Pobbles Bay — Attraction in Wales

Pobbles Beach is probably an unfamiliar name to some. The beach on plan lies to the East of the river of Pennard Pill which splits Three Cliffs Bay between the headland of Great Tor in the West and Shire Combe in the East. The rear of the beach is bounded by the infamous limestone peaks of “Three Cliffs” which rise to the escarpment plateau of Pennard Burrows in the North and Southgate in the East at some 60m above sea level. The beach, as part of Three Cliffs Bay, is rightfully acknowledged as one of the most scenic - not just in Gower or Wales but probably the world. On the day of the visit, I was lucky to approach the beach from an onshore position around the rugged headland of Shire Combe that is formed from the rugged reef type rocks of the Hunts Bay Oolite Subgroup and the steeply dipping limestone cliffs of the stratigraphical rocks termed the High Tor Limestone Formation. The approach to and the bay bound by Pobbles beach is a geological joy as there is the opportunity to view and cross geological boundaries circa 10 million years old as you cross the defined limestone stratigraphic rocks of the Hunts Bay Oolite Group, the High Tor Limestone Formation, the Gully Oolite Formation, and the Black Rock Limestone Subgroup. The rugged headland of Shire Combe is a vantage point for the cormorants who sweep above the waves and fish the sea like prehistoric dinosaurs. The words of the poet Vernon Watkins cannot help but inspire: ‘I have been taught the script of the stones, and know the tongue of the wave’. When you are taught the script of the stones, and know the tongue of the wave, insight is found in the fact that the waves give rhythms to the ocean just as the layers in rocks give structure to the land. Joy is to be found in the awareness of simply experiencing the moment as it is – the flight and song of the bird, the vastness of the ocean, and the crashing of the wave. Wisdom in turn is to be found in the awareness of the moment of simply being where the flight & song of the bird, the vastness of the ocean and the crashing of the wave occupied the space between the thoughts. Pobbles beach is undoubtedly one of the true joys of Penrhyn Gwyr. Chris...

I must be one of the luckiest people on this little planet, for not only do I live about a 15-20 minute walk from the fantastic beach known as "Pobbles", or "Pobbles Bay" (on the southern coastline of the wonderful Gower Peninsula), but I feel really privileged to have been able to walk on Pobbles wonderfully sandy beach in just about every type of weather, from snow to wind, from bitterly cold to (almost) searing heat, and been able to explore rock pools and caves, sunbathe, have lots of picnics, play, as well as paddle, wade and swim in the sea of this very safe, family- and dog- friendly beach.

It is also on the western side of Pobbles Bay that one can see the 3 contiguous limestone cliffs, each with its own "peak" (frequently used by students of all ages, from the nearby Kilvrough House outdoor pursuits school, for climbing practice) that give the adjacent beach, its name of "Three Cliffs Bay". . Although anyone who wants to go to Pobbles Bay will only be able to get there on foot (or by sea, or parachuting in), it is not too far to walk from the large National Trust pay&display carpark, and once you do set foot on the Beach, I believe you too will be captivated by Pobbles Bay, and all it...

Wonderful. Pobbles/Three Cliffs (with Oxwich in the background) has a similar aspect to my great local beach (Ogmore, Bridgend) but on a whole other level. It's a 30 minute cliff walk from the national trust car park (in Southgate, a well-to-do village.. it's £5 for all day). Spectacular views. On a hot, sunny day you might as well be in Santorni. The water temperature wasn't far off I kid you not. Felt like 3 degrees higher than Ogmore. I was shocked. Relatively clear too (I could see the bottom, which you can't in Ogmore/Southerndown). Lovely soft sand. I arrived on a 27 celcius Friday afternoon. It was busy but not packed - I was able to grab a spot by the rocks, though had to move when the tide came in (you get 4+ hours of sand from low-tide so don't fret!). I simply switched to Three Cliffs and had two more swims. The entire bay is stunning. No amenities thank goodness. Just houses on the hillside, rolling countryside, and a golf course.

[There are secluded coves, too, dotted around....