Excitement is building as people get set to witness a partial solar eclipse for the first time in nearly 30 years on Wednesday evening. It will be the most visible eclipse in the UK and Ireland since 1999.
The eclipse will happen very low in the western sky, and for Swansea, the moon is expected to begin covering the sun at 6.15pm. A maximum eclipse is expected at around 7.05pm to 7.15pm, and from 7.30pm onwards, the sun is expected to get extremely low, and may start disappearing behind terrain by 7.40pm. It is expected to finish at 8pm.
Top locations for an unobstructed view
An unobstructed view towards the west can be found in the following locations in Swansea.
Rhossili: An unobstructed, elevated view of the open western horizon can be enjoyed around Rhossili Cliffs and Rhossili Down. Rhossili Down and Cliffs are among the larger of the commons on Gower covering 354 hectares in total. Rhossili Sunflowers will be open from 10am until 9pm. It says it won't be selling solar glasses, but invites people to the area to enjoy the sunset "surrounded by the flowers." Entry costs £5 for adults and £4 for children. The View says its tables will be available on a first come, first served basis, and recommends arriving early to secure your spot. Limited glasses will be available for £3.
Cefn Bryn: Cefn Bryn in the Gower is among the best elevated positions to watch the eclipse in Swansea, where there's completely unobstructed views of the western horizon.
Three Cliffs: Another great spot is Three Cliffs, which offer great western-facing views above the bay itself in a stunning backdrop. The Three Cliffs Beach is a scenic, sandy beach, backed by three limestone cliffs is a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marsh and encrusted with rock pools. Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park says its car park will be open, adding "one of the best views in the UK for the solar eclipse is Three Cliffs Bay, Gower." It says food will be served until 7.45pm. Pitton Cross Caravan and Camping Park says all guests staying on site will receive free certified eclipse glasses to enjoy it safely.
Other vantage points
Pobbles Bay: Pobbles Bay beach is a popular bay cornered by cliffs, and offers great western/southwestern exposure.
Kilvey Hill: A good elevated option closer to Swansea city centre is Kilvey Hill. Standing at 193m high, Kilvey Hill is a great place to see the eclipse with good views overlooking the city. To get there, take the A4217 out of Swansea Docks and carry on for a further 1km to the car park for Kilvey Hill Community Woodland on your right.
Swansea Beach: A convenient option in the city centre, providing you find a spot as far west and as open as possible, where buildings aren't blocking the horizon.
Port Eynon: Port Eynon has an open western-facing coastline, with an accessible beach. Smugglers Beach Bar and Kitchen in Port Eynon is putting on an Eclipse Party with live music from 5pm until 7pm. It will be serving up pizza and a pint for £18. It says eclipse glasses will be available on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.
Events and practical information
Llanrhidian: Llanrhidian is a good option if you wish to avoid busier coastal spots. The countryside around the area has relatively open views. The Purple Badger cafe bar and restaurant at Llanrhidian Holiday Park will be hosting an event, with solar glasses available for £5 a pair. All proceeds will go toward the Old Mill Foundation. A total of 30 pairs are available on a first come first served basis.
Llangennith beach: Llangennith beach is situated on the western edge of the Gower Peninsula, with a very open horizon. There is a moderate amount of walking required from the private car park at Hillend campsite. There is also parking at Broughton Caravan Park. Charges apply at both.
Swansea Veterans Hub: Swansea Veterans Hub is putting on a solar eclipse event at its base in Garrison Church Hall, 167 Rodney Street. Taking place from 6pm until 8pm, it welcomes families and children to attend, with refreshments and free solar glasses available.
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: "Wherever you're heading to take it all in, please remember, you must take your litter home with you. Due to the drought there's a higher than usual risk of wildfires which can be easily set off by a discarded piece of glass or disposable BBQ. Unfortunately, our libraries are not stockists of eclipse glasses."
Swansea Airport has said there will be two fly-bys before the eclipse. It said: "For those of you that have been asking for advance notice of military fly-bys there are 2 A400M aircraft due to transit round about 6.30-6.45 this evening, just before the eclipse."
