Beaches
Cambrian Bay stretches from the Lleyn Peninsula in the north to Aberdovey in the south. Much of the coastline is designated as a Heritage Coast with many sections cared for by the National Trust. Barmouth and Criccieth beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag award, and Harlech, Llandanwg, Shell Island and Benar are seaside award winners and have been awarded the Green Coast award.
Cardigan Bay is also an outstanding and internationally important area for marine wildlife. It is home to some of Britain's rarest birds and a pod of over 100 bottlenose dolphins as well as porpoises and grey seals. These can be seen on boat trips offered at various locations or even from the beaches and cliffs. The coastline has numerous beaches ranging from secluded sandy coves, through long sweeping exposed sandy beaches to traditional seaside resorts and fishing villages. Cambrian Bay has something to suit all age groups.
Harlech
Probably one of the most photographed strips of sand in the world. Harlech’s four miles of sandy beach has something for every beach lover. Lovely sand and safe bathing, and mountainous sand dunes, ideal for a game of hide and seek. Further along the beach there is access to the nature conservancy, where a microclimate in the dunes has encouraged rare plants and birdlife. A couple of paths access the beach across the golf course.
Llandanwg
Just round the corner from Harlech and more accessible with a car park very near to the beach. This is gem of a beach with sand and small rock pools for the kids to explore. There is also a 13th century church St Tanwg hidden in the dunes, which is open for visitors during the summer months.
Shell Island
Shell Island has three bathing beaches. Two small bathing beaches that are only available when the tide is out and the main Bathing beach at the south end of the 'island' that runs for 6 miles down to Barmouth. The South bathing beach is backed by fine sand dunes. The north beach is known as the dinghy beach as it is possible to launch small dinghies from it. The small central beach is the quietest and nestles amongst the rocky foreshore unnoticed by most people. In high summer these bathing beaches are probably the most popular private beaches along the coast. The shell beach runs for most of the length of the 'island'. The rocky foreshore helps to retain the shells from being washed further along. There is a charge for using these beaches.
Traeth Bach
Traeth Bach is a tidal sandy estuary only half a mile from Gwrach Ynys. A very peaceful location with excellent views of Snowdon and right across the water from the Italian village of Portmeirion. It is accessible by car, and you can drive right down to the waters’ edge. It is a favourite spot for people of all ages - families with young children enjoy paddling in the shallow streams when the tide is out, the not so active enjoy sitting on the numerous wooden benches watching the world go by, artists are busily trying to catch that moment in time on canvas. Popular with birdwatchers as the sea birds come to dine as the evening tide comes in and walkers have a choice of numerous leisurely walks. It is a haven not to be missed.
Barmouth
There is mile long promenade here so access to the beach is easy. Ideal if you like a flat walk by the sea, and the harbour has magnificent views over the railway bridge to Cader Idris. After the beach a few minutes in the fun park is a must for the kiddies.
Benar Beach
This beach adjoins shell island and is another long strip of golden sands backed by high sand dunes. Access has now been improved with a series of boardwalks.
Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Sands situated at Morfa Bychan two miles from Porthmadog is a two mile long sandy beach, one of the few locations where you can take your car on to the beach. It has become a well known beach for activities and popular with windsurfers and kite-bugging. The sand dune forming the backbone of the beach are a Site of Special Scientific Interest
Borth y Gest
A quaint village situated between Black rock beach and Porthmadog. Here you will find a series of secluded sheltered coves with access along the cliff top. It’s a very scenic location with panoramic views southwards towards Harlech and the Rhinog Range. It is popular with both bathers and sea lovers who like to take in the sea air and the views.
