Beaches
Cambrian Bay
The narrow strip of coastline stretching from the Lleyn Peninsula in the north to Cardigan in the south is known as Cambrian Bay. The Cambrian Bay has numerous beaches ranging from secluded sandy coves, through long sweeping exposed sandy beaches to traditional seaside resorts and fishing villages. It is an important area for marine wildlife, home to some rare birds, bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, and grey seals.
Harlech Beach
Harlech beach, is one of the highlights of the Cambrian coast and probably one of the most photographed strips of sand in Wales, four-mile stretch of pristine golden sand, with stunning views of the Snowdonia Mountain range.
A fantastic sandy beach with plenty of space to find your own spot to relax and play. At low tide shallow pools are left on the sand perfect play area for the little ones to splash and build sandcastles. The beach is backed by grassy dunes site of a nature conservancy, where a microclimate has encouraged rare plants and animals. An evening stroll along the beach to watch the sun set is an experience not to be missed.
Access to the beach from the car park is a pleasant walk along a tramway over the sand dunes.
Llandanwg Beach
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 and a 13th century church St Tanwg hidden in the dunes, which is open for visitors during the summer months.
The beach slopes gently to the sea making it a good place to swim. When the tide is low, it reveals a causeway out to Shell Island. Enjoy a walk along the beach to the causeway, pass the mooring for boat, along the field back to the car park where you will find Y Maes Cafe serving tea, snacks, and ice cream.
The beach is also well-loved by local fisherman.

Shell Island
Shell Island or Mochras as it is sometimes called isn’t really an island at all, it’s a peninsula firmly attached to the rest of the Welsh coast, that said, vehicular access is only possible via a causeway across the River Artro estuary at low tide.
Stretching for several miles, the sandy beach gets its name from the abundance and variety of seashells which wash up on to the shore by the winter tides. Besides shells, Shell Island is known for its wealth of wild flowers, including a dozen species of wild orchid. There’s plenty of wildlife too, with the estuary attracting vast numbers of birds. Lucky visitors may even spot some of the dolphins that grace this part of the coast.
Shell island is privately owned but it is open for day visitors. 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 Mountain range and Italian village of Portmeirion across the water. 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.
Bermo Barmouth Beach
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.

Black Rocks Beach
Morfa Bychan situated two miles from Porthmadog, known locally as Black Rock Sands, is a sandy beach, with rocky areas- although the rocks aren’t actually black. The beach stretches for about 2 miles and is backed by a dune system which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There are plenty of rockpools to explore here as well as some interesting caverns.
A slipway provides vehicular access to the sands and most visitors park on the beach, making it a popular picnic destination and providing easy access for those with mobility problems. There are designated bathing and boat launching areas.
Borth y Gest
A small hamlet just outside of Porthmadog.
To enjoy the delights of Borth y Gest pass the bay beach in front of the village and a 10-minute walk along the cliff top path will take you down to secluded sheltered coves. It’s a very scenic location with panoramic views southwards towards Harlech and the Rhinog Range.