Pwllgwaelod

With an old fisherman’s pub virtually on the beach, Pwllgwaelod’s pretty little cove was frequently used by smugglers . Pwllgwaelod is now a very popular beach, both for visitors’ and locals alike.

There are still a few small fishing boats kept at the beach and if you’re lucky, you may be able to buy your supper from one of the local fishermen, when they return with their catch.

Pwllgwaelod has also become a favourite place for artists to come and draw and is also popular with photographers - especially during the summer evenings, when there are often superb sunsets.

This horse shoe shaped silver sand beach, is ideal for families, as it is not too big, making it relatively easy to keep an eye on your children at all times. There are also plenty of rock pools for young fishing enthusiasts to explore!

Pwllgwaelod gives easy access to Pembrokeshire's coastal path. For the keen walker, the path that leads around Dinas Island to Cwm yr Eglwys is a "must" - just over 3 miles.

Alternatively, there is well maintained level footpath which cuts back through the valley, a distance of 1.4 miles.

Dinas Island headland is situated on a working farm of around 200 aces - mostly with sheep and cattle. Please take care to keep dogs on leads.

Look out for seals in the coves around Dinas Island, for they are frequently sighted during the course of the year.

September is particularly popular when they find sheltered coves and beaches to have their young seal pups on. Newport bay is several miles across - from Dinas Island headland to Morfa headland in the north.

It is a playground for dolphins and porpoise, frequently spotted on warm summer evenings when they play in Newport bay. At Pwllgwaelod, there is free car park, with disabled parking, a boat park and slipway.

Pwllgwalods old smugglers pub on the beach has also become a restaurant and bar, called the Old Sailors, which is widely recognised as one of the most romantic venues in north Pembrokeshire (It is closed every Monday, all year round). Locally caught fish are a speciality of the restaurant.

If you are walking the coastal path North to Newport, or perhaps South to Fishguard, Pwllgwaelod is a good place to leave your car as you can return on the “Poppit” Rocket coastal bus service. It ravels along the coast road all year round between Cardigan and Fishguard (Operating a limited service in the winter months).

David Evans is walking the Coastal Path and taking marvellous photographs as he does so. This is the 5 miles between Dinas Head to Newport.