Day 163: OXWICH BAY to LLANMADOC
Saturday 7th June 2025
Today miles 19.3 Total miles: 2681.0
I hung around at the campsite until there small store opened at 8am and I grabbed myself a hot coffee and a bacon and sausage roll. The first section today descended down onto the beach at Oxwich Bay and then it’s a quick stroll across the sand for around 15 minutes. I noticed several huge jellyfish on the beach, most about the size of a dinner plate. There was a solitary man and his dog playing with a ball further down the beach, I hope the dog was careful and didn’t step on any of the jellies. At the end of the beach there’s an early morning steep climb and then an equally steep descent through Oxwich Woods. The route wasn’t particularly well sign posted through the trees but I managed to stay on the meandering path. Beyond the woods the path continued along the edge of the cliffs and there’s a great view out across Bristol Channel.
As I approached Horton I descended to walk across even more green fields. A few minutes before entering Port Eynon I was walking through a narrow patch of gorse when I saw a couple rounding the corner and walking towards me. I stepped to one side to let them pass by and I ended up standing there for several minutes whilst a large rambling group of around fifty people passed by, most of them making a funny comment about the situation as they passed me by. On arrival in Port Eynon I dropped into ‘The Beach House Surf’ coffee shop and enjoyed a well sweetened latte. Despite only being 10am it was still fairly busy in Port Eynon. I decided to get myself something to eat so I grabbed a big portion of fish and chips. I checked the pinkie toe of my right foot which was still causing me problems and pain. The next four miles were straightforward, several small climbs and decent views. I could see the ‘Worms Head’ in front of me and was excited about getting there as the scenery looked like it might be decent. Despite being described as a headland and looking easily accessible the Worms Head is actually a tidal island and is only accessible at low tide. It was only when I reached Mewslade Bay that I noticed that the headland was cut off by several hundred metres of the Bristol Channel. There’s a notice board listing the tide times close to the lookout station, unfortunately the next low tide is four hours away. I had another extended break watching several people walk to the edge of the causeway and then return.
My pinkie was now throbbing and it was beginning to have an impact on my walking enjoyment. There’s now three separate blisters and the toe appears to be swollen, it’s not a pretty sight. As I approached Rhossil the crowds increased once again. After filling up my water bottle in the public toilets I sat and studied the map, not sure where I would be sleeping tonight. I tried to contact Hillend holiday park, my only option which was only two miles away but there was no answer. The two miles towards Hillend was pleasant, despite my annoying pinkie toe. The route was along the side of a hill with a steady decline all the way to Hillend. It’s a nice campsite but it was still quite early (4pm) so I decided to just push on a little further. Before carrying on I dropped into the Holiday Parks pub and enjoyed a swift pint of Madri. The beach at Rossini Bay was enjoyable to walk along. I removed my socks and shoes and walked along the edge of the water enjoying the cold water on my bare feet. I had the entire beach to myself for an hour.
At the end of the beach the route turns East across the dunes and I began to search for somewhere to wild camp. I found a nice flat spot just off the path and enjoyed some hot food before setting up my tent. A pleasant day.
Werewolfandflump UK Coast Path 