Gower Peninsula: new buses for Gower Explorer route

The Gower Explorer bus timetable (link opens PDF) is to be expanded, from April 2009. This is a much-needed expansion, and it's good to see such changes being implemented.

From April 12th, a new early walkers' service, serving South Gower, will run on Sundays and Bank Holidays. This additional service will leave Swansea's Quadrant bus station at 9am on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and will serve Oxwich Bay, Port Eynon and Rhossili. The bus will return from Rhossili at 10.07am, via Oxwich Bay, to Swansea.

From April 14th, a new late bus will be introduced, serving South Gower. Every day (except Sundays and Bank Holidays), this new service will leave Port Eynon at 8.37pm, Rhossili at 8.50pm, and Oxwich at 9.10pm, and will end its journey at Swansea's Quadrant bus station.

It's good to see the Gower Explorer bus service being expanded in this way. It means people can now enjoy a day out on Gower, and unwind in a pub or restaurant afterwards, without having to rush off for a ridiculously early last bus.

More information on the new Gower bus services.

Gower Peninsula: Rhossili in March

After my visit to Port Eynon, a few days ago, I decided to venture further along the Gower Peninsula, to Rhossili. It was almost as hazy at Rhossili, as it had been at Port Eynon.

My main reason for heading to Rhossili, was to get some close shots of the Old Rectory. Alas, as on every other occasion I've tried to get such shots, the area close to the Rectory was overrun with cattle. I could see some walkers in the distance, who passed the cows without incident.


As I edged further along the path towards the Rectory, I decided not to risk passing the cows, as I had my little dog with me, and didn't know how he and the cows would react to one another. Cows can sometimes behave aggressively to dogs and their owners, so it was a risk I wasn't prepared to take.


I headed back uphill, passing this old building. For some reason, I had it fixed in my head that it's an old woollen mill, but further research suggests it's the old rocket shed, used by the Rhossili rocket crew, the forerunners of the present-day coastguard. If you're interested in shipwrecks around the Gower coast, I suggest you visit Chris Elphick's excellent Welcome to Gower site. He has numerous articles about the various shipwrecks and their visible remains, around the Gower coast.


Passing a hedgerow, I managed to snap a shot of a male house sparrow, who seemed blissfully unaware of my presence.


I'll end this post with a shot of my little Shih Apso (Shih Tzu-Lhasa Apso hybrid), Jake, enjoying the view across Rhossili Bay.


If you haven't visited the Gower Peninsula yet, add it to your to-do list. You won't regret it!

Monochrome Monday: Rhossili Bay

I'm a bit late for Monochrome Monday today. Never mind, better late than never. Today's shot features Rhossili Bay, on the Gower Peninsula. I've managed to capture a number of my favourite Rhossili features in this image - the dramatic cloud formations, the ever-changing patterns in the sand, and the dark shadows of the clouds, as they pass over Rhossili Down and the beach below. This shot looks better when you click on it to enlarge it.


Rhossili is such a spectacular location, even a lack of colour cannot hide its beauty. It is definitely my favourite place.

If you fancy participating in Monochrome Monday, visit Monochrome Maniacs, hosted by Aileni.

Gower Peninsula: Rhossili, Fall Bay and Kitchen Corner

I had the pleasure of visiting Rhossili on Tuesday, for the first time in over a year. I can't believe it's been that long. A number of things kept me away. First of all, I began suffering from the most hideous travel sickness, which ruined the last few trips I took to Gower. Then, we had the most appalling and relentless period of wet weather I can ever remember - we had heavy rain practically every day for several weeks. Then, I adopted a little rescue dog, who became very distressed when travelling, and I couldn't leave him home alone for more than 1-2 hours at a time. The travel sickness seems to have resolved itself, simply by me switching from opiate-based to anti-inflammatory pain killers. Sadly, the little dog I adopted had to be put to sleep less than four months after I adopted him. However, I adopted a little Shih Tzu just after Christmas - and although he huffs and puffs a little about getting on a bus, he soon settles down, and travels well.

