Swim Spots and Beaches

Llynnau Mymbyr, Snowdonia

1.5 hours / 57 miles / free roadside parking

Amazing duo of lakes directly beneath Snowdonia summit. Allowed to swim and paddle board here. At the top of the lakes, you’ll pass the Plas y Brenin national outdoor centre that also has a bar area with an amazing view across the lakes. Keep following the A4086 road to come to the historic Pen Y Gwryd hotel where Edmund Hillary & Sherpa Tenzing (first men to summit Everest) stayed while training for Everest. Continue down the Pen Y Pass towards Beddgelert for other swim spots in Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas. Proper Snowdonia experience.

Newborough Beach, Anglesey

1.5 hours / 67 miles / lots of paid parking

Beautiful pine forest and beach with amazing views and history. Leads onto the tidal Ynys Llanddwyn where the Welsh Patron Saint of Love, Santes Dwynwen is said to be buried. West facing such incredible sunsets.

Trefor Sea Stacks, Llyn Peninsula

1.5 hours / 75 miles / beachfront parking

Short 2km walk along the Wales Coast Path to Trefor Sea Stacks (google the view – it’s beautiful!) Park in the carpark on Beach Road. Again west facing for beautiful sunsets.

Ty Coch Beach, Porthdinllaen, Llyn Peninsula

1 hour 45 / 85 miles / National Trust Porthdinllaen carpark

Further to go but worth it! A circular walk along the beaches and back along a links golf course. Breathtaking scenery – one of my favourite places on the planet – Ty Coch pub right on the sand that serves food and drink and has a distinctive old maritime interior.

West Kirby / Hilbre Island

40 mins / 20 miles

The islands are an archipelago, and classed as one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland. Exploring the area is a great walk, but can only be done at low tide.