Beaches
Cwmtydu Beach
Once a smugglers cove Cwmtydu lies to the south west of New Quay. The Beach is predominantly shingle with an area of sand exposed at low tides. The cove is relatively safe, with due care and respect, for various water sports including windsurfing, surfing, canoeing, and sailing. The beach is dog friendly all year round The area is well known locally for being a good place to spot dolphins and seals: but if they don’t make an appearance the setting sun will not disappoint you.
Llangrannog Beach
Boasting superb coastal scenery coupled with two sandy beaches; the main one and the adjoining Cilborth Beach in a hidden cove. Llangrannog has always been popular with locals and visitors alike. Once you have traversed the lanes of the steep sided valley of the River Hawen access is good . There is a seafront car park and in the summer months there is additional parking 5 minutes walk from the main beach. The bay is safe with attention to the care needed with any seaside activity. Dogs are allowed on part of the beach from May through September but the rest of the family can have a really enjoyable day out at Llangrannog where there is a well-stocked beach shop and café.
Penbryn Beach
A day out at Penbryn needs to be planned but is well worth the extra effort involved. The car park and facilities are some 400 metres from the beach! But there is a turning circle and dropping off point at the beach edge. Penbryn is owned by the National Trust The beach, almost a mile in length, is unspoilt and the fine golden sand and shallow waters make it perfect for children Discover the delights of the rock pools or there is fine walking to be had; there is a woodland walk from the car park to the beach or at low tide Tresaith can be reached. Please do not bring your dog. The immediate area is sympathetic to coastal and woodland birds and the sea is home to Dolphins Porpoise and Seals.
Tresaith Beach
Tre-saith is named after the River Saith that cascades over the cliffs to Tresaith beach. The waterfall is an unusual coastal feature and that alone makes Tresaith a ‘must go’ place but there is much more to this small sheltered sandy bay. Popular with families for its clean golden sands and relatively safe bathing, water lovers can enjoy the sea safe in the knowledge that there is a Life Guard on duty. Doggies welcome on part of the beach. After a long lazy day on the beach ‘The Ship’ will serve you a glass of something cool while you watch the sun set spectacularly over Cardigan Bay.
Aberporth Beach
Here’s a place where you get the best of both worlds. A beach with a blue flag award and excellent water quality, and one to enjoy with your dog! Car Park, toilets and refreshments are all within easy reach of the beach. Aberporth attracts both bathers and sailors and their safety is assured by Life Guards. A favourite destination for a day out.
Mwnt Beach
Another jewel in the treasure chest of the coastline of the Cardigan Bay area! Owned by the National Trust the headland of Mwnt overlooks a small and secluded sandy beach. Because of the nature of the terrain Mwnt is not easy to access. There is no avoiding a long steep slope to the beach including steps. There is a large car park, a refreshment kiosk and toilets. Apart from the delights of the beach there are short cliff top walks. A wealth of history including a fifteenth century church makes Mwnt a very special place indeed. This is reflected in it having Green Coast status. This allows the area to be recognised for its water quality without the need for inappropriate development that would spoil natural beauty and damage wildlife. Dogs welcome from October to April only.
Poppit Sands Beach
Poppit is undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches in the area. It is a glorious stretch of sand backed by dunes. For all sorts of reasons it is loved by the numerous visitors that frequent it. Despite its popularity Poppit never seems crowded. Dogs welcome to one side of the beach. The café is always busy and even in the cold dark days of winter you can often find it open. There is also an interesting little RNLI shop next to the main Life Boat station. Unpredictable tides and currents make Poppits’ seemingly simple stretch of coast quite dangerous at times. Fortunately there are excellent Life Guard facilities, warning flags fly and advice can be sought if needed. Poppit boasts a Blue Flag award.
Ceibwr Bay and Beach
Ceibwr is renowned for its unspoilt beauty. It is a secluded rocky cove and is truly breathtaking. The very small beach is pebble and rock and is completely covered at high tide. It is not good for bathing but it is the caves and cliff formations that people come to see, and the tranquillity is what they come to experience. Grey Seals are often seen here close to shore and coastal birds are in abundance. Access roads need to be driven with care. There are no facilities and limited roadside parking. No restrictions on doggie visitors but please respect the local wildlife.
Newport Sands Beach
A flat sandy beach backed by dunes. It is easy to access. There is a good-sized car park and in the summer a refreshment kiosk. Dogs are allowed on the beach so if you bring your ‘best friend’ please be considerate of others and do the necessary! The beach is safe for bathing and water sports and is Life Guard patrolled from 10am to 6pm during July and August. Although, undoubtedly, very popular this beach rarely gets uncomfortably crowded.
Newport Parrog Beach
Newport Parrog is separated from Newport Sands by the Estuary of the River Nevern. The Estuary itself is a favourite haunt of sea birds and waders. Look out for Herons at the Iron Bridge. Newport Parrog boasts a splendid Café / Restaurant, ‘Morawelon’. This area has a rich history of shipbuilding and it can be great fun discovering evidence of its past A great place for a coastal walk with or without the dog. The beach here is not really suitable for bathing because of its unpredictable currents. There are toilets and there is adequate parking at the Parrog.