I spent much of last weekend battling technology, if the shambles that is Windows 8 can be even classed as such, so a Saturday afternoon stroll at Rhossili seemed like just the ticket. With the weather being almost perfect there really was very little competition for my time, though I can’t deny a significant pull to go and join the masses being entertained by a Little Bunting at Forest Farm reserve. In the end though Gower’s stunning coastline won out and on reflection a relaxing walk was probably far better for my stress levels than trying to squeeze into a hide, no matter the rewards displaying just outside.

P1100943 - Rhossili Bay, Gower
P1100945 - Rhossili Bay, Gower

The majestic sweep of Rhossili Bay is by now a familiar sight but it still proves almost impossible to pass without taking a photo. Today though there was the added bonus of an incredibly low tide which not only displayed the shipwrecks of the Vennerne and City of Bristol but also more sand than on any other occasion that I can remember. In fact it was so low that had we descended to the beach it would have been possible to walk all the way out to Worm’s Head with no need of ever climbing above sea level. The different views afforded by such an unusual vantage point definitely marks it out as something to try when such conditions next occur.

Ambling around to Fall Bay I was disappointed to find that yet more Gorse has been burned, another area of habitat where I have seen Stonechats and Dartford Warblers reduced to ashes. Unsurprisingly both were absent but a Song Thrush and large flock of Linnets welcomed our arrival at Tears Point along with another stunning view across to Mewslade and Thurba Head.

P1100952 - Fall Bay, Gower

Finding a sheltered spot we settled down to while away the afternoon and were soon joined by a Shag actively fishing fifty meters or so offshore. Each time it surfaced the distinctive crest which marks these surprisingly attractive birds out from their commoner Cormorant cousins was clearly visible, right up until a surfacing Grey Seal caused it to scarper.

There wasn’t just interest out at sea however with the very rocks upon which we were sat packed full of fossils. A productive band of limestone pops up at various intervals around Gower but none are quite as impressive as the section found at Tears Point. From tiny shells to large corals there is plenty to see and I spent a good whole rooting around for anything a little more unusual.

P1100958 - Fall Bay, Gower
P1100960 - Fossilis, Tears Point
P1100964 - Fossilis, Tears Point

As the famous saying goes though, tide and time waits for no man and with the sun starting to head towards the horizon it was time to take our leave. Other commitments meant that the evenings sunset had to be enjoyed from home where another couple of hours battling with the PC awaited. Sometimes I wonder if as humans we’ve really got our priorities right.


18 Comments

TexWisGirl · February 12, 2015 at 11:34 pm

love that stone wall/fence and gate! sweet sheep, too, and fabulous views! wish you'd link to good fences with this! 🙂

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    Your wish is my command.

ADRIAN · February 13, 2015 at 7:06 am

This was a wonderful walk.

I did try Windows 8 and hated it. I am dreading the day they stop supporting Windows 7.

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:33 pm

    Windows 8 is awful Adrian. Still battling with it now.

holdingmoments · February 13, 2015 at 7:34 am

You made the right choice by ignoring the masses for the Little Bunting. Excellent shots of the scenery Adam.

The aggressive habitat destruction, or management as they call it, is one of my pet hates.

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    I just don't understand how removing Gorse to 'restore' the landscape has any benefit.

Bob Bushell · February 13, 2015 at 8:31 am

What a landscape. I love the drawn out of the beach, well done Adam.

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    Cheers Bob. There's good reason this has been voted best beach in the world.

Caroline Gill · February 13, 2015 at 9:30 am

It would be interesting to see some science on the burning of gorse. We, too, often used to see Stonechats (and sometimes Linnets) in that lovely area. The fossils are incredible. Thank you for your comment over at W&W.

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    I'll look into it Caroline and see what the rational is. Surely the NT must base their actions on good science….

Bob Scotney · February 13, 2015 at 1:56 pm

Completely captivated by these views and especially by the fossils.

TexWisGirl · February 13, 2015 at 2:09 pm

thanks, adam! excellent good fences addition!

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    No problem. I'll try and join in regularly from now on.

Sondra · February 13, 2015 at 3:21 pm

Adam the area where you live is stunning, I can just see myself enthralled by all those fossils and the view! You made the right choice NOT fighting a crowd in a bird blind, reminds me of riding a subway! AND the sheep; I love that shot!

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    It is pretty special Sondra. Still impresses even after all these years.

Pauline · February 14, 2015 at 5:35 am

I agree with Sondra – what a stunning part of the world you have shown. I must add that area to my wish list when I visit the UK later this year. Thanks for the introduction.

    Adam Tilt · February 15, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    The whole Gower peninsula is a worthy addition Pauline, as is Pembrokeshire a little further west.

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