Tuesday was a little chilly, grey and drizzly to start with, but by the time my cousin and I reached Rhossili, along with Jake, the dog, we were treated to blue skies and sunshine. I didn't have my camera with me on this occasion. I was recently mugged at knife-point, and am now reluctant to carry valuables with me. So the camera stayed at home. But I have images from a previous occasion, taken along the exact route I walked on Tuesday.

One thing I love about Rhossili beach, is the way the patterns in the sand shift - they're never the same two days in a row.




I had to keep Jake on his leash. Even though he's just a small dog, he showed an unhealthy interest in the sheep we met along the cliffs. Although he's too little to maul sheep, he could still scare them. It's still lambing season at the moment, and I would hate to be responsible for allowing my dog to scare a sheep into falling over a cliff, or aborting a lamb.

Jake

There was a strong breeze at Rhossili, but it was certainly nothing gale force. In fact, it was perfect. I love watching the white horses rushing ashore, something you won't see if the air's still. There were plenty of surfers and body-boarders around, taking advantage of the wind-whipped waves. Those unfamiliar with Rhossili should note that a strong wind can whip up here very quickly, at any time of the year. There is no large land mass anywhere between Rhossili and South America. The cliffs face the open Atlantic, and the winds can be unexpectedly cool, even at the height of summer. For that reason, it's always wise to carry an extra layer with you, so that you can keep warm, even in the summer, as the wind whips up lightning fast at times.






Ever since the TV gardening craze hit the UK, garden plants and designs seem to be growing ever more elaborate and exotic. I find the simplicity of our native wildflowers, and the way they'll appropriate any suitable nook or cranny to ensure their survival, far more appealing. Forget azaleas, nicotianas and cascades of multi-coloured blooms - just give me a lichen-covered drystone wall sprouting hawkweed instead. Although the hawkweed is yet to bloom at Rhossili this year, it won't be long before it does.






If you squint really hard at the following shot, you should be able to make out a few surfers along the shoreline of Rhossili Bay.


It must have been rougher at the top of Rhossili Down, than it was along the cliffs or at sea level. I had expected to see paragliders taking off from their usual launch spot, about two thirds of the way up, but I guess it was too rough for them.


Does anyone know if this fissure in the rock is natural or man-made? I wonder if any creatures sleep in there at night? Perhaps a badger or fox has made it their home?


The sea is often an incredible green colour, especially going towards Worms Head, but alas, my camera never seems to do it justice.


What's the history of Kitchen Corner? I'm sure I must have read it somewhere, but my mind has failed to absorb it. Does it have anything to do with the quarrying that went on along the cliffs a century or two ago? I've always been intrigued as to why there's a large tin shack and a rough-hewn little quayside, complete with its own stone staircase, in such a remote spot.




I was delighted, when we reached the old Coastguard hut overlooking the Worm, to discover that I was still pain-free and quite energetic. I decided to take my cousin, who was visiting from London, down to Fall Bay, as he's never been there.

Before long, we came to this rocky little valley, which at first, looked very treacherous. Closer inspection revealed some steep, but accessible tracks leading to the rocky shore below. However, given my intermittent and unpredictable balance problems caused by my arthritic neck, I decided to venture only a few metres down, although my cousin headed down a little further. Although there were no sheep around, I decided to keep Jake on his leash, in case he took a tumble off the cliffs.




Glancing back the way we'd just come, we were rewarded with this new and interesting view of Worm's Head. As much as I love the Worm, I've become rather sick of photographing it from the same familiar old angles, time and time again.


As we forged ahead, Wayne, my cousin, got his first glimpse of Fall Bay.


The last time I visited Fall, I was met with a chorus from these ladies, who greeted me like an old friend. "Turn the other way and enjoy the view", I urged them, but they just baa-ed back and carried on munching.


