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The Llyn Coast

The Llyn Peninsula has nearly 70 miles of coastline, all of which is interesting and unique. To the south, there are miles of sandy beaches and internationally recognised sailing waters, ideal for bathers and water sport enthusiasts. To the west are more exposed beaches, popular with surfers. On the north coast there are many small, sandy coves, ideal for a quiet day at the seaside. There are however, still some good sweeps of sand along the north coast, like at Porth Dinllaen and Nefyn. Dinas Dinlle, on the northern border of Llyn has masses of sand that is exposed at low tide.

St. Tudwal's Road

Easily accessible for those stationed at Pwllheli for a day out, whether you are on a powerboat or yacht. The sandy beaches are excellent for swimming, snorkelling and water sports. St Tudwal's Islands are both within a mile or so of the mainland and can provide shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds. The harbour at Abersoch is picturesque, but only accessible at high tide. Many boats are moored out in the bay during the summer months.

Aberdaron and Ynys Enlli/Bardsey Island

Aberdaron is the most westerly village on the peninsula (there are hamlets further towards the end) and has a good beach which can often be popular with surfers, but also sometimes with powerboats when it is calm. The bay at Aberdaron had rocks on it at low tide and there are some in the waters just below the low tide mark. This is something to consider when mooring there. Sometimes small tidal streams can run between the mainland and Ynys Gwylan Fawr (the bigger of the two islands out in Aberdaron Bay.

Much larger tidal streams are found through the Bardsey Sound and here the water can run at up to 9 knots. There are also rocks and whirlpools to be careful of. It is best to go through the sound at slack water (2hrs after high water at Pwllheli). Bardsey Bay is the only place where you can moor up relatively safely around Bardsey - though even here, care should be taken to miss any rocks. The island is owned by the Bardsey Trust and trips run most days during the summer which allow you to get onto the island.

Porth Dinllaen

Porth Dinllaen is probably the most picturesque hamlet on Llyn, set right on the top of the beach with its pub, the Ty Coch (appropriately named "the red house" - though few people use the English translation). There are moorings in the bay at Porth Dinllaen and a lifeboat is stationed on the end of the headland. Around the north-western side of the headland are many rocks that you need to steer clear of.

Porthmadog

Porthmadog is situated on the banks of the Afon Glaslyn's estuary and is on the south-eastern limit of Llyn. The river channel up to Porthmadog is constantly shifting, and the buoys that mark the channel are moved periodically. There are a couple of visitor moorings in the harbour. From here, the high street and the rest of the town is easily accessible. For more information you should contact the Porthmadog Harbour Master before you set out.