It looks like something from a lost world.
Hidden in a 100-foot cliff off the Gower Peninsula in Wales is Culver Hole, an ancient cave enclosed behind a stone wall with windows and a closed door.
Today, it’s a popular attraction for rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts take to Instagram to share photos of their climbs of the cave’s 60-meter-high wall, which has a fascinating history.
The wall of the cave is thought to have been built in the 13th or 14th century as a dovecote, with steps inside leading to the bird’s roosts. However, in the following centuries it became a hotbed for smugglers, according to the local tourism office.
Visit Swansea Bay says: ‘[Some] even tells of a secret tunnel – big enough for a horse to drive through, one would think – used to transport contraband.”
Hidden in a 100ft cliff off the Gower Peninsula in Wales is Culver Hole, an ancient cave locked behind a 200ft stone wall
The secret tunnel reportedly connected to a nearby building known as the South House, which was the base of a powerful local smuggler named John Lucas.
The National Trust says of Lucas’ time at Southuis: “From this stronghold, aided by a band of outlaws, he engaged in piracy and resisted all attempts by the authorities to evict him.”
This entire stretch of coast was notorious for smuggling, notes the tourism board, saying: ‘The peninsula – with its hidden coves and inlets, towering cliffs and stormy seas – could well have been littered with thugs, bandits, illegal cargo and maritime chaos. . in the head.
“During the 18th and 19th century smuggling era, the seemingly sleepy Gower was a hotbed for smugglers. Local kingpins operated with near impunity, employing hundreds of people and running through overcrowded customs offices.”
The cave is a popular climbing attraction, with outdoor enthusiasts sharing photos of their climbs of the cave wall on Instagram. Above is a message from the cave of the Instagram account ‘Amy.Lou.Climbs’
The wall of the cave is studded with windows and a door
The wall of the cave is believed to have been built as a dovecote in the 13th or 14th century.
According to the local tourist board, Culver Hole was once known as a hotbed for smugglers
A photo posted by Instagram user Lee Mellon shows the view from inside the cave
The local tourism office says there is a “secret tunnel” in the cave. Culver Hole can only be visited at high and low tide
However, the name comes from its function as a dovecote – the word culver is said to come from the Old English word ‘culfre’ meaning dove or dove.
Today, the cave can only be visited at low tide, and visitors must plan their journey carefully to avoid being trapped by the advancing seawater.
Only experienced climbers with the necessary equipment should attempt to scale the cave wall.
Above is the view towards Culver Hole from the nearby tidal island of Burry Holms
Culver Hole is near Port Eynon, a pretty town on the southernmost tip of the Gower Peninsula.
A climber scaling the wall of Culver Hole
It is close to Port Eynon, a pretty town on the southernmost tip of the Gower Peninsula.
To reach Culver Hole, leave your car in the Port Eynon beach car park and walk a short distance down an unmarked path leading to the shore, where you will find another path leading to the cave.
Tripadvisor user PaulyD was impressed by the cave during a recent visit and said: “What an amazing place. You can crawl in and see everything [of] the historic dovecote. You really feel the history of the place.”
Reviewer EsthOwen described it as “creepy and intriguing”, while user PaulDrewsterDrew said: “I love this place. The mystery surrounding this structure still intrigues me.”
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
