Beaches
From rugged rocky coastline to expansive sandy beaches and seaside towns, North West Wales coastal location means you’re never too far from the sea.
Snowdonia (Eryri) may be best known for it’s mountain ranges and rugged landscapes but it is also home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the country. Whether you’re into sunbathing on soft golden sand or exploring rocky coastal coves, you’ll be sure to find a beach you’ll love. Here are a few of our favorites which we’re certain you’ll love too. Remember if you’re feeling adventurous you can also walk from beach to beach along the Wales Coast Path.
Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands) - 11 miles/17km from Beddgelert - Morfa Bychan is a wide and expansive fine sandy beach near the town of Porthmadog. During the summer months you will notice that the East side of the beach turns into a driving beach and for a fee of £5 you can drive your own vehicle onto the sands, park up and enjoy a different version of beach life. It is also split into dog friendly and non dog friendly parts in the summer months which are clearly signed.
Borth Y Gest Beach - 8.7 miles/14km from Beddgelert - Located in the small, picturesque village of Borth-y-Gest near Porthmadog, the beach itself comprises of a few different sections which when the tide is out it is possible to walk from one part to another along the sands, otherwise all parts are linked by the Wales Coastal path. It certainly has a lot to offer from coves to soft sand to rocks covered in seaweed perfect for some coastal foraging. It is a dog friendly beach and if you walk for far enough you will eventually end up on the West side of Morfa Bychan beach (black rock sands).
Barmouth Beach - 25 miles/40km from Beddgelert - Barmouth beach is located on the mouth of the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and on the doorstep of the popular and bustling town of Barmouth. It is so big that even in the busy summer months you’ll be sure to have enough space for you and your family. Between April and October dogs are banned from the busiest part of the beach which are clearly signed but there is still a reasonable amount of beach that is dog friendly all year round.
Harlech Beach - 13.5 miles/21.7km from Beddgelert - A peaceful and expansive sandy beach, hugged by dunes and overlooked by Harlech Castle. This beach is the place to come if you prefer to be away from the crowds. Much like Barmouth beach there are restrictions on which part dogs can enter at certain times of the year but there is always a part of the beach that is dog friendly all year round.
Porthdinllaen - 25 miles/40km from Beddgelert - An old fishing village located on the beautiful Llyn Peninsula. Partly owned by the National Trust this beautiful stretch of coast is largely unspoiled and well maintained. One of the best and most popular spots to take in the scenery is from the Ty Coch (“Red House”) inn right on the waterside which serves delicious homemade food and mouthwatering local beer.
Newborough and the beaches of Anglesey - 30miles/48km from Beddgelert -A little further afield but well worth the journey. Anglesey being an island county has a lot to offer when it comes to beaches. One of the most popular is Newborough beach that backs onto a forest that shares the same name and is well known for red squirrel sightings. When the tide is low enough you can walk to Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) a small rugged island with historic ruins, wild ponies, lighthouses and walking trails with stunning views across the Menai staights towards Snowdonia. Other beaches on Anglesey worth visiting are Benllech Beach, Aberffraw Beach, Penmon Beach and Red Wharf Bay.