Black Rock Sands Beach — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Black Rock Sands Beach — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog, Gwynedd, Wales

Black Rock Sands Beach

Beach

Place photograph

6.5

Wildland

1–2 hours, Half day

Time

Paid

Cost

Big-sky

Feel

CoastalDunesFamiliesWalkersPhotographersWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.5

A broad sweep of fine sand beneath a rocky headland, with low-tide caves and rock pools at its western end. The name refers to the headland, not the colour of the beach.

Black Rock Sands combines an unusually expansive sandy shore with a rocky, marine-life-rich headland and dune habitat designated as an SSSI. Its scale invites a proper beach walk, while the caves and pools reward a slower look at the foreshore.

Big-sky · Dramatic

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Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog, Gwynedd, Wales

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The experience

A wide sandy beach for a shoreline walk, picnic or sandcastle-building, with rock pools and low-tide caves by the western headland. This is a changing coastal environment: check local safety notices and tide conditions.

Things to do

Walk the open sands

Take a shoreline walk across the wide, fine-sand beach; choose your distance to suit the conditions and tide.

1–2 hours

Explore the rocky headland pools

The western headland has rock pools rich in marine life. Visit at a suitable tide and heed local warnings about caves, currents and changing water.

Walk the Portmeirion–Black Rock Sands coast route

The Wales Coast Path itinerary links Min y Don and Black Rock Sands over 7 miles (11 km), passing Porthmadog, Borth y Gest and a series of sandy coves.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

A shoreline and headland wander

01
Walk a section of the broad sandy beach.
02
At a suitable tide, explore the rocky western headland and its rock pools from a safe distance.
03
Check tide and safety notices before approaching caves or the water.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of the beach

01
Allow time for a longer walk across the open sands.
02
Pause for a picnic or sandcastle-building.
03
Explore the headland pools and low-tide caves only if tide and conditions are suitable.

Full Wildland day · Full day

Coast-path day to Black Rock Sands

01
Follow the Wales Coast Path itinerary from Min y Don to Black Rock Sands; the published route is 7 miles (11 km).
02
Explore Portmeirion as a worthwhile detour near the start, with its colourful buildings and woodland walks.
03
Continue through Porthmadog and Borth y Gest, taking in the harbour, coves and estuary views.
04
Finish at Black Rock Sands and allow time for the beach and headland.

Hidden details

The headland behind the name — Despite the name, the beach is described as fine and open rather than black. The name refers to the large, multi-coloured rock headland to the west.

Dunes with protected natural-history interest — The local sand dunes are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Stay off vulnerable dune areas and do not dig or burrow in them.

When to go

April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a calm, clear period and plan headland exploration around a suitable low tide.

Longer daylight and generally milder conditions suit beach walks and picnics. Headland exploration depends on tide and conditions rather than season alone.

Coastal weather and wind can change quickly. Check the forecast, tide times and beach safety notices. Strong currents, powered craft, incoming tides and tidal entrapment in caves or by sandbanks are identified hazards.

The route

distance: 7 miles (11 km)
route shape: Start and finish listed as Min y Don to Black Rock Sands
start point: Min y Don
parking start: The source says there is parking at both ends; check current arrangements before setting out.

Panoramic views of the Dwyryd Estuary
Porthmadog Cob and the salt marsh
Porthmadog harbour
Borth y Gest and its harbour
Quiet sandy coves
Black Rock Sands, rock pools and caves

Worth pairing with

Portmeirion

The Wales Coast Path itinerary recommends a detour to explore the Italianate village’s colourful buildings and woodland walks.

Borth y Gest

A fishing village with a small harbour and views over the estuary, included on the Wales Coast Path itinerary towards Black Rock Sands.

Porthmadog

The coastal itinerary passes through this historic slate-exporting town and harbour.

What to look for

01
Look west for the large, multi-coloured headland rock, then explore the rock pools and low-tide caves only when conditions and tide allow. The dunes behind the beach are designated an SSSI
02
do not dig or burrow in them.

Best time to go

Spring to early autumn for longer beach days; check local notices and conditions before setting out.

Choose a clear, calm day for the broad views and a suitable low tide if you want to explore the headland pools and caves. Check tide times and local safety signs before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours, Half day

Perfect for

Families · Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog LL49 9YB

Google rating

4.6 · 180 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A public beach. Seasonal vehicle access and parking may be chargeable; check current arrangements before travelling. Take care around tides, strong currents, powered craft and caves. Do not swim in the launching area, and do not dig or burrow in the dunes.

Check before visiting

Parking

Vehicles can drive onto the beach when seasonal access is operating; parking is paid according to the supplied tourism source. Check current arrangements, tide conditions and signs before arrival.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Accessible toilets are recorded in the source-row accessibility information; check availability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dog restrictions apply in designated areas. Follow the local signs and check current restrictions before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. Beach sand can be difficult to traverse; check locally for current access arrangements and suitable routes.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid

Water

Sea