Caves have been a focus of human activity since the remotest periods of prehistory. Paviland cave on the coast of Gower is the most significant archaeological site in Britain of the earlier Upper Palaeolithic period. It was the location of the first systematic excavation of a human skeleton and of the first recovery of a human fossil: the misnamed ‘Red Lady’. Discovered in 1823, the fossilised skeleton was at first thought to be of recent date and female. However, it is now known to have been a ceremonially buried young adult male, a representative of the early humans who entered Europe around 40,000 years ago, during the last ice age.

This mystical cave site is only safely accessible at very low tides. While this is not a long walk it is a difficult one and you will need to be sure footed, moderately fit and up for scrambling over uneven rocks and up onto the rocky headland that leads to the cave.

Along the way we will learn more about the so called 'Red Lady of Paviland' and prepare a simple ceremony to honour the place and its story when we arrive at Paviland Cave.

We'll meet at a nearby parking spot at 1.30pm prompt. Spaces are limited to 12 for this pilgrimage. We should return by 4.45pm. We ask for a donation of £10 per person for this pilgrimage. A small amount will go to cover admin, the rest will be a donated to Extinction Rebellion. While we usually welcome children and dogs, due to the nature of this event and the terrain we cannot accommodate them on this particular pilgrimage.