Ceibwr Bay Beach

One of the most northerly beaches in Pembrokeshire, Ceibwr Bay Beach is westerly facing looking out across the ocean to Ireland. Mostly pebbly with some sand and shingle spaces revealed during low tides, this is one of only a handful of bays in this region of the county.

Set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Ceibwr Bay Beach lies just a short distance from the rural village of Moylegrove. It is also only five or six miles from the bustling towns of Newport and St Dogmaels where you’ll find Newport Sands and Poppit Sands respectively. Both beaches are somewhat larger with long sandy shorelines which often lead to this minute inlet being overshadowed by beachgoers searching for more activity. 

Protected by the National Trust, the cove itself is nestled at the bottom of a valley with high cliffs flanking the beach on either side. Wander along the running stream at low tide to reach the water’s edge and you’ll no doubt notice the incredible rock formations adorning the cliff faces. Formed by glacial erosions in years gone by, the weathering has resulted in a pretty landscape with plenty of hidden nooks and caves - it is no wonder then that Ceibwr Bay has become almost synonymous with smuggling. Used in various film productions over the years, this shingle beach has a past peppered with tales of hidden treasures and more. 

Activities

Ceibwr Bay is best for those slower-paced coastal activities. The sheltered nature of the shore here paired with high cliffsides and a surrounding region of largely farmland makes this a top haunt for wildlife. Bring along your binoculars as you’ll be likely to spot a whole range of seabirds such as chough, fulmars, razorbills and peregrine falcons. 

At sea level, you may sightsee Atlantic grey seals - particularly if you pay a visit during autumn when the coastline becomes fraught with newborn pups waiting to be fed by their preying mothers. Otters have been known to be seen in the vicinity on occasion too whilst this part of the Irish Sea is also famously known for its resident pods of dolphins and porpoises. 

Sea anglers have been known to fish these waters too so if you’re passionate about this pastime, you might want to dedicate a few hours to casting off here. The shores of Ceibwr Bay are best known for catching bass, mackerel and pollack. 

Bring along your flippers and goggles for this North Pembrokeshire beach is also great for snorkelling and scuba diving. Explore the rich underwater landscape taking in scenes of sea anemones, fish and more. Please remember though, only participate in such activities if you are experienced and accompanied for your own safety. 

Whilst watersports such as surfing are unsuitable here due to the small nature of this beach, you’ll frequently find kayakers and canoeists launching their vessels here on their way to explore the nearby caves of the district. The most famous cave of all is The Witches Cauldron, or Pwll Y Wrach as it is named in Welsh. With breathtaking green waters, this coastal blow-hole is slightly south of the beach and is a must on the bucket list for kayak explorers as it is largely hidden save for just a narrow passageway from the sea into the cave. It can also be seen from above when walking along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path here. Please note, access is denied between mid-August and November as seals congregate here during pupping season; visitors are forbidden from accessing the area for the safety of the seals and their pups.

On the topic of walking, Ceibwr Bay is a top starting point for a walk along the Wales Coast Path. Make your way north to trek around Cemaes Head and onto Poppit Sands where the Pembrokeshire Coast Path begins/ends, you can even continue into Ceredigion through Gwbert, Mwnt and Aberporth. 

If you make your way south, you’ll reach Newport and Dinas Island trekking through the likes of Aberfforest, Cwm Yr Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod which all have their own beaches to sightsee. Continuing onwards you’ll reach Fishguard before making your way around the headland to the iconic Strumble Head Lighthouse. 

Alternatively, there is a circular walk you could enjoy which takes you from Ceibwr Bay around the coast to the Witches Cauldron, then back inland round towards Moylgrove and back to Ceibwr Bay. 

Ceibwr Bay provides a welcome sanctuary for those in search of peace and tranquillity and makes an ideal pitstop for anyone exploring the area. Pairing an attractive landscape with picturesque viewpoints and a serene setting where the air is filled with the sounds of nature, it’s hard to feel overwhelmed with inspiration here. If you’re the creative type, you’ll find there’s plenty to draw about and write about so let the artistic juices flow. 

Local Top Tips

Arrive early as parking is limited or take the Poppit Rocket bus to be a little more eco-friendly. Checking tide times before you plan your visit is an absolute must if you wish to see the beach. 

Facilities

Being one of Pembrokeshire’s most wild and untravelled beaches, you shouldn’t be too surprised to find that there are limited facilities available at Ceibwr Bay. This is one where nature rules the roost so man-built facilities such as public toilets, cafes, shops and restaurants are nowhere to be seen. There is however a highly recommended cafe at the nearby Penrallt Garden Centre which is walkable from the beach. 

A little hamlet of houses backs the beach on the way out of the valley on either side, a couple of which are holiday homes. The best way to sightsee Ceibwr Bay whilst resting easily knowing that you have access to refreshments and toilets is to book into one of these. 

Access

Head towards Moylegrove from either Newport or St Dogmaels depending on which direction you’re coming from and take the turn next to Bethel church. This narrow road will lead you straight to the beach where you’ll find limited roadside parking. Note, you can continue past the beach and around the coast to venture back in a circular loop towards Moylegrove. 

From wherever you park your car, walk down towards the beach and follow the signpost directing you towards the beach. It is a at the bottom of a valley so there’s a slight slope to reach the beach and remember if you’re visiting at high tide, there’ll be no beach to see as it will be entirely submerged underwater. 

As you reach the pebbly area towards the back of the beach you’ll see some steps and a small bridge which takes you across the stream and up onto the Coast Path leading north. Access to the Coast Path leading south can be found by the parking area closest to the beach; if you follow this you’ll discover a wonderful grassy bank with a couple of benches where you can sit and watch the world go by. 

Travelling by bus, you can hop aboard the Poppit Rocket (dog friendly) and jump off right at Ceibwr Bay.

Is Ceibwr Bay Beach Dog Friendly?

Ceibwr Bay Beach is completely dog friendly all year round with no restrictions.

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