7 hikes along the Wales Coast Path that lead to secret beaches

Despite being home to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, many of Wales’ sandy stretches remain secret. From rambles around remote coves to hikes towards expansive bays, here’s a selection of hikes along the Wales Coast path that will lead to secret beaches

Best for… spooky shaped beaches

Discover the Witch’s Cauldron from Ceibwr to Pwll y Wrach, Pembrokeshire

This short walk from Ceibwr Bay to Pwll Y Wrach is perfect for those wanting to maximise their time at the beach. Head from the stunning bay of Ceibwr, a tiny inlet of rocks and sand to to Pwll Y Wrach, or ‘Witch’s Cauldron’. The wild and remote Ceibwr may not be good for swimmers but it’s ideal for porpoise spotting, while seals can often be seen lazing about on the rocks. The striking structure of Pwll Y Wrach – just like a witch’s cauldron – is a must-see along the coast path.
Beach to Discover: Pwll Y Wrach (The Witch’s Cauldron)
Distance: 0.7 miles / 1.2 km
Level: Moderate with some steep gradients

Best for… hungry foodies

Dine at a Good Food Guide restaurant from Oxwich to Pennard Cliffs, Gower
This relatively easy walk provides open stretches of sandy beaches and stunning views of the beautiful Three Cliffs Bay (header image). For a fine dining experience overlooking the sand, be sure to stop by at The Beach House in Oxwich, which recently made its name into the prestigious Good Food Guide. Take your lunch on the terrace and look out across the breathtaking Oxwich Bay.
Beach to discover: Tor Bay
Distance: 5.25 miles / 8.25 km
Level: Moderate

Best for… historic castles

Take the stepping stones, Porthcawl to Ogmore castle, South Wales

Walk along the Glamorgan heritage coast to discover some of Wales’ many ancient castle ruins. Take the stepping stones leading up to Ogmore Castle before taking a peek inside. Or marvel at Coity Castle, the enchanting ruin built by one of the legendary twelve knights of Glamorgan.
Distance: 6 miles/ 10km
Level: Moderate-Difficult

Best for… squeaky sands

Porth Colmon to Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula
Known for its whistling sands that squeak while you walk, Porthor beach in Aberdaron is the perfect spot to finish this coastal walk from Porth Colman. Put your feet up at the cafe and take in the tranquil atmosphere of this National Trust Beach.
Beach to Discover: Porthor Beach
Distance: 3.3 miles
Level: Moderate

Best for… a speedy walk (or drive!) along the sands

Stop off at the Museum of Speed from Amroth to Pendine, Carmarthen
This little-known gem of the Carmarthenshire coast is brimming with spectacular cliffs and beaches reminiscent of neighbouring Pembrokeshire. Walk the path from Amroth to the breathtaking expanse of Pendine, the 8-mile stretch of sand that cars are still allowed to drive across. Visit the Museum of Speed nearby to learn of the various records set in the sand.
Beach to Discover: Pendine
Distance: 5.5 miles / 9 km
Level: Moderate

Best for… forgotten history

Unearth a submerged forest from Clarach to Borth, Ceredigion
This challenging route will take you from the wide open expanse of Clarach Bay to the quaint little village of Borth, with plenty of big climbs along the way. At Borth, the remains of ancient underground forest, thought to date back to 1500 BC, is visible at low tide. Before you get there, make time to stop at Wallog beach, a remote and quiet little beach in Cardigan Bay. You can access Wallog via the coast path from Clarach Bay.
Beach to Discover: Wallog Beach
Distance: 5.1km (3.2 miles)
Level: Difficult

Best for… discovering North Wales

Explore the shipwrecks of North Wales from Moelfre to Dulas (Pilot Boat)

This walk, with fantastic coastal views throughout, runs from the picture-postcard village of Moelfre to the popular beach of Traeth Lligwy and little-visited beach of Traeth yr Ora, before heading inland along the Dulas estuary to the Pilot Boat pub. The path passes by the memorial to those lost in the 1859 Royal Charter and 1959 Hindlea shipwreck disasters. (Bus)
Beach to Discover: Traeth yr Ora
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.25 km
Level: Moderate
Photo Credits: © Crown copyright 2018 (Visit Wales)
Header image: Aerial view of Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula