'Smugglers paradise' hidden UK beach with white sands and no tourists

A pristine stretch of coastline offers sanctuary from the throngs of holiday crowds, precisely what many seek as the summer break starts.

This sandy cove remains so concealed from view that centuries ago, smugglers would utilise this remote section of shore to land their contraband goods.

Known by two different names, this hidden gem sits along the Gower Peninsula in South West Wales - accessible only via an enjoyable lengthy trek.

Slade Bay, alternatively called The Sands owing to its expansive white sandy expanse revealed at low tide, resembles a secluded paradise without the usual tourist masses.

Those who venture here describe it as a 'beautiful bay, so unspoilt', welcoming to dogs and even suitable for surfing enthusiasts, reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/uk-ireland/hidden-gem-smugglers-beach-white-35573906" rel="Follow" target="_self">the Mirror</a>.

The Beach Guide website highlights it as an excellent fishing location - not to mention the spectacular sunsets afforded by its south-westerly position.

Hotel Parc Le Breos outlines the journey to this stunning shoreline on their website: "A very picturesque walk around Oxwich Point all the way to Slade Bay. Varied scenery and fantastic views up and down the Gower Peninsula."

The trek spans approximately four miles to reach Slade Bay, requiring roughly two hours on average, though the effort proves thoroughly worthwhile.

According to guidance from Hotel Parc Le Breos, the path is described as 'easy underfoot but some steep climbs including a big flight of steps'. The Parc Le Breos website outlined the parking arrangements before embarking on the walk: "Head down to Parkmill then turn tight onto the south Gower road (A4418) turning off at the signposted junction for Oxwich. Park in the large supervised beach car park."

Your route then leads towards the Oxwich Bay Hotel, before making your way to the church 'nestled in the woods' - marking the beginning of your journey to the coastline.

From this point, you'll tackle numerous steps uphill, then bear left - following a trail that runs beside farmland before descending along a clifftop pathway that guides you along the precipice's rim.

Eventually, Slade Bay will come into view, and you'll need to take an ascending route up into the valley until you reach a track, then a lane where you turn right and continue for one mile.

You'll then make your descent into Oxwich village where Oxwich castle should appear on your right - from this landmark, you'll discover a slender pathway leading towards the shoreline.

The Beach Guide also described the spot: "Slade beach, or The Sands as it is also known, sits just beyond the end of Port Eynon beach. In fact on a super low tide you can actually get here with dry feet from the Horton end of Port Eynon.

"As the name suggests there is a good sized stretch of sand here, although this depends to a large extent on the state of the tide. To each side of the beach are extensive flat rocks that are home to numerous rock pools, whilst to the rear are low cliffs."

They further noted 'access to the beach isn't terribly straightforward' due to the lack of 'an obvious route down from the coast path' between the more popular Horton and Oxwich Bay. However, this relative inaccessibility is precisely why the beach tends to be less crowded, earning it a reputation as 'a favourite with smugglers in years gone by'.