Cwmtydu Beach is a quiet, peaceful beach to the South West of New Quay, which even on a gorgeous sunny day doesn’t get overcrowded. It is also know as Seals Bay and you will often spot one of the 5000 seals that inhabit this part of the welsh coastline bobbing up and down in the sea or basking on the rocks. While gazing at the beautiful view, you may even be lucky enough to see one of the bottlenose dolphins that are also found in Cardigan Bay.
How To Get To Cymtydu Beach
Arriving By Car
There is easy access to the beach by car and you will find a small car park right next to the beach, with room for about 15 cars. There is also additional parking just a few hundred metres down the road if this car park is full, next to the public toilets (always a bonus at a remote beach).
If approaching via the A487, Cwmtydu (sometimes spelt Cymtudu) is signposted and you follow a winding single track road for about 4 miles before reaching the car park.
When travelling from nearby New Quay, it is about a 15 minute drive starting on the A486 and turning right at Maen-Y-Groes which is signposted to Llangrannog. Cwmtydu is then signposted to the right on this road.
Arriving By Foot
Cwmtydu Beach can be easily accessed from the Ceredigion Coast Path and is popular with walkers due the beautiful views from the cliff tops. The coastal path leads down to Cwmtydu Beach along the wooded valley and then returns to the coast as it climbs back up towards New Quay.
We discovered this beach while staying at Glan yr Afon a beautiful thatched cottage in the little hamlet of Penbontrhydyfothau. From here, you follow a footpath through the wooded valley until you reach the Ceredigion Coast Path and the pretty cove of Cwmtydu. While in the area, we noticed a lot of holiday accommodation close by in this quiet corner of Ceredigion which would be perfect for future family holidays.
Staying Near Cwmtydu Beach
For Couples – Dolwylan Barn (sleeps 2) click here to view
For Families – Llangrannog click here to view
View of Cwmtydu Beach – Dolwylan Cottage click here to view
At Cwmtydu Beach
Cwmtydu Beach is a secluded cove whose beach is mainly covered in soft pebbles and shingle with a few small patches of sand peeping through in places. Perfect for sandcastle building, but we had not come prepared with buckets and spades, much to the dismay of our daughters. However, once they had kicked off their walking boots and cooled their feet down in the sea, we were forgiven as they tucked into a picnic while listening to the sound of the sea lapping on the shore and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. We were amongst only a few other people enjoying the beach!
After lunch, the kids enjoyed skimming stones while looking out for seals as Cwmtydu is one of their favourite haunts along this stretch of coast. We actually spotted a couple basking on the rocks nearby which made our day!
Cwymtydu is a popular place for fishing, offering a good selection of species such as flounder, plaice, dog fish, bass and gurnard. While we were there, we spotted a couple in a camper van who had caught some fish and were barbecuing it right there on the beach. That has to be the best way to enjoy your catch and we were extremely jealous as the delicious smell wafted our way as we ate our ham sandwiches!
If fishing isn’t your thing, there are lots of rock pools to explore as the tide goes out (one of our girls’ favourite activities whatever the weather) or you can clamber over the rocks and explore the caves. These caves are also a favourite spot for seals and their pups particularly in September and October when mothers may be returning from a fishing trip to feed their pups so be careful not to disturb them.
History
In the past the it was used as a smugglers’ hideout as it is so secluded. The smugglers often hid their booty of French brandy or salt in the caves cut into the cliffs that surround the beach.
On the coastal path close to the car park you will find one of the many lime kilns still in place along the Cardigan Bay coastline. Lime was used to enrich the soil and for building work so lime blocks were brought in by sea and were burnt in kilns like this to transform them into a usable form.
Why We Like Cwmtydu Beach
Above all this beach offers peace and tranquility in contrast with some of the busier beaches such as nearby New Quay Beach. Although it isn’t golden sand, it is a pretty little beach set amongst beautiful scenery surrounded by cliffs, caves, rolling green countryside and woodland.
We always love a beach that we can walk to, so when staying in Penbontrhydyfothau it was easy to get to on foot with two children. The path through the wooded valley was gorgeous with spectacular views as you approach the cove itself. If you haven’t got little ones in tow then there is also the option of extending the walk along the coastal path in either direction to enjoy more stunning views along the cliff top.
Laura loves travelling across the UK and abroad. She has two children and a husband who are often her travel companions. Beach holidays, cosy cottages, treehouse adventures and brunching are just a few of her favourite ways to spend her travel time.