Winter Solstice in Gower

This year more than ever, the date of 21st December takes on even more significance than usual. In the midst of all the darkness, our Winter Solstice here in Gower, in the northern hemisphere, marks a pivotal point and the turn of the year’s tide.

On this the shortest day, at Bayview, Oxwich (latitude 51 degrees north, longitude 4 degrees west) we need to hang on to the fact that the dark will stop descending so early and the sun will begin its slow climb back. Spring and Summer are just around the corner.

But now at Bayview, we need all the light we can get, inside and out: our Christmas tree has been up since the end of November, much to our three girls’ delight; candles are lit at dusk; and the outside of our home is draped in white lights.

Outside, we’ve been taking advantage of the sun when its shines – as have the guests who have been staying in our luxury rental homes and apartments. At Bayview we’re so fortunate to be in a position near to Oxwich Bay but elevated enough to see the sun rising out over the water each morning.  And due to Gower’s compact size, some of our guests have been enjoying this spectacle in the east, and then seeing the sun set in the west, over the world-famous Rhossili Bay, renowned for its ‘best sunset in the UK’ accolade.

These winter days of low sun and soft light carry their own beauty and we hope you’ll be able to share them with us again soon. Meanwhile, some images to remind you.

Have a wonderful Winter Solstice and a very different, but Happy Christmas.

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda

Ellen and Michael, Meg, Flo and Alice and all the Team at Bayview.

Photography by Philip Griffiths @ nb-design.com