Rhossili Down - The Beacon

Rhossili Down - The Beacon

The Beacon is the 193 m summit of Rhossili Down and the highest point on Gower. Its prominence is 145 m. An OS trig pillar marks the summit area; the Database of British and Irish Hills identifies a small rock beside it as the natural high point. The hill is a Hump. Its former Submarilyn designation was removed in May 2025 after the list definition changed.

Landscape and views

The Down rises behind Rhossili Bay, with a ridge of open heathland above the beach. Devonian sandstone and conglomerate form the high ground. The limestone cliffs around the village and Worm's Head belong to the neighbouring coastal landscape. Below the western scarp, the broad terrace was formed by material moving downslope under cold-climate conditions.

Views take in Rhossili Bay and Worm's Head. In clear weather the wider outlook includes west Wales, Lundy and the north Devon coast. Heather brings colour in late summer and early autumn; visibility and weather matter more than the season for distant views.

Summit and history

The trig pillar stands on a damaged cairn interpreted as a Bronze Age burial monument. The wider Down also contains the Sweynes Howes burial chambers and the concrete remains of a Second World War radar station, used between 1942 and 1945. Leave archaeological stonework undisturbed.

Choosing a route

The 6.5 km Walking Britain circuit takes the ridge to the Hillend area and returns along the Wales Coast Path above the beach. Its published figures are 212 m ascent and 2.5 hours for the whole walk.

The National Trust's 8 km, 2.5-hour circuit returns from Hillend along the beach and climbs steep steps back to Rhossili. That beach leg requires a tide and sea-condition check. The inland coast path offers a different return.

For a shorter summit outing, turn back at The Beacon and descend by the same southern path. A traverse from Hillend to Rhossili is one-way and needs an onward travel plan. The headland viewpoint at the NCI lookout can be visited separately or after returning to the village; it does not require crossing onto Worm's Head.

Access and facilities

Use the National Trust car park in Rhossili village. Parking is charged; follow the current payment instructions. Toilets are between the car park and National Trust shop, with accessible facilities at the car park. Village cafés and a pub provide refreshments, subject to opening hours.

Adventure Travel's 118 links Swansea and Rhossili. Check the current timetable and return journey before setting out, including any day-of-week or seasonal restrictions.

Safety

Expect steep paths, uneven ground and wet or boggy heath. Carry a map and suitable clothing: a low coastal hill can still be exposed to wind and poor visibility. Keep away from cliff edges and from the base of loose coastal cliffs.

Livestock graze in the area, including cattle and ponies on the headland. Give animals room, keep dogs close and use a short lead around livestock. If cattle threaten you and your dog, release the lead so you can move to safety separately. Follow local signs and protect ground-nesting birds.

Worm's Head is a tidal island, separate from The Beacon. Check the crossing times displayed by the causeway and seek advice from NCI Worms Head before attempting it. Plan the whole outward and return journey within the available window; a generic low-tide rule is not a substitute for local advice. If cut off, do not swim or wade back. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.