Rhossili Down Ridge Walk
Rhossili, Gower, Swansea
Rhossili Down starts at the same National Trust car park as the Worms Head walk but heads north onto the ridge above the bay rather than south toward the headland. The climb reaches The Beacon at 193 metres - the highest point on the Gower Peninsula and the site of a Bronze Age cairn roughly 4,000 years old - with a return descent via steep steps at Hillend and a long walk back along the beach.
Semi-feral Welsh Mountain ponies graze the Down year-round. They are not domesticated, can be unpredictable near dogs, and should not be approached. The CRoW Act requires dogs on leads on this open access land from 1 March to 31 July. Leads near ponies are sensible year-round regardless.
There is no water on the ridge. Carry enough for your dog. The bracken is tall through summer and harbours ticks from April onwards - check dogs thoroughly after the walk.
This pairs well with the bay walk for a full day out: one route for the view from above, one for the beach below.
The King’s Head Inn at Llangennith is the closest dog-friendly pub, about four kilometres north.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rhossili Down Ridge Walk different from the Rhossili Bay and Worms Head walk?
Yes - they are genuinely separate walks that happen to share the same National Trust car park (SA3 1PR). The Down Ridge Walk climbs north onto the ridge (reaching The Beacon at 193 m, the highest point on Gower) and returns via the beach at Hillend. The Worms Head walk heads south and west along the headland. Different terrain, different landmarks, different distances.
Are the ponies on Rhossili Down dangerous to dogs?
The semi-feral Welsh Mountain ponies are not domesticated and can kick if a dog approaches or disturbs them. Keep your dog on a lead near the ponies (also a legal CRoW Act requirement from 1 March to 31 July). Do not let your dog chase or approach the ponies. Maintain a wide berth when ponies are on the path.
Do I need to keep my dog on a lead on Rhossili Down?
Yes, during the legal period. Under the CRoW Act 2000, dogs must be on a lead no longer than 2 metres on open access land from 1 March to 31 July. Rhossili Down is CRoW open access land. Outside this period, dogs must still be under close control due to the year-round ponies and sheep. The beach return section is off-lead year-round.
Is there water for dogs on the ridge?
There is no reliable water source on Rhossili Down. Always carry water for your dog, especially in summer. The beach section on the return allows dogs to access the sea (salt water should not be drunk in quantity). Bring your own supply.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info