Aberfelin Beach

Aberfelin Bay is a quiet and quaint little cove near the village of Trefin on the north Pembrokeshire Coast. 

This small beach is perfect for its sunset views made primarily of shingle, with sand only at low tide. It is ideal for a peaceful stop off from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path that snakes around the small inlet.

Also known as Aberdraw, this rocky beach has an air of history. Surrounded by high cliffs, the beach is sheltered from the wind and is a perfect sun trap in the summer months with clear, blue waters and gentle waves. You’ll notice the little island where an imposing stone arch and a cave tunnel stand which you can walk through. Here is where smugglers and pirates would sneak through once upon a time.

This often quiet and serene spot is perfect for a peaceful day out. During your visit, you’ll also spot the ruined mill on a stream, Trefin Mill, which is the subject of a famous Welsh poem and which gives the cove its name (melin or felin Welsh for mill).

Activities

Aberfelin Bay is best for sea fishing off the rocks along the shoreline. The tide travels high up the beach so it’s important to check tide times and be aware of sea levels when visiting. As the tide drops, the little sand and shingle beach is safe for families and you’ll find rock pools galore which make a happy hunting ground for children. 

The small cove suffers from strong currents and therefore swimming is not advised, but the serene beach is a haven for exploring.  Bring along the children for a couple of hours spent searching for sea life. Do take care with the incoming tide as half of the beach does become cut off at certain points of the tide.

A modern stone circle has been set up on the headland above the beach. Carreg Samson, a Neolithic burial chamber located between Trefin and Abercastle. 

As with most of this area, there are good walking routes especially along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in either direction from the beach. There is a circular walk to Abercastle that explores the coast and countryside to the east of Trefin. The outward route uses tracks and paths to reach the coast at Pwllstrodur and follows the Coast Path back to the start passing through the picturesque cove at Abercastle.

Alternatively, head in the other direction to Porthgain along the Coastal Path. This is a great dog walking route, you’ll spot a couple of little coves on the way for your pooch to swim but be careful not to disturb the seals. Once you reach Porthgain you could walk for longer if you wish all the way to Strumble Head which is around 12 miles in total.

The dramatic cliffs along this coastline are a wonderland for coasteering groups and climbers with plenty of rocky outcrops and sea caves to explore. 

The nearby village of Trefin is the weaving centre of Welsh Crafts and has a pub/restaurant with a children's room and garden. There’s also the Trefin Museum which is worth exploring to learn about the history of the area. This charming historic village on Pembrokeshire’s north coast is well known for being the home village of Cerys Matthews, lead singer of Catatonia.

Blue Lagoon

Adrenaline junkies with an affinity for exhilarating watersports such as kitesurfing tend to avoid Aberfelin as its petite size and sheltered shoreline are unsuitable and instead many opt for a visit to Abereiddy Beach, a 10-minute drive away.  Kayaks and canoes launch here, venturing off to explore the Blue Lagoon.

Of course, if you’re planning to explore the country, a journey into the centre of St Davids is a must. Tour St Davids Cathedral and pay your respects at Dewi’s shrine before sightseeing the ruins at St Davids Bishop’s Palace behind. Walk the valley, stroll the streets and make sure to pop into one of the country pubs for a bite to eat. You can even hire watersports equipment and book a trip to Ramsey Island in the booking offices found on the high street, although you can also arrange this via our Concierge team. 

Facilities

There are no facilities at the beach. However, nearby Trefin village has a telephone, free toilets, shops and a pub. 

There is also no parking for the beach, however, the road runs close to the beach and can get busy with cars as people stop to leave their cars. It is usually advised that it is best to park in nearby Trefin only half a mile away and walk to the beach.

If you’ve not packed a picnic, then head to Trefin for a spot of lunch at The Ship Inn Pub. Located at the western end of the village near the beach, The Ship use a lot of local products including crab and fish from Porthgain, Preseli gold award-winning sausages and Pant Mawr cheeses.

More refreshments are available just up the coast at Porthgain, the next hamlet along. There are two eateries at Porthgain; The Sloop Inn which is a much beloved coastal pub offering food, drinks and often daily fresh seafood listed on the menu, and The Shed Bistro, where you can purchase fish and chips to eat in or takeaway. Along the seafront near The Shed, you will also find a small wooden hut (seasonal) housing an ice cream parlour/gift shop.

Porthgain

For all further amenities, you are best travelling to St Davids where you will find a butchery and greengrocers, CK’s Supermarket, more pubs and restaurants, retail stores, gift shops and art galleries. There is also a petrol station here and outdoor play areas for children. You’ll find a petrol station in Square and Compass which is close as well as a pub. There is also a pub and cafe/antiques shop in Mathry.

Access

To get to Aberfelin Beach, take the main road between Fishguard and St Davids until you see a signpost for Trefin, then continue through the village to reach the beach.

There’s a sloping path from the roadside to the bay with roadside parking at the first bay on the road to Llanrhian from Trefin. There’s also a relatively new asphalt path to the old mill with views of the bay and a seat.

The last 5m of the beach access path is over rocks, so should not be attempted by anyone with walking difficulties. Access to Aberfelin Mill is via a slate-lined footpath and over a stone bridge which goes over the stream. This footpath also has a slate seat with an area suitable for wheelchair users.

There is public transport that passes by, this includes the Service bus Trefin, however, this is not wheelchair accessible.

There are no toilets at the beach but there are toilets in the nearby Trefin.

Is Aberfelin Beach Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year.

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