hump and Tump. These current figures supersede the older 188 m listing and the unsupported 196 m narrative. Primary hill record

Summit uncertainty

The listed point is ground about 4 m southeast of the trig pillar, beside the compound perimeter fence, at SS5180988967. DoBIH explicitly warns that there may be higher natural ground inside the compound. Stay outside the fence: this page does not establish access to the compound or certainty about the absolute natural highpoint. The trig is a useful landmark, not proof that its base is the highest ground.

Landscape and history

The ridge exposes Devonian Old Red Sandstone, including Brownstones and pebbly conglomerate, folded into an anticline and affected by a thrust. It gives wide views over Gower towards its southern bays and the Bristol Channel. Geological Society field guide

Farther west, Maen Ceti or Arthur’s Stone is a Neolithic chambered tomb. Bronze Age cairns form part of the wider historic common-land landscape. These monuments are separate from the listed summit point. Heneb landscape record

A complete return walk

The Cefn Bryn and Three Cliffs Bay circular from Penmaen follows Walking Britain’s 14.6 km itinerary: the ridge and Arthur’s Stone, Reynoldston, Mill Wood, the public path through Penrice Castle Park, Nicholaston Woods and the coastal path back through the burrows to Penmaen. Use the linked directions and map for each junction. Optional viewpoints, archaeological detours and any tide-related alternative are not given the same total. No scalar walking time is asserted. Full route

This is a substantial mixed-terrain circuit with stiles, mud and exposed sections. It crosses the A4118 and includes a roadside stretch. Check tides and conditions for the coastal return; never wade a channel or follow an unsafe beach shortcut. If the route cannot be followed safely, turn back or use a confirmed safe alternative and allow for the changed distance. Wales Coast Path tide advice, current diversion information

Travel and facilities

The route starts and ends at the small Penmaen car park near the church, SS531888. Although the route publisher calls it an NT car park, National Trust’s current page identifies Penmaen parking as non-NT and lists no toilets. Check signs and carry provisions. National Trust visitor information

Service 118 is listed via Penmaen church; check the date-specific timetable and last return. Any connection from the stop to the car park is extra to the published walk. Traveline Cymru

Sources checked on 18 October 2026. The route is undated. Consult the current Wales Coast Path diversion information before walking; the guide and this source check do not guarantee current safe passage. The private summit compound and Parc-Le-Breos hotel grounds are not part of the public itinerary.