Worm's head walk 2006

On 22nd July 2006, half a dozen intrepid Sospans set out to cross the causeway to Worm's Head at Rhosilli on the Gower Peninsula. It was literally nature-tastic!

The first step to a successful crossing to Worm's Head is to make sure the tide is out. Of course, some say Sospans can walk on water, but we decided not to on this occasion. The causeway is crossable for 2.5 hours each side of low tide. We found that it only takes about an hour to go across the causeway and travel all the way to the end of the island, so there's loads of time. But, don't be tempted to make the crossing back if you miss the tide. Just ring the bell on the island, or make a mobile phone call and sit tight.

The causeway is just a load of jagged rocks, so use appropriate footwear (not sandals Odette!). Also, some of the slopes are steep so it's good to have shoes to cope with these conditions.

We arrive early and the car park is practically empty. From there, we folowed the well trodden path along to the old coastguard's hut. The views are breathtaking. Then it's down the slope and onto the causeway. We picked our way this way and that, avoiding the pools, all the time with the sounds of water draining away to the sea.

After a surprisingly short period we reached the island, and are met by the signpost and bell that warn of the hazards of trying to swim back. We get a first burst of elation as we reach the other side! At this point we passed through the bracken and had a choice of three routes: along the left side (south); the right (north) side, or straight up and over the steep middle bit. We chose the latter.

The views from the top of the first hill are lovely and we noticed the enhanced sense of quiet and stillness on the island.

On we went and proceeding along the ridge, the second half of the Worm comes into view. The "Devil's Bridge" becomes visible for the first time. This is a gap in the rock that the sea comes through, which you walk over to get to the end of the island. It's not hazardous though, but is interesting to see.

All over the place were lots of intensely coloured, almost dayglo green plants with lovely yellow flowers. A type of samphire? Amongst these were other plants with lovely purple flowers that complemented the yellow flowers nicely. Many of the rocks are also covered with brightly coloured yellow-orange lichen. Something about this place makes the plants grow really bright.

At the end of the first part of the island, we reached the second "causeway". The rocks here are bigger and more jagged, but the distance to cover is much less.

A shortly afterwards, we cross the Devil's Bridge and the rocky northern edge of the end of the island comes into view. The sea collides with the rocky outcrops and white water swirls around them while Cormorants sit looking on.

It's gets steeper as we reach towards the very top and end of the Worm, but it's not as bad as it looks from the mainland. We reach the top and are feeling pretty good, it's such a lovely spot. We are not completely alone as a few small fishing boats are trying their luck a few hundred metres offshore.

We settle down and drink in the peace and beauty of this place. It's a good point to have a bite to eat and a cuppa. We take care not to leave any litter though.

From a ledge just down from our picnic spot, we can look down the sheer drop to the rocks and crashing sea below.

We take a last look back along the whole length of the island and set off back. Off down the steep slopes, across the Devil's Bridge, where we take a moment to go down and see the structure more closely.

After we cross the outer causeway, we decide not to re-trace our steps, but pass the northern side of the island which is a bit more precarious that the way we came. The path is obviously less well trodden as the bracken is only partially trampled here. This route might also be a bit tricky in damp conditions as there is a constant slope and you can feel your feet constantly at an angle.

But we are rewarded by terrific views of some seals basking on the rocks below. There are quite a few of them and they look very well fed! They eye us a little suspiciously, seeming a bit put out at our invasion of their privacy. We "ahh" and "ooh" as more and more come into view, then make are way back to the start of the island.

We re-cross the causeway, then all the way back to the now packed car park. At one of the restaurants we have tea, coffee and cakes (Ian - how much!) and all agree that it had been a lovely trip that we must repeat again sometime.

Not bored to death yet? Why not take the slide show tour (3.3mb) - more pics!

P.S. Many thanks to Ian who had the good sense to bring along a digital camera with a decent zoom - well done that man.

For more information on Worm's Head, please go to the National Coastwatch Institution's excellent website.