Mwnt is a hidden cove of golden sand located only 4.5 miles north of Cardigan town centre. This picturesque beach is sheltered by rocks and cliffs and over looked by the the conical hill (Foel y Mwnt) which it is named after. This beach is well known locally as one of the best places to see some of the Cardigan Bay dolphin pods and the views as you arrive are simply stunning.
How To Get To Mwnt Beach
Arriving By Car
From Cardigan, Mwnt Beach is an easy 15 minute drive starting on the A487 north and then following a series of pretty country lanes.
From New Quay, it takes about 40 minutes by car (but well worth the drive) heading south on the A487 before turning off onto country lanes for the remainder of the journey.
The car park is owned by the National Trust, so if you are a member parking is free. If not, it only costs £5 for the whole day.
Arriving By Foot
The Ceredigion Coastal path makes this beach easily accessible by foot and it is the perfect place to take a pit stop on longer walks, as it is well equipped with toilets and a cafe (outdoor seating only but amazing views!).
Staying Near Mwnt Beach
Great Location – Beudy (sleeps 4) click here to view
Best For Groups – Cardigan Coastal Cottages (sleeps 11 – 15) click here to view
Perfect For Families – Hafan Gwyn (sleeps 6) click here to view
Mwnt Beach
Mwnt Beach is accessed by a series of steps down to the golden sandy cove which is sheltered amongst steep cliffs. The calm waters and the large expanse of soft sand make it perfect for a family day out. A small stream runs to one side of the beach offering our youngest daughter hours of fun paddling, exploring and making dams with new found friends.
One of its main attractions is the possibility of seeing the native dolphins that live in Cardigan Bay. On our very first visit, only about an hour after arriving, we spotted a group of 3 dolphins playing in the in the calm waters of the cove. To our delight, they put on a bit of a show leaping in and out of the water entertaining everyone on the beach. You could hear a ripple of excited ‘ooos’ and ‘ahhhhs’ from their audience.
As we arrived by car we were prepared to make this a full beach day. The girls had plenty of space to build sandcastles, play bat and ball and enjoyed paddling in the gently lapping waters. Even though this beach is a really popular destination for families, it didn’t seem over crowded and we spent nearly an entire day here making a few trips back up the stairs to buy refreshments.
Facilities
As this is owned by the National Trust we found it had great facilities. There were toilets, a good sized car park and, the highlight for me, a kiosk that not only served ice creams but good quality coffee and a range of tasty snacks. There were also a few picnic benches nearby which had spectacular views over the cove. You could sit here and enjoy whatever you had purchased in comfort without getting it sandy.
History
Mwnt is an ancient holy site and has a 14th century chapel which served as a sailors’ chapel of ease. The Church of the Holy Cross (Eglwys y Grog) is simple yet beautiful and is definitely worth a visit while you are here. It also has a font which dates back to the 12th or 13th century when it was a refuge for pilgrims on their journey to St David’s.
Mwnt in Welsh means mound and the mound of earth, which forms the hill that over looks the sandy cove, is called Foel y Mwnt. Climbing to the top of the hill is a must, to enjoy the stunning panoramic views you get from the peak. As well as beautiful views of Cardigan Bay on a clear day you might get a glimpse of the Snowdonian mountains in the distance.
Wildlife
Mwnt is renowned as a great place to see bottle nosed dolphins but there is a lot more on offer for nature lovers. Basking sharks and porpoises have even been spotted here on occasion although, not as often as the dolphins and seals who are regular visitors to this gorgeous bay. In fact, during breeding season (August to December) mother seals and their pups can be seen on the rocks nearby and at times the National Trust closes the beach to the public to protect a mother and her pup from being disturbed – make sure you check the National Trust website before visiting!
The unique geology of the area, means that Foel y Mwnt is a perfect habitat for unusual plants and lichen. Also rare arable plants can be found in the surrounding fields.
Staying Near Mwnt Beach
Great Location – Beudy (sleeps 4) click here to view
Best For Groups – Cardigan Coastal Cottages (sleeps 11 – 15) click here to view
Perfect For Families – Hafan Gwyn (sleeps 6) click here to view
Dogs
Unfortunately, between 1st May and 30th September dogs are not permitted on any area of the beach. Also please be cautious when visiting with dogs during the seal breeding season so they do not disturb or upset mothers and their pups.
Why We Love Mwnt Beach
It’s not just our opinion that Mwnt is a spectacular beach in Cardigan Bay, it has been voted a top beach on countless occasions. The Daily Mail awarded it the title of one of “Europe’s top ten loveliest, hidden beaches” and I have to agree. It feels remote and peaceful set amongst beautiful scenery and has breathtaking views from every angle. However, it has great facilities, making it the perfect place for a family day out.
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.