For a change of scene drive north towards New Quay and visit some of the smaller beaches on the Cardigan coast. These include:
Owned by the National Trust the headland of Mwnt overlooks a small and secluded sandy beach. Because of the nature of the terrain Mwnt is not easy to access. There is no avoiding a long steep slope to the beach including steps. Apart from the delights of the beach there are short cliff top walks. A wealth of history including a fifteenth century church makes Mwnt a very special place indeed. This is reflected in it having Green Coast status.
Tre-saith is named after the River Saith which cascades over the cliffs to Tresaith beach. The waterfall is an unusual coastal feature and that alone makes Tresaith a ‘must go’ place but there is much more to this small sheltered sandy bay. Popular with families for its clean golden sands and relatively safe bathing, water lovers can enjoy the sea safe in the knowledge that there is a Life Guard on duty. After a long lazy day on the beach ‘The Ship’ will serve you a glass of something cool while you watch the sun set spectacularly over Cardigan Bay.
A day out at Penbryn needs to be planned but is well worth the extra effort involved. The car park and facilities are some 400 metres from the beach! But there is a turning circle and dropping off point at the beach edge. Penbryn is owned by the National Trust The beach, almost a mile in length, is unspoilt and the fine golden sand and shallow waters make it perfect for children Discover the delights of the rock pools or there is fine walking to be had; there is a woodland walk from the car park to the beach or at low tide Tresaith can be reached.
Once a smugglers cove Cwmtydu lies to the south west of New Quay. The Beach is predominantly shingle with an area of sand exposed at low tides. The cove is relatively safe, with due care and respect, for various water sports including windsurfing, surfing, canoeing, and sailing. The beach is dog friendly all year round The area is well known locally for being a good place to spot dolphins and seals: but if they don’t make an appearance the setting sun will not disappoint you.
New Quay was once a thriving port, shipbuilding and fishing centre. Today it is a popular seaside holiday destination well known for dolphin spotting boat trips, as well as its Blue Flag and Seaside Award winning beaches and watersports. New Quay has a heritage centre and marine wildlife centre, as well as shops and restaurants.
New Quay’s harbour is a sheltered, safe haven for pleasure craft and fishing boats. The annual Cardigan Bay Regatta takes place usually in August, and dates back to the 1870s with sailing and dinghy competitions as well as inshore swimming and rowing events. The area is also renowned for frequent sightings of bottlenose dolphins and boat trips sail from the little harbour to explore the Ceredigion Marine Heritage Coast.
New Quay has a strong link with writer Dylan Thomas, who wintered in the area in 1944-5 when he composed ‘Quite Early One Morning’. Thomas had several relatives living in the area and New Quay is often cited as inspiration for the fictitious village of Llareggub (try reading it backwards!), the fictional small Welsh fishing village setting in his most famous work Under Milk Wood.
Nearby New Quay Honey Farm is the largest bee farm in Wales with a live bee exhibition and shop for honey and mead.
Distance from Manor Bedw:
Mwnt – 20 miles
New Quay – 35 miles