Sunset over Llangennith Sands

If you're searching for the finest place on the Gower Peninsula to watch the sun go down, where should you head? Well, the sun sets in the west, so it makes sense to travel in that direction. And surely a sunset over the sea is always more memorable than one over the land? Fortunately, Gower's most westerly beach is also one of its most spectacular. 

Rhossili Bay is a breathtaking stretch of coastline where the Atlantic Ocean has sculpted miles of golden sand beneath towering cliffs and the highest hill in Gower. It is one of the most dramatic places in Wales to watch the day draw to a close. But whilst the views from the Rhossili cliffs are undoubtedly magnificent as the sun sinks towards the ocean horizon, they can also attract quite a crowd on fine evenings. 

For a quieter, more romantic experience, I would recommend heading to Llangennith Sands at the northern end of Rhossili Bay.  Easily reached rom Hillend, Llangennith has another advantage: unlike Rhossili, there is no long, steep descent to the beach followed by a demanding climb back up. Even on summer evenings, you can often find only a handful of people scattered along the vast sweep of sand, all quietly enjoying nature's golden hour.

During the last few minutes of the day, Llangennith Sands are transformed. The wet sand mirrors the sky, reflecting shades of gold, amber and crimson. Long shadows stretching across the dunes, and the distant outline of Worm's Head stands dark against the fading light adds to the quiet drama of the scene. As the sun finally slips beneath the horizon it becomes clear why so many people fall in love with this quiet corner of Gower. Whilst some sunsets are beautiful, on Llangennith Sands, they become treasured memories.