When I relocated to Swansea for university, I discovered the breathtaking beauty of Gower, a place that has captivated the hearts of many locals, including mine. Whether I’m strolling along the sandy shores or taking in the stunning views from the cliff tops, Gower’s allure remains unwavering.
During my 18-month stay in Bishopston, I often visited Brandy Cove, Caswell, and Langland, relishing the delightful seaside walks during my lunch breaks and after work. Rhossili and Three Cliffs have also provided me with unforgettable walking experiences over the years. So, when I was assigned to take the 118 bus route from Swansea’s bus station to Rhossili, touted as the city’s “most scenic” route, I was thrilled.
Fortunately, my expectations were met, and I wasn’t disappointed. Operated by Adventure Travel, the approximately two-hour journey from Stand T at Swansea Bus Station to Rhossili terminus passes through Sketty, Killay, Parkmill, Penmaen, Reynoldston, Knelston, and Scurlage. For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here
It’s just under an hour from Swansea Bus Station (Stand T, pictured) to Rhossili terminal and I think it’s worth the journey
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
Classic bus selfie
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
If you’re planning to visit Port Eynon, catch the 5:10pm bus for a one-way trip that arrives around 6:13pm. The 11.20am service on Tuesday morning left almost exactly on time. The bus, number 118, made its way towards the Kingsway, passing by the Coppergate student accommodation and stopping in Christina Street. It was here that I was struck by the sheer volume of passengers getting on – couples, families, solo travellers, and what appeared to be students from the nearby accommodation block.
Almost everyone bought a ticket for Rhossili from the driver. While there were still plenty of seats available, I couldn’t help but wonder if there would be enough space during the warmer summer term or holiday season when the service is likely to be busier. Perhaps Adventure Travel should consider operating a double-decker bus instead of a single?
The return fare for an adult is £5.60 (or £7.30 for an adult day outer zone ticket) [The outer zone price is now £8.40 in 2025]. This compares with parking at the National Trust Rhossili car park for the day (£3 for up to two hours, £6 for more than two hours, free for National Trust members – fuel on top of that of course). However, taking the bus does have the advantage of being able to chat with friends and enjoy the views without having to navigate Gower’s notoriously winding roads.
After passing the Coppergate student accommodation, the bus took a left at the lights and journeyed along Mansel Street into Walter Road. The scene was as expected: a flurry of cars, houses and people going about their day. But I knew the more picturesque views were yet to come. The bus then sped up along Walter Road and along Uplands Crescent before heading towards Sketty Road.
Here, I spotted my first animal – sort of. Outside a solicitors firm/post office, I noticed a post box topped with a charming Welsh dragon – delightful! This was probably the highlight of the initial part of my journey. But as the bus continued along Sketty Road and Gower Road in Killay, the typical city views gradually gave way to beautiful countryside scenes. As I travelled through Upper Killay and Blackhills, the endless fields captured my attention.
The lack of traffic allowed us to swiftly move along, providing a brief respite from work as I took in the rural scenery. Despite recent rainfall, the fields were surprisingly dry and yellowish, a pleasant contrast to my usual view of rows of houses while working from home.
Following Blackhills, we journeyed through Parkmill, which was bathed in delightful April sunshine. We passed notable landmarks such as the Gower Inn pub, the West Glamorgan Guide Centre, Shepherds – a popular independent cafe and ice-cream shop, and the Gower Heritage Centre. Despite being a popular destination for Swansea primary school trips, I’ve yet to visit the heritage centre since moving to the city as an adult. However, it certainly looked appealing from the bus, and I plan to visit this summer.
The bus passes locally-renowned independent cafe and ice-cream shop Shepherd’s
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
Quaint villages are dotted along the route to Rhossili
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
A pretty view as we travelled through the Gower countryside
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
Our journey from Parkmill took us through Penmaen and the turn-off for Perriswood, before we drove through the picturesque villages of Little Reynoldston, Reynoldston Green, and Knelston. From the road, these villages appeared to be straight out of a storybook, each boasting a few charming cottages but not much else.
Our route also took us past fields, some blooming with buttercups, others overrun with weeds and brambles. We spotted fields of sheep and cows, providing a refreshing change of scenery if you could catch a glimpse through the bus window and past the roadside hedges.
Gower Heritage Centre looked lovely
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
I could just about see cows through the window on the other side of the bus
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
Post-Knelston, our bus journey continued through Scurlage, finally arriving at the Rhossili terminus nearly an hour after departing Swansea bus station. The stunning views of the wonderful Rhossili Bay below and Worm’s Head along the way were a sight to behold.
In conclusion, while the unparalleled views of Rhossili and Worm’s Head are certainly a highlight, the scenic journey itself added to the overall enjoyment of my day out. The route offered glimpses of quaint cottages and beautiful villages that seemed to have jumped straight out of a fairytale, pleasant fields filled with flora, and pastures of sheep and cows.
An hour on a bus is well worth it when you arrive at gorgeous Rhossili!
(Image: Molly Dowrick/WalesOnline)
(Image: No credit)
However, the view was somewhat obstructed by the bus window frame. The journey also involved navigating through some lengthy, winding lanes, which I wouldn’t have fancied driving myself.
The fields were more of a stark, ashy yellow than the vibrant green I had expected. But, all in all, the bus ride was pleasant and relaxing, offering stunning views of the countryside before arriving at one of Wales’ most picturesque locations: Rhossili and Worm’s Head.
Reporter Molly Dowrick embarked on her picturesque 118 bus ride in Wales in April, 2023. The bus continues to operate from Stand T at the Swansea Quadrant bus station and you can check latest timetable information here.