5 September Swims in Gower
In September the sea around the Gower peninsula is at its warmest after the heat of the summer. The crowds have gone and the evenings still have some light. It’s a perfect month to swim or surf. What’s more, you can swim or surf at the same time as seeing the sun come up or go down as Gower is such a compact peninsula affording both east and west-facing beaches.
At Bayview, we love this time of year for a swim with our girls (and in some bays, Luna our dog too!). Here are 5 September Swims we recommend:
1. Oxwich Bay
Just a 5-minute walk from Bayview is the safe, sandy, sheltered bay at Oxwich. The sea here remains shallow for quite a distance so it’s ideal for families with children in tow. Backed by dunes, woodland and marshland, you can swim in crystal clear waters and see Gower from a different perspective. It won’t be crowed here in September, but if you want yet more of the sea to yourself, walk (or swim) along the shore towards Crawley Woods, Tor bay and iconic Three Cliffs bay. Don’t forget that as Oxwich faces east you can swim against the backdrop of the rising sun. Plenty of parking if you don’t fancy walking. And remember, if you’re staying in one of our three contemporary cottages, you can shower outside and hang your wetsuit to dry if you’re not brave enough to swim in your bathing costume.
2. Llangennith
Drive 15-minutes from Bayview, Oxwich to Llangennith and park-up at Hillend – about halfway between the famous tidal islands of Worm’s Head and Burry Holms. Swim or surf in the ocean here with its Atlantic waves guaranteed to thrill. Facing west, see the sun set over the ocean and look back at the heather-covered backdrop of Rhossili Down. It’s been voted the best sunset in the UK on countless occasions. No wonder the surfers say it’s a magical – if not spiritual – experience. Don’t forget the dog if it fancies a paddle or swim as the beach is open to our four-legged friends twelve months of the year.
3. Port Eynon Bay
A 10-minute drive from Bayview, Oxwich will take you to the popular and family-friendly bay at Port Eynon. In September most of the crowds will have gone but what will remain is ample parking, easy access to the 1-mile safe and sandy beach which ends at Horton. The water here is pristine, boasting both a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award. When you’ve finished your swim, warm up with a coffee or snack from one of the many beachside cafes. Port Eynon, like Oxwich, faces east, so if you’re up early enough, it’s a great place to swim against the canvas of a rising sun. No dogs unfortunately until after the end of September when it’s still fabulous for swimming.
4. Mewslade Bay
A 10-minute drive from Bayview Oxwich will take you to Mewslade Bay said to be one of the prettiest bays in Gower. Park in the field at Pitton and walk along a wooded path and through a wooded valley to be met with dramatic limestone cliffs and the sea! At high tide there is no sand, but there’s a wonderful swimming or surfing experience and it’s popular with families, body-boarders and surfers. Open to dogs who fancy a swim, a surf or a paddle in September and all year.
5. Caswell Bay
Drive 30-mintes to Caswell to have a swim or surf in a city beach with a great vibe. The sandy bay is sought after by swimmers and surfers alike, partly for its beautiful scenery, partly for its Blue Flag and Seaside Award status, and partly for all the amenities it offers – plenty of parking, external showers, toilets, and wheelchair access to the beach. That’s in addition to the Surfside café which is literally at the edge of the sea, supplying coffee and snacks when you’ve finished your surf or swim. Caswell is amazing for those with disabilities as Surfability UK offers inclusive surfing experiences in safe hands.
We’ve still got some availability at Bayview Oxwich in our luxury holiday rental properties – either our fabulous apartments or architect-designed contemporary cottages. Please contact Wanda and the Team here to discuss which option might be for you and for more tips for September swims.