Wild and open swimming in Gower

2024 sees an ever-increasing interest in wild or open water-swimming. At Bayview we haven’t yet tried it ourselves but someone in our close family is always flagging up the benefits. It is said to be a sensory experience like no other and a chance to live in the moment and forget the stresses of everyday life. So we might just give it a go!

After all, we have so much opportunity here in Gower, and the compact nature of Gower’s bays offers sandy beaches and rocky coves with spectacular views to soothe the soul. There are over 30 bays and beaches so there’s a swim spot for everyone from novices like us the more experienced.

The oceans are open summer and winter so there’s no excuse. In fact, we recently saw images of Doctor Who creator, Russell T. Davies’ sister Susie, don a Father Christmas outfit and brace the December-cold waters near her home in Mumbles for her daily constitutional. (perhaps image here from Twitter?)

We’re sticking with the south side of the Gower peninsula to offer some suggestions, starting local and venturing no more than a 30-min drive from Bayview:

Oxwich Bay

Just on the doorstep. Walk to the safe, sandy bay or take the car and park at the very edge of the beach. Great spot for a quick plunge or a good training swim. When you’re out of the water, you can warm up and socialise with friends at the excellent www.tysawna.co.uk which is Wales’ first beach sauna – a wood fired barrel right on the beach that accommodates 8 people.

Tor Bay

Visible from Bayview with its iconic limestone cliff, Tor bay is quiet and serene. You can walk from Bayview if you’re fit (or swim there!) or take the car (10-min drive) and park the car at Penmaen and walk the 20-mins to the beach. No lifeguards so perhaps this is one for the more experienced wild swimmer.

Caswell Bay

Popular all-year-long with open water swimmers, and visitors and locals alike, Caswell Bay is an amazing, sandy bay just a hop from Mumbles and a 25-min drive from Bayview. It can get a little busy at high-tide but at mid and low-tide there’s room for everyone. The Bay also has lifeguards in summer and facilities – parking, toilets and the great Surfside Café open all year.

Rotherslade Bay

Nestled just around the corner from Mumbles and a 25-min drive from Bayview is the sandy and easy accessible gem of Rotherslade Bay. It is home to a community of dedicated wild swimmers who brave the elements throughout the year. It has a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award. There is no parking (access from Langland Bay) and no lifeguard but does have one of Gower’s three Surfside café’s, ideal for a bacon and egg roll and a warm up when you get out of the water. (link to Wales online)

So if you fancy dipping more than your toes in Gower’s waters, you can make Bayview Oxwich your base. We’ve even got outdoor showers in three of our luxury contemporary cottages to hose off the sand and hang up your towels and your dry-robe outside.

For more details of our holiday rental properties and any information on how to book, please contact Wanda and the Team who’ll be happy to talk you through all your queries.

Imagery: © Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright, The Gower Mermates Wild Swimmers, Unsplash