Pwllgwaelod

One of 2 smaller beaches either side of Dinas Head, Pwllgwaelod is something of a hidden gem.

Another of the beaches in Newport this is not the biggest, or prettiest of beaches in Pembrokeshire.

It’s small, with anything but golden sand, but it’s an interesting little place, where you can watch boats coming in and out, and also the Ferry to Ireland making it’s way to or from Fishguard.

It may just be that because it’s small with plenty of rocks to clamber and rock pools to explore, that Pwllgwaelod is good for young families. We certainly enjoyed this place for many years and it holds such fond memories for us.

And because this is also a really good place for a sunset, we’re still making them!

Pwllgwaelod is also a great place to start the Dinas Head walk or just walk to Cwm Yr Eglwys and back.

How to get to Pwllgwaelod

Pwllgwaelod is near the the town of Newport in Pembrokeshire, which is about as far west as you can go in Wales. It’s way beyond the Western end of the M4 but it’s very well signposted as you get closer.

From the East – Cardiff/Swansea

Take the M4 West to it’s end at Pont Abraham services and then the A48 to Carmarthen
At Carmarthen take the A40 for St. Clears.
At the St. Clears roundabout take the second exit and stay on the A40 to Haverfordwest.
Follow the signs from here towards Fishguard on the A40
From Fishguard follow signs for Newport
When you reach Dinas, pass Dinas Cross Service Station on your right and you will see a Pwllgwaelod signposted on your left.
This is a particularly narrow road with passing places. Be sure to take note of them as you may need to reverse if another vehicle approaches.
When you reach Pwllgwaelod you will see The Old Sailors ahead and the car park is to the right.
Pwllgwaelod is approximately 21 miles from Haverfordwest (a drive of just under 40 minutes).

From the North – Aberystwyth

Take the A487 to Cardigan and stay on the A478 to Fishguard.
Pass through Newport and head to Dinas.
At the Ship Aground pub take a right turn signposted Pwllgwaelod.
This is a particularly narrow road with passing places. Be sure to take note of them as you may need to reverse if another vehicle approaches.
When you reach Pwllgwaelod you will see The Old Sailors ahead and the car park is to the right.
Pwllgwaelod is approximately 16 miles from Cardigan (a drive of approximately 28 minutes).

Parking

There is a very small car park at Pwllgwaelod which actually overlooks the beach and is designated boat park and disabled parking only.

Fortunately there’s a slightly bigger car park here as well but getting here early (or late) is definitely advisable if you’re visiting at peak times. We prefer Pwllgwaelod from September to March now.

Parking is free.

Where to stay near Pwllgwaelod

There are campsites and a few self catering options near Pwllgwaelod as well as hotels, and a Youth Hostel in nearby Newport which is just a couple of miles away.

More information about Pwllgwaelod

Facilities here are good with public conveniences and a pub which overlooks the beach.

Apparently Dylan Thomas once travelled from Laugharne to eat at Sailors Safety which is now called the Old Sailors. There are plenty more options for eating and drinking just a couple of miles away in Newport.

There are numerous stories that suggest Pwllgwaelod was once frequented by smugglers and that ships on their way into or out of Fishguard often used the shelter of the bay during storms.

Pwllgwaelod tends to be less busy than Newport beach or The Parrog and is a great place to start the circular walk around Dinas Head.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Clicking on them will result in no additional cost to you but may earn us a small commision.