Hiking the Gower Coastal Path

I seem to have timed my visit rather well - although the locals say the weather is always like this around here. Either way, the long drive has been worth it! After a leisurely start, we decided to take on some of the Gower's famous coastal path. As the Cafe (and designated bruch fuel-up), by Hwyel's house was in the shade, we began our explorations by driving straight down to the coast and into the first of what turned out to be many beach side cafes. We'd already ordered coffees before we released that they didn't serve brunch. We passed on the pizza and steak options and set off instead fully caffeinated and slightly hungry, into the day...

The path is very accessible and the views first class. It was easy walking - perfect for walking and talking...

 

Our first stop was Langland Bay. The first cafe was packed, so we had to trek on to the next, which provided us with the necessary sustenance of bacon butties, which were consumed slowly while enjoying the rest in the best seats in the bay.

 

Another headland led onto to more views and even a few seals bobbing around.

Craswell was the next port of call...

The 'cash only' sign at the till almost thwarted our plans for refreshments, but between us we just about scratched together the necessary funds for a stop. We somehow managed to find a pretty good seat to enjoy it from too.

 

The vague intention was to continue westwards to Tor Bay, but after consulting google maps, we decided that if we were going to make it back before nightfall, we should turn around now...

 

The gorse was in full bloom along the cliff tops as well as this white blossom... (must look that up later)...

On one headland, (possibly Langland), we stopped to watch the paddle boarders catch a few waves.

Then eventually we were back at the table where we started for a final pit-stop, feeling very accomplished and a little toasted from the sun.

We got invited (or rather, we invited ourselves), up to Hywel's brothers for a full-on roast dinner in the evening, with some ginger beer, good banter and even more laughter. It's brilliant to have friends who even though you don't seem them often, when you do, you can just pick straight up where you last left off. My cheeks are sore from all the laughter (mostly over nothing at all) and I'm lucky to have met folk like this over time and still be able to call in even though we haven't seen each other in four years!...