Photo courtesy of Dan Santillo PhotographyDeclared Facility · HM Coastguard
National Coastwatch
Worms Head
Eyes Along the Coast
Keeping watch over Rhosili Bay and Worms Head.
Worms Head is a tidal island, cut off from the mainland by a rocky causeway that’s strictly passable for only approximately 2.5 hours either side of low water — a roughly 5-hour window in total. That’s what the Causeway Tracker below is showing.
We’ve added the free Causeway Tracker below in the hope of helping you enjoy your visit to the Worm without the stress of being cut off. NCI Worms Head Lookout Station is staffed entirely by trained volunteers from the National Coastwatch, a charity supported by local donations. PLEASE support the volunteers behind it. Any contribution is hugely appreciated — find out how to donate.
You may also see this place spelled ‘Rhossili’. We use Rhosili, the standard spelling listed by the Welsh Language Commissioner for both Welsh and English, and the one the National Trust now uses. It can take a while to get used to, so you’ll still see ‘Rhossili’ at times — including in some local business names.
You're responsible for your own safety — don't rely on this app alone. Always check the causeway times posted at the Lookout Station or National Trust shop window before you cross, build in a generous safety margin in case the causeway closes early due to weather conditions, and ask a Coastwatch volunteer if you're unsure.
Why times can vary
Times shown here are estimates and can vary slightly from the Lookout Station's own data. In poor weather or heavy sea conditions — strong onshore wind, storm surge, heavy swell, or a big spring tide — the causeway can close earlier than shown, and it has been known to close a full hour early. The reverse can happen too: settled weather or a strong offshore wind can occasionally uncover it a little earlier than calculated — but never set off on that assumption, always check by eye that it's clear first.
On the day: check the board and the red flag
- Crossing times board: the board on the clifftop beside the Lookout shows today’s safe crossing times. Check it before you set off — when it says TOO LATE TO CROSS, please don’t go.
- Red flag: a red flag is raised at the Lookout when there’s 1 hour to go before the causeway closes — when it’s flying, it’s too late to cross to the Worm. Don’t rely on the flag: in strong winds it may not be flying, so always check the times.
- Already on the Worm? Only head back to the mainland if you have enough time and it’s safe to do so. If not, contact someone straight away: call the Lookout on 07392 327216 for advice, or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. They’ll talk it through with you and help decide what’s safest — the next opening is often after dark. No phone signal? Ring the bell on Inner Head and stay near it — if the Lookout is open, our volunteers will see you. If the Lookout is closed, try 999 and ask for the Coastguard — emergency calls can sometimes connect even when your phone shows no signal.
Data via Open-Meteo · not for navigation
Visitor GuideRhosili and Worms Head
Parking, village amenities, local history, and the wildlife you might encounter on your visit.
Read the guide →
Walking GuideWalking the Worm
Advice on terrain, distances, the seasonal bird sanctuary closure, and cut-off safety.
Read the guide →
Coastal SafetyPhoto courtesy of Gary WilliamsWater & Beach Safety
Cold water shock, Float to Live, rip currents in Rhosili Bay, and offshore wind risk for paddleboarders.
Safety advice →
VolunteerBecome a Watchkeeper
Join the team. Full accredited training in maritime surveillance, VHF radio, and radar is provided.
Enquire about volunteering →Our Impact in 2026
Every hour on watch and every incident we help with is made possible by public support.
See the incidents we’ve responded to in the Lookout Log →
Incidents figure updated as of 6 October 2026 — year to date, not a final annual total. Hours on watch and volunteer hours given update automatically each day.