Seven Slades

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Glamorgan

Wales

Seven Slades

Footpath near the Bishopston Valley The waymarker directs to Southgate village (behind me) or Pwll Du Bay (to the right) but I am off to the left and the deep Bishopston Valley. A nice ford here often used by cattle (to drink at) and horse riders (to ride through). — Footpath near the Bishopston Valley Credit: Jeremy Bolwell

Seven Slades is a prominent coastal feature located in Glamorgan, Wales. Situated on the southernmost part of the Welsh coast, it is a headland that juts out into the Bristol Channel. This picturesque point is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The name "Seven Slades" refers to the seven distinct valleys or ravines that cut through the headland, creating a unique and rugged landscape. Each slade is characterized by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, providing a dramatic backdrop against the backdrop of the sea.

The headland itself is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily sandstone and limestone, which have been shaped over millions of years by erosion from the powerful waves and tides of the Bristol Channel. As a result, Seven Slades showcases a range of geological formations, including caves, arches, and stacks, adding to its natural beauty and appeal.

The area is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, with numerous species of seabirds nesting along the cliffs. Visitors to Seven Slades can often spot gulls, razorbills, guillemots, and even the occasional puffin during breeding season. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life as well, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

Seven Slades is easily accessible by foot, with well-maintained paths and trails leading to the headland. The site is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, attracting nature lovers, hikers, and photographers who seek to immerse themselves in its stunning coastal scenery.

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Seven Slades Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.565163/-4.0499459 or Grid Reference SS5887. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath near the Bishopston Valley

The waymarker directs to Southgate village (behind me) or Pwll Du Bay (to the right) but I am off to the left and the deep Bishopston Valley. A nice ford here often used by cattle (to drink at) and horse riders (to ride through).

Jeremy Bolwell

Footbridge near the Bishopston Valley

A footbridge crosses the stream here as the footpath passes through pretty woodland.

Jeremy Bolwell

A June evening at Brandy Cove

Brandy Cove is a small sandy cove with rocky sides and a quiet spot to spend some time on a sunny June evening. Apparently its name derives from the fact that it was an ideal landing point for smugglers bringing in contraband French Brandy in the 1700's.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Gower coastline near Brandy Cove

Whiteshell Point is the prominent headland beyond Caswell Bay.

Jeremy Bolwell

Pwlldu Bay, Gower

What an impressive bay; sloping golden sands, high storm beach of bluey-white pebbles, almost a lagoon behind the storm beach, thickly wooded cliffs and valley and a few small cottages. A peaceful haven. But in the 19th century this spot was a hive of industry; the cliffs were quarried for limestone, the limestone was burned and shipped here to North Devon fields to be spread on the land, ships carrying this were beached awaiting their cargoes, and workers and sailors crowded the public houses, which is what these white cottages once were.

Jeremy Bolwell

Oh! The hand is out again...

The NT have obviously employed the services of a donation operative who is housed in here to ensure that passing walkers cough up. A bit direct though. Almost pushy.

Jeremy Bolwell

Ford behind Pwlldu Bay

The cottages here are accessed in a vehicle through this picturesque ford.

Jeremy Bolwell

An evening walk on the Gower coast path

Walking on a coastal path in scenery like this is never a chore, but some times of day seem optimum times and for me an evening walk in summer is sometimes unbeatable; you often get the whole coast to yourself (or at least only share it with a few like-minded souls), the light is always great if sunny (long shadows etc) and you can relate to the landscape in a new way as it feels somehow almost untouched again. But if you 'relate to the landscape' to such an extent that you get lost, then there's always a waymarker somewhere too.

Jeremy Bolwell

Fishing boat off Pwlldu Head on a June evening

Now he's got the right idea; catch some supper.

Jeremy Bolwell

Deep Slade on a June evening

Somewhere on the other side of Deep Slade someone is flying a radio-controlled model plane as the sun sinks. No one else is around.

Jeremy Bolwell

Guzzle Hole in Bishopston Valley

At this point in the valley the Bishopston Stream has descended underground long ago to the north. The riverbed is extensively covered in moss and mulch, showing no signs of running water at all. However, you can definitely hear water flowing here. This cave called Guzzle Hole roars with the sound of the submerged river but all that is visible is shallow, pooled water. See SS5788 : In the mouth of Guzzle Hole for a closer view.

Nigel Davies

In the mouth of Guzzle Hole

A closer view of SS5788 : Guzzle Hole in Bishopston Valley The ceiling closes rapidly in and the pooled water is disturbed only by drips from above, not the roaring torrent somewhere out of view that is drowning out all sound from the outside world.

Nigel Davies

Hunts Farm east of Southgate

peter robinson

Deep Slade near Southgate

peter robinson

Backinstone Chapel

Beneath this thick tangle of undergrowth lies the remains of a small 18th Century ecclesiastical building, its perimeter measuring 14' 6" x 10' 6". The walls themselves, or what are left of them, measure 1'9" thick. Only glimpses of this building, however, were visible beneath the wild vegetation that enclosed it during 2006.

Chris Elphick