Mwnt Beach

About

Wales Coast Awards - Green Coast Award 2024

Mwnt is a haven for wildlife, one of the best places in Ceredigion to spot dolphins and always popular for days out on the beach. On beautiful sunny days families flock to Mwnt to enjoy this hidden cove’s golden sand and rolling waves. Located about 4.5 miles north of Cardigan town centre on the Mid Wales coast, you’ll drive down country lines to be presented with dramatic views over Cardigan Bay upon arrival. To reach the beach there is a series of steps leading down to the sheltered sandy bay. You can also reach the beach by walking the local stretches of Wales’ Coastal Path. 

Mwnt is named after the conical hill (Foel y Mwnt) that rises above this popular beach and when visiting, a walk to the top of Foel y Mwnt is a must, take in the panoramic views over Cardigan Bay. If you’re lucky you will catch a glimpse of the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance and dolphins can often be seen playing in the bay, with Mwnt locally recognised as one of the best places to regularly spot them.

During the seal 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.

Mwnt is an ancient holy site and it's picturesque and startlingly simple Church of the Holy Cross (Eglwys y Grog) dates from the 14th century when it served as a sailors' chapel of ease. It features a 12th or 13th century font made of Preseli stone when the church was a welcome refuge for medieval pilgrims enroute to St David's, Strata Florida or Bardsey in North Wales. In 1155 invaders from Flanders unsuccessfully made a raid on Mwnt in a bloody event commemorated today as Mwnt Red Sunday (Sul y Coch y Mwnt).

On site facilities include the National Trust car park, toilets and a kiosk selling ice creams. Dogs not allowed May to end September.

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.