Cathole Cave

Cathole Cave (also spelled Cat Hole Cave) sits in the wooded Parc le Breos valley on the Gower Peninsula, close to Ilston and Parkmill. About 12 km west-south-west of Swansea, it is one of the area's key archaeological caves.

What is Cathole Cave?

The cave opens in a steep limestone outcrop roughly 180 m north of the Parc Cwm Neolithic tomb, some 15 m above the valley floor. It is a deep, triangular fissure that narrows toward the top, with two entrances and a natural ledge outside the larger one. The surrounding Park Wood (Coed y Parc) is managed by Natural Resources Wales.

Why does it matter?

Colonel E. R. Wood dug here extensively in 1864. In 2010 a deer-like engraving was spotted on the cave wall. Calcite partly covering it was dated by uranium series to about 12,500 years ago, pointing to a possible Upper Palaeolithic origin. Before the entrance was fitted with a grille, a fresh excavation took place in 2012. It yielded two flint blades of Upper Palaeolithic character plus animal bones, and the deposits were placed between roughly 50,000 and 30,000 years ago. The site is a Scheduled Monument.

How do I get there?

Park at the Parc le Breos car park off the A4118 between Parkmill and Penmaen. Walk up the valley past the long cairn, then take the path that branches right into the woods toward the cave. Natural Resources Wales waymarks a Caves, Cairn and Kiln Walk of about 3.7 km, which takes around 1.5 hours; the rough climb to the cave is its steepest part. A longer circular route starts from the Gower Heritage Centre in Parkmill. The nearest railway station, Gowerton, is about 8 km away, so a car is the practical choice.

Can I go inside?

No. The entrance is protected by a grille, so you view the cave from the outside, from the ledge in front. Wear shoes with good grip, as the path can be muddy.

When should I visit?

The woodland is open all year. Spring and summer offer green scenery and drier paths. It pairs naturally with a stop at the Parc Cwm tomb, which is right beside the route.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter Cathole Cave? No. A grille blocks the entrance, but you can see it and its surroundings from outside.

How long is the walk from the car park? The full waymarked loop takes about an hour and a half. The climb to the cave alone is shorter but uphill.

What else is on the route? The Neolithic Parc Cwm tomb, a lime kiln and Park Wood, with a picnic area by the car park.

Is the site protected? Yes. It is a Scheduled Monument, so nothing may be removed or damaged.