Abercastle Harbour Beach

Abercastle Harbour Beach is nestled on the north west coast of Pembrokeshire, just a short drive from the rural communities of Trefin and Mathry, and some nine miles along the coast from St Davids. This seaside hamlet is home to a small collection of cottages and is centred around the harbour beach.

Back in the 19th Century, this shingle inlet at Abercastle was a lively trading port export goods such as coal, slate, grain and butter; an old lime kiln can even be seen to the left of the bay. Nowadays, the village is a sleepy picturesque cove welcoming beachgoers, walkers and divers along with resident local fishermen.

Never crowded, the seaweed-strewn Abercastle Harbour Beach certainly has plenty to explore. Take an adventure through ancient history and mythology at Castle Island or Carreg Samson, discover a World War One shipwreck or delve into a world of wildlife.

Activities

Somehow the idyllic cove at Abercastle Harbour Beach still seems to be a well-kept secret in Pembrokeshire. Regulars to the area still marvel at the wealth of activity and the beauty seen here, whilst those who have yet to visit likely underestimate the charm of this seaside location.

The beach at Abercastle is shingle towards the rear with an expanse of sand to be uncovered as the tide recedes. Colourful seaweed litters the landscape and the pools of water formed between the rocks provide an interesting adventure for small hands and inquisitive minds. Expect to find starfish, limpets and periwinkles plus if you’re careful, you may stumble across sand-disguised mussels along this shoreline.

Flanked by cliffs on either side, Abercastle Harbour Beach makes a great spot for bathing and swimming. The compact size of the bay often attracts families with small children who enjoy playing in the sand building castles and paddling in the ebbing sea.

Whilst the harbour life here has slowed significantly in the last two centuries, a strong boating community has remained. Early mornings are a bustle of activity with resident fishermen setting out in search of a plentiful harvest to bring back to the locals and nearby eateries who will add them to the daily specials boards. Recreational boaters launch here too, with all number of smaller vessels seen including sailing boats, rowing boats, canoes and kayaks; the latter two heading off in search of sea caves and the Blue Lagoon slate quarry at Abereiddy.

Speaking of fishing here, sea anglers are met with rough ground when casting off from the bay. Frequent fish caught are bass and wrasse but of course, if you’re planning on venturing further out by boat, you’ll find a wider array of fish available.

Wildlife in and around Abercastle is truly incredible, “twitchers” will no doubt want to come armed with binoculars for a morning of birdwatching here. The headland and coastline are brought to life with vivid flora and fauna whilst the skies may be sprinkled with sightings of chough and fulmars. Turn your eye to the waters along this stretch and you could spot porpoise and seals as well as the more rarely seen dolphins and basking sharks.

Ramblers groups and daily walkers can pick up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path here, the 186 mile National Trail follows the coastline directly through Abercastle Harbour Beach so you can access it in either direction. Follow the trail west and venture off course for a quick look at Carreg Samson, a Neolithic burial chamber with an impressive 7 standing upright stones under a capstone, or venture east towards Strumble Head.

Whichever direction you choose, you’ll be awarded magnificent views of Castle Island, or Ynys Y Castell as we call it in Wales. Historians suspect this may once have been the location of a cliff fort acting as a protection for the harbour; hut indentations are visible as are the remains of defences. Local mythology also claims this to be The Grave of Samson’s Finger; a strongman who allegedly placed the capstone on Carreg Samson using only one finger – an impressive feat certainly!

Experienced and novice divers enjoy hours spent underwater off Abercastle Harbour Beach. At high tide, it is recommended to swim out to explore the sea cave at the rear of Ynys Y Castell or you will find two sea caves along the cliffsides to the left of the bay. Some travel here to visit the sea’s blowhole but for many, the main lure is the SS Leysian shipwreck. During the First World War, this cargo ship was used to transport mules between New Orleans and Europe. On 20th February 1917, the American vessel met it’s demise on the rocks at Abercastle on her return from Belfast and whilst the wreck is mostly broken up on the seafloor now, you can still see the remains of the prop shaft and stern some 15 metres deep.

This peaceful seaside location is also a favourite for creative types, as the stunning seascape here acts as a great muse. With inspiration flowing, you may find photographers practising their camera skills, writers frantically jotting down ideas in their notepads and painters mixing watercolours to capture beautiful scenes.

Facilities

A simple seaside hamlet, Abercastle has limited facilities to say the least. Overlooking the shore from an elevated position on the harbour walls is a car park. Free to use but small, it is suitable for 15 to 20 cars at most. During the summer when visitor numbers are higher, expect to see cars also parked along the roadside but these spaces are also few.

Alongside the car park and nestled by a private house, there is a public toilet block adjacent to an information board, a picnic table and a wooden bench. The North Pembrokeshire Fflecsi Bus scheme is available 7.30-6.30 Monday-Friday and 8.30-6.30 on Saturdays. This bus service covers the zone that connects the spectacular coast between Fishguard, St Davids and Broad Haven.

Take the road out of Abercastle to the right (if looking inland from the bay) to reach Trefin, the nearest village. Another peaceful rural village, Trefin is home to two eateries; The Ship Inn which is the local pub and The Mill Café, a lovely spot to stop for brunch.

Take the road out of Abercastle to the left (again if looking inland from the bay) to reach Mathry where you will find further places to eat. The Farmers Arms is a popular country pub in the area, it serves food and hosts event nights such as quizzes and live music. Siop Fach and Tearooms is a quaint café offering breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea (recommended!), coffees and cake. It also houses a delightful antique store which is always worth a browse.

Further afield, you will find a pub and petrol station offering groceries at The Square and Compass, plus shops, eateries, a supermarket and art galleries at St Davids. St Davids, named after Dewi Sant our Patron Saint of Wales, is the UK’s smallest city and is home to a remarkable Cathedral and ruined Bishop’s Palace.

Local Top Tips

With little to no facilities, make sure to pack well if you’re planning to spend the day here. Think plenty of sunscreen and a picnic with plenty of refreshments to keep you going throughout the day.

As with many rural locations across Pembrokeshire, mobile signal can be somewhat restricted here depending on what network you are with. Abercastle is located within a valley so you will find that as you exit the village, mobile signal returns as you return to higher ground.

Access

Country roads off the main road between Fishguard and St Davids lead you to Abercastle, and as you reach the centre bottom of the valley look out for a lane to the right. This road then transforms into a slipway taking you straight onto the beach, with the car park just on your right overlooking the shore. Following the slipway onto the beach, you will be met with the rear shingle portion of the bay.

To access the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from here, follow the gateway to the left or take the walkway behind the car park over the stream and follow the steps up the hillside.

Boat owners looking to use the slipway and launch from Abercastle Harbour Beach should get in touch with the Abercastle Boat Owners Association, as there is a small charge for launching here which goes back towards the village costs.

Is Abercastle Harbour Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes, Abercastle Harbour Beach is completely dog friendly all year round.

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