Three Cliffs Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the UK, and was a finalist in the BBC TV series “Britain’s Favourite View” having been presented by talented local girl and now world-known, Katherine Jenkins.   It is a truly magnificent bay which will please everyone as it incorporates valley, countryside, river, wildlife, history and of course the sandy beach itself.

Leaving Shepherds shop and travelling by foot through the woods opposite, as you reach the top of the incline you have a choice to make.  Turning left will take you up over the golf course and along the edge of the hills, so looking down on to the valley below and the beaches beyond.  Carrying on along the path, and exiting the woods into the valley you will stroll along the meandering river, over the wooden boardwalk and salt marshes before stumbling over the pebbles to find the glorious beach in front of you.  If the tide is high, then bare right along the length of the pebble bank and you will find a set of stepping stones which allow you to cross the river on to the bank opposite - a short walk will take you to the dunes.

Either way, the walk is blissful, and you will notice different landmarks every time.  The water tower on the golf course is fed from the pumping station in the valley below.  Pennard Castle stands proud on the hill overlooking the bay and there are large sand dunes connecting it with the valley below.  Watch out for herons, egrits and even kingfisher.  Wild ponies are frequently seen, specially at high tide, and are fairly tame, although feeding them is not recommended as they become more dependent on hand outs.  Follow the pebble bank to the far right and cross over the stepping stones if you don’t fancy wading through the water.  And watch out for Billy the goat who lives on the three cliffs themselves.

A word of warning though – the tides are notoriously dangerous in Three Cliffs Bay as the river flows into the sea at this point.  They rise rapidly and have strong undercurrents, so be careful.