Uwchmynydd, near Aberdaron, Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, Wales
Porth Meudwy
Beach
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3A small, sheltered fishing cove on the Llŷn Peninsula, Porth Meudwy was once a departure point for pilgrims bound for Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). Today it sits on a striking stretch of the Wales Coast Path, with boats travelling to the island from here in summer.
Porth Meudwy combines a quiet coastal inlet, open sea views and a distinctive pilgrimage and maritime story. It is more than a quick photo stop: the cove is the destination of a rewarding coastal walk from Aberdaron.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapUwchmynydd, near Aberdaron, Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, Wales
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Come for the coastal walk and the cove’s sheltered setting; look across the water towards Ynys Enlli and consider the journeys that began here. Boat departures to the island are described as a summer activity, but check current services and arrangements.
Things to do
Walk from Aberdaron to Porth Meudwy
Follow the coastal route from Aberdaron to the small fishing inlet. Visit Snowdonia lists a 4.8 km walk taking about two hours; the National Trust also describes a 4.8 km circular walk.
About 2 hours
Look across to Ynys Enlli
From the cove, look out towards Bardsey Island, the destination of pilgrims who historically embarked from this inlet.
Check for summer boat departures
Visit Snowdonia says boats carry passengers from Porth Meudwy to Ynys Enlli during summer months. Check current services and arrangements before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: walk to the cove
- 01
Start from Porth y Swnt car park in Aberdaron.
- 02
Follow the coastal path to Porth Meudwy.
- 03
Pause at the cove and look across towards Ynys Enlli.
- 04
Return by the same route; check local route information before setting out.
Half day · About 2 hours for the walk; allow extra time for stops
Make a half day of it: take the circular coastal walk
- 01
Begin at Porth y Swnt car park in Aberdaron.
- 02
Walk the National Trust circular route to Porth Meudwy and back.
- 03
Take time at the cove to enjoy the sheltered inlet and views towards Ynys Enlli.
- 04
Check current boat services if you are considering a summer trip to the island.
Verified history
Porth Meudwy was an embarkation point for pilgrims travelling to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island). The National Trust identifies the cove as a small fishing cove and notes its role in the island pilgrimage journey. Visit Snowdonia reports that boats still take passengers from the inlet to the island during summer months.
Hidden details
A departure point for Bardsey pilgrims — The cove’s quiet appearance belies its role as a historic embarkation point for pilgrims crossing to Ynys Enlli.
When to go
June · July · August · Choose a clear, calm period for coastal views; check the forecast before setting out.
Visit Snowdonia identifies summer as the season for boat journeys from Porth Meudwy to Ynys Enlli. The coastal walk can be exposed to weather, so conditions matter in every season.
The coastal paths offer little protection from the elements. AllTrails advises warm, waterproof layers and good outdoor footwear; it also notes exposed and potentially muddy sections.
The route
- surface
- Coastal path; Visit Snowdonia notes a section along a quiet country lane. Check current conditions.
- distance
- 4.8 km / 3 miles for the National Trust circular walk; Visit Snowdonia describes a 4.8 km walk from Aberdaron to Porth Meudwy.
- duration
- 1–2 hours according to the National Trust; Visit Snowdonia estimates about 2 hours.
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Circular route described by the National Trust; a walk from Aberdaron to the cove is also described by Visit Snowdonia.
- start point
- Porth y Swnt car park, Aberdaron; National Trust grid reference SH172264.
- parking start
- National Trust car park at Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron. Check current parking arrangements.
- Porth Meudwy fishing cove
- Views towards Ynys Enlli and Ynysoedd Gwylan
- Coastal path and two sheltered wooded valleys on the Visit Snowdonia route
Worth pairing with
Aberdaron
Use the village as the start point for the coastal walk. The National Trust gives Porth y Swnt car park in Aberdaron as the route start.
Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island)
A summer boat journey from Porth Meudwy to the island is described by Visit Snowdonia; confirm current services before planning around it.
What to look for
Notice the contrast between the sheltered inlet and the exposed coast around it. Look out across the water towards Ynys Enlli, and imagine the pilgrimage route that began from this small port.
The story
Saints & pilgrimage, Maritime
Best time to go
Spring to early autumn for longer daylight and, according to Visit Snowdonia, summer boat departures to Ynys Enlli. Coastal weather can be exposed in any season.
Choose a clear, relatively calm day for the coastal views. Summer is the season identified for boat passengers travelling from the cove to Ynys Enlli; confirm availability before making plans.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Reached by coastal paths from Aberdaron. The National Trust describes a circular walk from Porth y Swnt car park; the route includes steep steps. Check current access and boat arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car park at Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron, is the stated start for the National Trust circular walk. Check parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
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Check before visiting
Dogs
The National Trust describes the walk as dog-friendly, with seasonal restrictions on the eastern end of the beach from 1 April to 30 September. Check current local rules.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row says the listed location has no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The National Trust walk includes some steep steps; check route suitability before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Porth Meudwy
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
