Thinking tow bar is the way to go but don’t want to bash my shins on the ball. Is there another way?

I’ve seen various that bolt to the face plate that the ball would bolt to

Yep, Maxxraxx bolt to the back plate.

some of the thule bolt to the plate too.

as to Pendle and others who use a plate that bolts to non swan kneck towball mounts.

I dont know what you mean by bash your shins tbh never hit my towbar with my legs- they dont stick out very far

Thule don’t do one any more but Pendle do.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pendle-towbar-mounted-4-Bike-Cycle-Carrier-4×4-vehicleD-/230715364296?

Used carrier that fits to towbar bracket – carrier bracket fits onto towbar without need for a tow ball.

Thule bike carrier – Towbar mount – plate bolts onto towbar bracket & carrier fastens to plate. Carrier can be tilted back while fitted, to allow access to boot. Holds up to 4 bikes. One of the rubber fastening straps is missing, but otherwise carrier in good working order. £30
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001 by pmcw-pics, on Flickr

Removable tow bar?

I thought most would do either, and I know what you mean by bashing your shin, bloody sore!

I had Aiston Racks make me a rack that bolts direct to the chassis instead of sitting on the tow ball. I’d really like a push in American style tow hitch but this is as near as I could get.

Detachable Witter Swan neck