Three Cliffs Bay
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Three Cliffs Bay (grid reference SS535876), otherwise Three Cliff Bay, is a bay on the south coast of the Gower peninsula near the city of Swansea, South Wales.
The bay takes its name from the picturesque three sea cliffs that jut out into the bay. The stream the Pennard Pill flows into the sea in the middle of the bay.
There is a castle at the top of a sandy bank called Pennard Castle, less than 500 yards from the main beach. It was built in the early 12th century, but otherwise little is known about the castle and its history.
Individual beaches that make up this bay have their own names, including Pobbles Bay to the east of the Three Cliffs, and Tor Bay to the west. The beaches are separated at high tide but are accessible to each other at low tide on foot over the sands. Paths lead north to Pennard Burrows, east to Pobbles, and west to Tor Bay. Pobbles and Tor Bay are also accessible from the beach at low tide.
Three Cliffs Bay is effectively part of the inlet of Oxwich Bay. At low tide, Three Cliffs Bay forms a continuous sandy beach with Oxwich Bay beach to the west. They only exist as separate beaches at high tide.
There are wild horses that run along the fields and along the beach, wild birds and other animals. Dogs are not allowed at the area from the 1st April to the 30th September
When the tide is in, it becomes impossible to cross the river heading towards Parkmill, and as the tide sometimes comes in around the sides of the beach and leaves a sandy island in the middle, it is possible to get cut off.
The sea cliffs are limestone, about 20 m high, and are a popular destination for rock climbers with 20 climbs in the lower grades. The largest of the Three Cliffs is easily climbed if approached from the grassy base. The climb can be completed in under 60 seconds, although this is not recommended for beginners or first time climbers.
Also, a Caravan Park is located in prime position overlooking Three Cliffs Bay.
In June 2006 the BBC Holidays at Home programme declared Three Cliffs Bay to be Britain's best beach.[1] In a recent programme broadcast in the UK the view over Three Cliffs bay was nominated for 'Britains Best View'
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