Mumbles Head, Bracelet Bay

Bracelet Bay sits at the very tip of Mumbles, where Swansea Bay gives way to the Gower coast, and looks out to the twin tidal islands of Mumbles Head with their Victorian lighthouse and old fort. It is a rocky, dramatic little bay with a car park right above it, making it an easy and popular launch point for a coastal flight over the headland and out along the cliffs toward Langland. The lighthouse islands are the obvious subject, best framed nearer high tide when the causeway is covered. Being on the edge of Swansea, this is a busier, more built-up setting than the wilder Gower beaches, so keep well clear of the road, the coastguard station and the many walkers. Swansea Airport at Fairwood Common lies about eight kilometres west; it is a small general-aviation airfield, but check current airspace before flying and stay low. The Bristol Channel has a huge tidal range and the wind off the water can be strong, lifting hard over the headland, so choose a calm day. There are no sandy expanses here - it is rock and rockpool - which makes for characterful footage. Early morning or a still evening keeps the crowds down and gives the best light on the islands.