Of all South Wales' attributes, it is perhaps its glorious coastline of sheer limestone cliffs towering above the Bristol Channel that will most surprise, if not overawe, the casual visitor. Yeah, the beauty is there for all to see.
What may not be so obvious to the uninitiated, however, are the many traces of human occupation still to be seen upon these vertiginous heights dating back millennia, cliff-top defended enclosures strung like a string of precious pearls along the south coast, from Chepstow in the east to the southwestern tip of Pembrokeshire.
The Gower Peninsular, just west of bustling Swansea, has its fair share, too....
One such 'cliff fort' is perched upon the near-as-dammit 200ft cliffs of Yellow Top, south of the hamlet of Pilton Green. These plunging crags conceal the world famous 'Goat's Hole', or Paviland Cave, it surely being inconceivable that the fort's Iron Age inhabitants were unaware of the significance of this mesmerising, haunting location?
The enclosure itself is protected by four - count 'em - defensive cross banks isolating a small 'living space' from the hinterland. So the archaeology is good. Check. The Citizen Cairn reckons you should come here, however, for the spectacular landscape, sublime vibe, aesthetics ... and sheer joie de vivre!!!!
Video visiting the Paviland Cave is here @ https://youtu.be/_mo1fV7cRfI
*** IMPORTANT NOTE: should you be inspired to visit Yellow Top, extreme caution should be taken owing to the very exposed nature of the cliff top location. Furthermore, any Citizens Cairn wishing to incorporate a visit to the magnificent Paviland Cave MUST be aware this can ONLY be attempted within a very short time frame at LOW TIDE. Trust me, having been caught out myself, I can state that if you ignore this advice you potentially place your life in grave peril. IMPORTANT NOTE ***
Check local tides online - e.g: @ https://www.tidetime.org/europe/united-kingdom/gower.htm