Sker Point

Sker Point is a headland on the South Wales coast in Bridgend County Borough. It lies between Port Talbot and Porthcawl and marks the southern end of Kenfig Sands. The name comes from Old Norse and means skerry, a small rocky island. The point juts out into the Bristol Channel with steep cliffs and open water on either side. It is reached by a short walk from the nearby car park along a clear path. The wind often blows strongly across the exposed headland. The headland is known for the 1947 wreck of the liberty ship Samtampa. The ship came ashore during a storm and all 39 crew were lost. Eight volunteer lifeboat crew from Mumbles RNLI also died while trying to rescue them. A memorial plaque set into the rocks remembers those who perished. The tragedy remains one of the worst in the area’s maritime history. The site draws visitors interested in local history and coastal safety. Visitors find a rugged coastline with wide views over the channel. The memorial plaque is fixed into the rocks near the edge of the cliffs. The path to the point passes through open grassland with patches of heather. On clear days the coast of Somerset is visible across the water. The sound of waves breaking on the rocks fills the air. The place has a quiet, windswept feel far from towns and roads.