I'd forgotten what a charming little bay Fall is, with its neat, semi-circular shape. It reminds me a little of Lulworth Cove in Dorset.






I wish my camera had captured the striking visual effect of this rock formation, especially against the backdrop of the ocean. Better still, I wish I could stop blaming the camera for my own photographic inadequacies and inexperience. I really need to get over my fear of carrying my camera around with me, to try to get some better shots at Fall Bay.


I've always been intrigued by this collection of little boats, perched high and dry amongst the bracken on the cliffside. Anyone know whose they are and why they're there? There were even more there on Tuesday, as well as a few kayaks.




The fields near Fall Bay contained nothing more interesting than the remains of winter crops. Give it a few months, though, and there will be a swathe of golden flowers carpeting this field. Closer inspection will reveal nothing more exotic than the humble ragwort, but its visual effect, when viewed from a short distance, is stunning.


Does this amazing-looking rocky outcrop have a name? It must have been one heck of a volcanic eruption that formed this jagged peak, all those eons ago.


Wayne, Jake and I sat on this rocky outcrop overlooking Fall Bay, and enjoyed the late afternoon sunshine. Jake gratefully accepted some food and water, and had a little snooze. The last time I was here, I noticed a couple sitting on the jagged cliff, but I was more watchful of their restless red setters. These somewhat boisterous dogs kept making little forays across to where I was sitting, and I was getting more and more uncomfortable. Moments after I took these pics, the hounds suddenly tore towards me with great purpose, eyes blazing and tongues lolling, like something from the Hound of the Baskervilles.




I was mightily relieved when they sped right past, just a couple of feet from where I was sitting. However, my relief was shortlived. To my horror, they began worrying some sheep, snapping at them and driving them closer and closer to the edge of a sheer cliff. I immediately made the owners aware, pointing out that if the farmer came along, he would probably shoot the dogs first, and ask questions later. Fortunately, they were nice, reasonable people, who immediately brought the dogs under control.


Sadly, we could only spend a short time at Fall Bay, as we had to keep an eye on the clock. Had we missed our bus, we would have had another ninety minutes to wait. We passed through a wooden gate and followed a footpath, which skirted crop fields, en route to the village. The path was very muddy, and I almost slipped a number of times. As there were no sheep around, I let Jake off the leash for a little while. He ended up looking like a swamp monster, he became so caked with mud. But it was nothing a bath wouldn't fix, so I let him have some fun. We arrived back at Rhossili village in plenty of time, and had a soft drink in the beer garden of the Worm's Head Hotel, before heading home.

Gower Peninsula: Rhossili and Worm's Head

One of my favourite places on the Gower Peninsula, is the gorgeous Rhossili. Even in the depths of winter, it's a breathtaking location. Just be sure to wrap up warm if you visit at this time of year. Rhossili faces the open Atlantic, and is frequently buffeted by strong winds. The winter wind-chill can be quite bone-numbing. Even in warmer weather, it's always wise to carry an extra layer with you to Rhossili - the wind whips up suddenly there, and can sometimes be a little on the cold side even in the summer.

The day I took the following shots, Rhossili was a little warmer than I expected. Not warm, but bearable in a fleece and thick-knit sweater. The sun was rather elusive, hiding amongst the clouds a lot of the time. The temperature dropped significantly as a result, until the sun came out again.

Disappointingly, the sea was really calm. One of the things I love about Rhossili, is standing up on the clifftop, as wind-whipped white horses roar ashore. The other thing I love about it is it always looks different. No matter how many photos I take of the place, I always manage to capture something different, depending on the weather, light, time of day, season, and so forth.

I'm glad I replaced my previous, very basic camera with one that has a zoom function. It gave me a closer view of the Old Rectory as it nestled under Rhossili Down. A herd of cattle grazed close by, making me a bit too wary to head towards the Rectory to get a closer shot. Although cows are generally harmless, they can be aggressive when they have calves, and may harm anyone who gets between them and their babies. So, as I can't run very fast, due to arthritis, I decided to take no chances.


