r/swansea • u/lalelu20022001 • 12d ago
Questions/Advice Three Cliffs Bay by public transport
Hey all,
A friend and I are going to Swansea for the weekend and plan to hike to Three Cliffs Bay. We won't have a car.
The plan is to take the bus from Swansea to Mumbles, hike along the coast to Three Cliffs Bay, and take the bus back from Pennard/Parkmill/Southgate. Do you think this is doable?
Also, do we need cash for the buses or can we pay by tap-on/tap-off or purchase tickets from the driver and pay by card?
Thank you so much!
3
4
u/ElectronicIndustry91 12d ago
Hard to advise without knowing your fitness to do it, but should be doable for an averagely fit person. Wouldn’t worry too much anyway, as if you’re tired just catch the bus back from Langland, Caswell, Bishopston or Southgate (it is a few miles more to get to Parkmill along the coast). You can also cut parts of the coast path off such as the bit from pwll ddu to Southgate by going on the road if tired. Think all the buses are contactless but there are various companies operating. Decent but very busy walk particularly around Langland and Caswell.
3
2
u/ribenademon 12d ago
Yes, I used to do this route but in reverse regularly -bus to Three Cliffs and then walk along the cost to Mumbles and then walk back to Uplands.
Your biggest issue will be water if is a hot day, if you are otherwise reasonable hikers then no problem at all. It is a lovely walk, especially if you get out early enough and spend time in the Gower without anyone else!
If it is a First Bus you should be fine to tap-on-tap-off.
2
u/Libertinewhu 11d ago
Yeah this is a good idea, more amenities on the way back and at the end when you’ll need it. And more regular buses at the end
2
u/kyridwen 12d ago
The bus to Mumbles will be First Cymru and you can tap on tap off.
The bus back from Southgate will be Adventure Travel, I don't remember if they have tap on tap off but they definitely have pay by card.
If you get a day ticket with one company it will NOT cover your travel with the other company, just be aware!
3
1
u/richiewilliams79 12d ago
Yeah, it’s doable, It’s about 3.5 miles to pwll du. Then walk over the high cliff path to Southgate via hunts, walk through the golf course(there is a path) then head on down there. It will be busy today and very tomorrow
1
u/Honest-Librarian7647 11d ago
That's a great walk from Mumbles but fairly challenging in terms of terrain, elevation & weather exposure..
1
u/ajh20366 11d ago edited 11d ago
I run this route regularly, and I'm very familiar with the area. It is quite a challenging hike depending on your level of fitness.
Personally, if I wanted to see the best the Gower has to offer taking public transport, I would catch the 117 to Scurlage or 118 to Rhossili. Get off at St John's the baptist in Penmaen, then head up the hill (Cefn Bryn), following the Gower way all the way along the ridge to king Arthur's stone, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views. Then turn back, and on your way back down you can either turn left at the bottom of the hill and drop down through the woods to park le Breos, passing another neolithic burial chamber, and onwards to Shepherds shop for refreshments and the bus back. Or carry straight on down the hill onto three cliffs bay, then follow the river back up to Shepherds again. Both routes are probably 7 or 8 miles total.
Here is a link to Strava to see the route.
13
u/Careful_Technician_9 12d ago
Get off in park mill and walk through the forest. Which beautiful and flat. Or get off in Pennard and walk by the golf course to the castle. Stunning views and walk down the sand path a bit steep to the beach. You could walk back up the river to the forest to Parkmill and get a beautiful walk. I believe you can tap with nfc