Details
Cwmtydu is a small cove that was once a harbour used as a traditional smugglers’ hideaway. Surrounded by cliffs and caves that were once used to hide French brandy and precious salt until they could safely be taken inland on horseback.
The caves and rocks are known locally for being a favourite haunt of seals. There are an estimated 5000 grey seals in west Wales. Seals spend 80% of their time submerged but can often be seen on the rocks at Seals Bay resting between their feeding excursions.During the breeding season (August to December) you may come across white fluffy seal pups on beaches or rocky outcrops along the Welsh coast - often on their own. The mother however will probably be close by, so it is vital to keep your distance so she can return to her pup to feed it.
Cwmtydu’s pebble beach has rock pools and is excellent fishing for huss, dogfish, bass, dabs, codling, flounder, plaice, wrasse, gurnards and the occasional tope.
Cliff walks make Cwmtydu popular with walkers, and the beach is easy to access for launching kayaks.
Cwmtydu’s recently restored old lime kiln was originally used to burn limestone brought by boat from Pembrokeshire and Cornwall for use by farmers as fertiliser for the land. North of Cwmtydu also lies Castell Bach with the remains of a 3rd century BC iron age fort.
Car parking, toilets, dogs welcome.
Address
New Quay,
Ceredigion,
SA44 6LQ
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SN 356569 Lat: 52.18615 Long: -4.40606
Turn off the A487 Aberystwyth to Cardigan road for the A486 New Quay road. At Maenyroes, left where signed to Llangrannog, go through Nanternis and right where signed for Cwmtudu. Continue on this lane (narrow and with some steep hair-pin bends) to the beach
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 28 miles from Aberystwyth station