Three Cliffs Bay

Three Cliffs Bay takes its name from three limestone cliffs, about 20 m high, that jut into the bay; the largest can be climbed from its grassy base, and climbers use around 20 routes in the lower grades. The stream Pennard Pill flows into the sea in the middle of the bay. About 450 m inland, above the stream, stand the ruins of Pennard Castle, around which a fairy legend has grown up. At high tide the stretches of beach are separated; at low tide you can walk between them over the sand.

Access is by footpaths. The National Trust path from Southgate car park is about 1.6 km long and takes around an hour; it begins with a steep descent into a wooded valley, and the climb back up comes at the end. Keep an eye on the tides. Wikivoyage advises against swimming because of the strong undercurrent.