Mwnt Beach & Foel y Mwnt, West Wales
Mwnt Beach in West Wales is a gorgeous sandy beach set in a beautiful sheltered and secluded bay. In 2011, the Daily Mail placed Mwnt Beach at the top of its list of “Europe’s top ten loveliest hidden beaches.” I agree with the first part – it is a gorgeous sandy beach with no debris or litter in site. How hidden it is though with the number of people who visit it these days, I don’t know!
Where is Mwnt Beach?
Mwnt is a small community and ancient parish in south Ceredigion. It is situated on the Ceredigion coastal path, 4.5 miles north of Cardigan. This is one of the most varied stretches of the Wales Coastal Path and Mwnt Beach is one of it’s best highlights.
It might be off the beaten track but Mwnt Beach gets very busy in the height of summer. Go out of season like me though and you’re likely to have the place to yourself! This makes Mwnt all the more magical and makes you feel as if you’re the only person in the World that knows about the place! I’ve been to Mwnt four times now and each time I’ve felt the same way.
The approach to Mwnt Beach is down tiny back roads and the landscape you pass is beautiful. Parking is situated in a field above the beach and there are many steep steps leading down to the beach which unfortunately means it’s inaccessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Mwnt Church
Before heading down to Mwnt Beach, make sure you go and visit Mwnt Church. You can’t miss the picturesque brilliant white church building from the car park. Dating from the 14th century, Mwnt Church of the Holy Cross is the oldest church in Ceredigion. It is tiny but startling in its simplicity. Mwnt Church was considered a pilgrimage church rather than a parish one, as it was situated on one of the main routes to St David’s where there is a cathedral. It should be open daily for visitors to pop in but services are only held in the summer and at main festival times like Easter and Christmas.
Foel y Mwnt
From the church, you should spot the obvious path that leads away from the beach and towards the conical hill of Foel y Mwnt. The path heads off to the right to circumnavigate the hill.
From this path you’ll get fabulous views to the north east and out to sea. As you continue to circle around the hill, Mwnt Beach comes into view from a completely different perspective to that seen on exiting the car park. As you get back to where you started, turn left up the well worn path that leads directly to the summit of Foel y Mwnt. Here you’ll be greeted by a sweeping 360° panoramic view across Cardigan Bay and the coastline. Keep an eye out for unusual plants and lichens on your walk.
As Mwnt is on the Wales coast path, you can set off in either direction for a fabulous walk. If you choose west, you’ll get fabulous views looking back on Mwnt beach and Foel y Mwnt, one of the most stunning views in the area. Get hold of OS map 198 which covers the area and see what you fancy.
Mwnt Beach
Managed by the National Trust, Mwnt is a Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, protected for the diversity of its wildlife. Apparently it’s great for spotting Bottle-nose dolphins, seals and basking sharks; though I confess I haven’t seen any before. On the trip photographed below – I think I was too engrossed in writing in the sand!
We wrote big enough that you could see it clearly from the top and it was ace that the beach was otherwise deserted for the snap below.
The sand on Mwnt Beach is gorgeous and a really nice feel on the feet. It’s a great place to go for a paddle (if you’re brave enough to tackle the cold).
Note: Mwnt Beach is only dog-friendly out of season.
You may like to check out this super dog friendly beach at Crosby in Merseyside
Get in Touch…
Have you discovered Mwnt yet? Do you agree with the Daily Mail – would you place Mwnt in the ‘top ten loveliest hidden beaches’ in Europe? Please drop me a line in the comments box below. I’d love to hear from you!
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Further Reading on Wales…
Check out my top 10 things to see and do in Cardiff
See when everyone went mad for Snoopy sculptures around Cardiff, Caerphilly and Porthcawl
Go underground at Dolaucothi Gold Mine in Carmarthenshire, also a National Trust property.
Discover Craig-y-nos Country Park in the Brecon Beacons National Park
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Helen | 7th Jul 21
I grew up around here and Mwnt was our ‘barbecue beach’ out of season. We literally used to have the whole beach to ourselves, although there used to be around 30 of us descending down the steps in the daylight and use our torches to get back up late into the evening! This was about 33 years ago, but such happy memories!
Tilly Jaye Horseman | 7th Jul 21
Ahhh fantastic! I would love to live so much closer to a beach than I do. I’ve never been to Mwnt in the summer or school hols as my family who live down there say its murder! and why would we hey when you can have it to yourself at other times of year…save it till then hey!! I have fab memories of Ceredigion in general and still visit regularly! Thanks for getting in touch and telling me your story. Lovely to hear! 🙂
Dawn Williams | 13th Jun 21
I first visited The Mwnt when I was a young child. I’ve revisited a few times since. It’s still a very beautiful place. My favourite beach.
Tilly Jaye Horseman | 15th Jun 21
Thanks for taking the time to comment Dawn. It’s easily one of my favourite beaches in Wales too! It’s been a while since I last visited though. May have to rectify that soon. 🙂
Katie | 26th Jul 16
Just how I remember it!. It’s so quiet and a great place to escape to!!!!
Maura | 13th Jul 16
What a gorgeous looking place!