OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Hidden beaches offer day out away from the crowds
CHURCH COVE DOORS, PEMBROKESHIRE
Church Cove Doors has a unique, high-arched “door” cut into the headland by the sea that features a sandy and rocky cove that is tricky to reach but worth the effort.
Access to this beach is at low tide only and via the coastal path only, or via a kayak, if you are exploring the spectacular Pembrokeshire coast on a sea kayak. There are several outdoor companies that organise kayak trips to Church Cove and other rocky bays.
Explore Churches offers a “pilgrims from the sea” adventure, where you can explore the Pembrokeshire coastline and learn more about 6th century saints and medieval pilgrims.
If you’re planning to visit, check out the tide times to make sure you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide.
MONKNASH, VALE OF GLAMORGAN
To get to the bedrock beach itself you have to follow a secluded windy path in woodland along a small ravine and stream. Look out for the old mill on your right as you descend.
The beach itself is mostly stony, full of grey pebbles that look like dinosaur eggs. To your left there’s a small mossy waterfall and cliffs that stretch up and up.
It’s a brilliant place to take the kids for a stroll, walk the dog or get some incredible sunset photos.
PORTH Y NANT, ANGLESEY
This rocky cove in Anglesey is a really under-the-radar cove that doesn’t see many visitors. This is the place to come for a secluded hike or a peaceful dog walk to get away from the crowds.
You won’t find any cafes or facilities near this stone and shingle bay, so make sure you have everything you need for exploring this quieter part of Anglesey’s coastline.
PENBRYN, CEREDIGION
One of Ceredigion’s best kept secrets, this beautifully secluded sandy cove lies down leafy lanes lined with flower-covered banks.
Penbryn is owned by the National Trust. The beach is almost a mile in length.
There is a car park on Llanborth Farm as you arrive, some 400 metres from the beach. The walk down to the beach is either on the lane or follow the footpath signs from the back of the car park (behind the cafe) which takes you into a beautiful wooded valley, full of wood anemones in the spring.
SWANLAKE BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE
This secluded bay is only accessible from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path so is the perfect getaway if you need some time and space just to take in the lush surroundings.
It is a shingle beach but at low tide, it reveals golden sands and rock pools, backed by low cliffs. Even at the height of summer, you could be one of only a handful of visitors.
TYWYN POINT, CARMARTHENSHIRE
Five miles away from popular Pembrey Sands lies Tywyn Point, a secluded bay that sits within the RAF firing zone of the beach, meaning access is normally restricted to evenings and weekends.
It’s worth the trek to this quiet spot though as it has largely escaped the attention of visitors.
You’ll find an interesting array of shells lining the golden sands and a distant shipwreck of the Paul, which ran aground in 1925.
ST GOVAN’S CHAPEL & TANK BEACH, PEMBROKESHIRE
Climb down the steps to this tiny, dark hermit’s cell, built into a cleft in the high cliffs with stupendous views out over the sea. You can scramble down the rocks below and coasteer to Huntsman’s Leap in calm weather. Or bear due east from the car park to a long, snaky, sandy inlet known locally as Tank Beach.
TEMPLE BAY, VALE OF GLAMORGAN
Temple Bay is a small cove that sits in Dunraven Bay on the Heritage Coast. It’s about half a mile’s walk from neighbouring Southerndown Beach, where you’ll also find the nearest parking. This sheltered bay is a perfect place to escape the crowds and take a quiet dip in the waves.
Nearby, you’ll find the site of Dunraven Castle, a former mansion that later acted as a hospital in World War II.
PEN-Y-BANC, PORTHMADOG
You’ll find a number of secret sandy coves and tidal pools and rocky islets on this beautiful stretch of beach.
Rich in bird life – curlews, redshanks and black-necked grebes visit in winter, and large flocks of sandwich terns can be seen in summer.
Beware of strong currents out in the estuary.
BLUE POOL CORNER, GOWER
Blue Pool Bay is one of Gower’s most charming bays.
There are no roads or lanes leading to this beach and its location and very sheltered position at the base of U-shaped cliffs is such that only those who know about its existence, and are not afraid of a good walk, ever frequent the clean sands here.
It is not a beach that is usually just stumbled upon and the average tourist will usually settle for the larger, more easily accessed neighbouring beach of Broughton. For that reason, Blue Pool Bay is also one of Gower’s quieter bays.
CEIBWR BAY, PEMBROKESHIRE
This narrow inlet of rocks and sand is surrounded by tall cliffs. It’s wild and remote and not suitable for swimming but great if you want to spot a porpoise.
It’s reached by a narrow lane along the Nant Ceibwr valley from the village of Moylegrove.
Approximately 2/3 mile to the southwest along the coastal path is the Witches Cauldron or Pwll-yWrach – a large collapsed cave formed by the sea eroding the soft shale rocks.
RAMSGROVE, GOWER PENINSULA
Ramsgrove is one of many secluded bays in the Gower. It’s a rocky little cove near Rhossili that is accessed via a steep, high-sided, limestone valley.
It’s a quiet place to explore rock pools and enjoy some solitude on the popular Gower peninsular. Swimming isn’t recommended here due to the choppy waves and remote location. Instead, have a coastal walk, a picnic or walk the dog in peace.