Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd

Summary

This walk uses a splendid stretch of the Welsh Coast Path, taking you round the tip of the Lleyn Peninsula – known as the Land’s End of North Wales – with fine views across to Bardsey and along the coasts.

Difficulty:: Leisurely
Distance:: 11.6 miles (18.6 km)
Walking time:: 06h 00m
Type:: Circular

Start location

Aberdaron Gwynedd, LL53 8BE, SH173263

lat: 52.8047775

lon: -4.7124361

Map

Elevation

Route

Aberdaron-Lleyn peninsula

1 of 0

Getting there

By Bus: The number 17 between Pwllheli and Aberdaron runs roughly every two hours Monday to Saturday. Alight by the post office. See https://bustimes.org/localities/aberdaron

By Car: There is a National Trust car park in the village which is free to members and Pay & Display for non-members.

Waypoints

1

Before beginning it is worth exploring Aberdaron (A). If the tide is high when you are ready to leave, take the road towards Porth Simdde. If the tide is low you can go along the beach towards Porth Simdde instead. From there, follow the coastal path that leads southwards to Porth Meudwy (SH164255), from where the boats go to Bardsey. (A) Aberdaron is a picturesque village, with its whitewashed cottages and wide sandy beach. Of special note is St Hywyn’s church – a 12th century double-naved building, overlooking the beach. The Welsh poet RS Thomas was vicar here from 1967 to 1978 and had a reputation for being outspoken both in and out of the pulpit. The nearby Y Gegin Fawr (The Big Kitchen), where pilgrims were fed before continuing to Bardsey Island, provides a similar function as a café today.

2

Continue along the coast path round the peninsula towards the headland of Braich y Pwll, the ‘Land’s End’ of North Wales, and the prominent hill of Mynydd Mawr (Big Mountain). The path doesn’t stick right to the coast all the time – but runs near enough. The cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, among them razorbills, guillemots and gulls. Look out for the chough – the emblem of the Llyn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – which you can recognize from its harsh call, red legs and beak.

3

It’s a modest climb up to the old coastguard station at the summit of Mynydd Mawr (SH 140259) - a splendid viewpoint which overlooks the whole of the peninsula and Snowdonia’s mountains in the distance. The concrete platform nearby was the site of a wartime installation. Mynydd Anelog to the north is your next target. Though the OS map shows the coastal path heading inland to the road from Mynydd Mawr, you can now follow a path across the heath closer to the coast. There are some splendid views back along this stretch. (B) Mynydd Anelog, at 192m/630ft (SH152272) is another excellent viewpoint.

4

Heading north the path keeps closer to the cliff edge, passing the promontories of Dinas Fawr and Dinas Bâch, to reach Porth Oer (C). (C) Porth Oer is commonly known as Whistling Sands because the sands are supposed to whistle underfoot due to the texture of the grains.

5

From Porth Oer (SH 166298) follow the access lane inland to the road and turn right. At a left hand bend around 300 metres if you have an OS map, you can turn left along the farm lane and follow the inland route marked on the OS map and with waymarks for the North Wales Pilgrims Way which leads back to Aberdaron. Alternatively, for a slightly shorter route back, stay on the road back to Aberdaron keeping to the cycle route.

Notes

Terrain: Coastal cliffs, fields and moorland, following the waymarked Llyn Coastal Path. Many stiles.

Maps: OS Explorer 253; Landranger 123. Map required to walk the full route. Shorter alternative route also available.

Eating & drinking: There are several cafes, bars and restaurants in Aberdaron; there’s a café at Ty-Newydd Farm Caravan & Camping Site, in Uwchmynydd and a Café & Beach Shop is at Porth Oer.

Sleeping: There are plenty of hotels, B&Bs, camping & caravan sites and self-catering accommodation in and around Aberdaron. For details, visit www.aberdaronlink.co.uk.

Visitor Information: Pwllheli Tourist Information Centre (01758 613000. www.aberdaronlink.co.uk).

Problem with this route?

If you encounter a problem on this walk, please let us know by emailing volunteersupport@ramblers.zendesk.com. If the issue is with a public path or access please also contact the local highways authority directly, or find out more about solving problems on public paths on our website.

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knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

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