I wish they had a few more of these along the cliffs. I meet at least two people per trip to Rhossili, who I have to warn NOT to head for the beach by clambering down the cliffs.


Why do people think they can just stroll down cliffs this high? It's usually adolescent males I have to dissuade from such silly behaviour.


See what I mean about different angles, light, and so on? These shots were all within a few minutes of each other, with just seconds between a couple of them.






I especially like this one, with the Old Rectory reflected in the wet sand.


I struggled to get a decent shot of Burry Holmes, even with the zoom. I'll have to head down to the beach, walk towards Llangennith and try to get a decent shot of it that way.


I spotted this popular sheep scratching spot along the way - it looks quite attractive in a funny, straggly kind of way, with its hanks of yarn fluttering in the breeze.


Still hampered by the elusive sun and the havoc it was causing me from a photographer's perspective, I managed to get a couple of shots of Kitchen Corner, the second one with the zoom.




I became aware of a lot of chattering as I strolled along, and spotted what looked like a school field trip.


When I finally reached headland opposite the Worm, and sank onto my usual perch, I was a little annoyed to find my camera's line of sight utterly ruined by this thing.


However, after a moment's thought, I decided I was being selfish. It's a good thing to have at the approach to the causeway which leads to Worm's Head. Visitors to the area simply do not appreciate the perils that may lie ahead, if they don't check the tide times. You will be cut off by the tide if you cross the causeway at the wrong time. Should you find yourself stranded on the island DO NOT attempt to swim across the sound. People have died doing so. Multiple strong currents converge at this spot, and even an Olympic swimmer could not fight them. The hut pictured below is now manned by a team of Coastwatch volunteers. Not only can they give you advice about tide times, safety, etc, but if you become stranded on the island, they will see you, and get appropriate help. Please don't ever try to swim back to shore.


I sat near the hut for a while, enjoying a snack. When thoroughly refreshed, I decided to shoot a video of the scene ahead of me. What a disaster that was. A large family group arrived, and my video was completely ruined by their chattering, including one rather effusive, and quite frankly, batty old biddy who kept wittering on about returning in the summer with a rubber dinghy. Literally all I could hear through the whole video was:

"Ooh Bet, we'll have to bring the rubber dinghy".
"Yes Mattie, the rubber dinghy. What d'you reckon Bill?"
"Aye, the rubber dinghy, mun. And a flask and some sandwiches".
"Ooh yes, love. Don't forget the flask and sandwiches. And a nice bit of cake".
"Aye. Bit of cake, mun".

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!


Then, after they left, I was briefly alone, and sat still for while, until this mad jackdaw tried to land on my head. I think he had a shock when he realised I was a living, breathing human, and not some new rock that had thrust its way out of the cliff overnight.


I walked on a little further, mindful of the time, and the fact that if I missed the next bus, I was stuck there until ten past seven.


After taking the above shot, I spotted this headland, Tear's Point, close to Fall Bay. I really must try to get over there when the weather's better.


After photographing the headland, I headed back to the village, as I wanted to be sure of getting the 17.35 bus. I followed this drystone wall, spotting a rabbit running in the distance. Alas, the rabbit was too fast and too distant for me to get a shot of it, but I think the architecture of the wall looks quite interesting from this angle.


The clouds that kept engulfing the sun finally drifted off as I was making my way back - typical. I met these sheep grazing on the cliffs. Even though I'm no longer vegetarian, I won't eat lamb or mutton. I'd feel as if I was eating an old friend.






I met this adorable little creature near the gate back to the village. It only looked a couple of weeks old.




As I approached the bus stop, I spotted a clump of daffodils and decided to test the close-up function on my camera. Not bad, I suppose, although I've seen much better.


Did you know that the daffodil is the national flower of Wales? Well, you do now! Until the next time ...