Beaches; Snowdonia has a 200 mile coastline and over 35 fantastic beaches. Many of which have received awards for their cleanliness and water quality. Here is a selection, in distance from the Haybarn

 

Did you know.... Its just 10 miles from the top of Snowdon to the sea.      Click here for a full list of Gwynedd beaches 

Abergafren Beach 8.6 miles (route map) A narrow lane from Minffordd to a small parking area amongst oak trees on the west side of the wide and sandy Afron Dwyryd Estuary. Access is down a short, rough track from Abergafen, signs warn that swimming is dangerous.North of the parking area is a small sandy cove, whilst to the south the shore is backed by a small area of salt marsh. Directly in the centre of the sand is the tidal island of Ynys Gifftan. In the summer it is often possible to cross to the island and Talsarnau on the opposite side, but the river can be a few feet deep, the sand will flood quickly on a rising tide. Make sure you know the state of the tide before attempting. No lifeguard

Llandecwyn is to the east, and the Afon Dwyryd is crossed by the combined rail and road bridge of the Pont Briwet. The estuary is sandy on both sides and has views towards the Moelwyn mountains. Access is a public footpath which leads along the eastern side of the estuary.There is some space for roadside parking , but take care not to obstruct. Llandecwyn rail station is just 100 yards away.

Portmeirion Beach  9.1 miles (route map) The beach is reached through the village which means having to pay the entrance fee (Adults £12 children £8.50 discounts available) , but FREE after 3.30. A path leads past the lighthouse onto soft golden sand backed by wooded cliffs. There are lots of hidden nooks, crannies, coves and sheltered spots for sunbathing, along with a flurry of interesting plants. Why not have an ice cream from Angel Ices Gelateria. There is a fast current so signs against swimming must not be taken lightly. A beautiful beach well worth a visit, and you can use your day pass to visit the rest of the village. Open 9.30 until 7.30                     

  • Ample parking
  • Toilets
  • shops and restaurants
  • No Lifeguard

Borth Y Gest  11.1 miles (route map) A small quite Victorian village built around a bay with views looking out across the Traeth inland to the Rhinog mountains. Backed by a sea wall and a crescent- shaped promenade. The sandy beach is just a short walk from the bay and there are nooks and crannies for sunbathing. Black rock sands a slightly longer walk is round the coastal path. Swimming is NOT advised due to the strong currents.

  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Cafes, restaurants and shops
  • Rock pools
  • Dog friendly
  • Lifeguard

Black Rock Sands 12.5 miles (route map)  A Blue Flag sandy beach which stretches for about 2 miles and is backed by sand dunes. There are plenty of rock pools and interesting caverns. There is a mouth of a river at the eastern end of the beach and the village of Morfa Bychan is a few hundred meters away where you will find shops cafes and restaurants and a golf club. You can drive onto the beach. There are designated bathing and boat launching areas. Dogs are allowed only on the eastern and western sides of the beach NOT in the centre.

  • Parking on the beach
  • Cafes and restaurants in the village
  • Rock pools
  • Dogs allowed Restricted areas
  • No lifeguard

Harlech Beach 13.3 miles (route map) Harlech beach has 4 miles of pristine golden sand, it is backed by sand dunes with stunning views of the Snowdonia mountain range. The mofa Harlech National Nature Reserve is at the north end of the beach, a haven for rare plant species and bird life and is Wales only growing sand dune system. To the south lies Shell island. It is a superb spot for walking, beach combing, kite surfing and bathing.

 Facilities

  • Toilets (Disabled too)
  • Restaurant and shop
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair friendly
  • No lifeguard  

Llandanwg Beach 14.6 miles (route map)  Awarded "Clean beach Award" for the last 6 years. Llandanwg beach is backed by sand dunes, has views in the distance of the rugged Rhinog mountains There is a tiny medieval church (St Tanwgs) which you can walk to, or if you are feeling a little more energetic you can walk to Cardigan Bay. When the tide is out it reveals a causeway out to Shell island. It is great for surfers, wind-boarders, kayaking and not forgetting rockpooling where you might find crabs, shrimps, sea urchins and lots more.Well loved by the locals and great for anglers too.Cafe Y Maes is a hidden gem.With ample parking and excellent walking routes to and from the cafe including The Wales coastal Footpath. There is a large National Trust field in front of the cafe which is a great place for flying a kite or kicking a ball. It offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, jacket potatoes, drinks and more. They also hire out

Sun loungers, Windbreaks and Beach umbrella's. To buy they have Games, Kites, Beach mats and of course Buckets and Spades.

  • Ample parking
  • Ramp access down to the beach
  • Cafe 
  • Toilets ( a little dated)
  • Rock pools
  • Dog friendly restricted areas
  • No lifeguard

Shell Island Llanbedr 18 miles (route map) During the winter months the shells are washed up by the storms. There are some 200 different types of shell Oyster, Scallop, Tusk, Tellin, Razor, Cockle Dog cockle are a few. The best time to see the shells is January- June. In the snack bar there is a display, naming all the shells that have been found. Shell Island has three bathing beaches, two of which are only available when the tide is out, and the main beach which is at the south end of the island is 6 miles down to Barmouth. This beach is backed by the tallest sand dunes in Wales. You can launch small dinghies from the North beach. The small central beach is the quietest and nestles amongst the rocky foreshore unnoticed by most people.

You have to pay to visit the island. Available from March to October. Open 8am to 8pm (tide dependent)  The daily charge for a car is around £7.50. For all the information click the link or call 01341241453

Pwllheli Beaches 24.3 miles (route map) Pwllheli has two fabulous award winning beaches

Abererch Beach 21.8 miles (route map) Located east of the town, it is a favorite with the locals, this is due to its golden sands and shallow waters. It stretches over 4 miles right across to Penychain. Again this beach is also south facing. The views across Snowdonia will take your breath away.

  • Ample parking
  • Toilets
  • Washrooms at Plas Heli
  • Cafe which also serve take away food
  • Restaurant
  • No Dogs from 1st April until 30th September
  • No lifeguard

South Beach  24 miles (route map)  This is the main beach with a promenade. It is great for walking and cycling and stretches for 4 miles from east to west from Carreg yr Imbyll (Gimblet rock) to Cerrig y Defaid, near Llanbedrog. The beach is sand and shingle, and is south facing (so all day sun) during the summer months. It boasts fantastic views right across Cardigan Bay towards Abersoch and the Cambrian Mountains of mid Wales. The sea  is fairly steep in some places so the water can become steep quickly.

  • Ample parking
  • Toilets
  • Cafe Glan y Mor
  • Beach Shop
  • No dogs from 1st April until 30th September
  • No lifeguard