Saturday 21st December - Winter Solstice Sun Rise : 08:29 Set : 15:59 Moon Set : 11:58 Rise : 23:13 Times are GMT and for Mid Wales
The Northern Coast Comprising the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire, the northern coast of Wales has mostly long and featureless sandy beaches backed by a string of resorts, of which Llandudno and Rhyl are the largest. The main railway and A55 to Holyhead run along the coastal fringe close to the shore. The mountains of Snowdonia are just a few miles inland. Rhyl and Prestatyn are the only beaches in the northern half of Wales (i.e. north of the Dyfi river) which provide a lifeguard service in summer.
Anglesey Anglesey has over 120 beaches and coves, which are generally much quieter than those on the mainland. The south-eastern half of the island tends to have mostly long sandy beaches whilst the north-western half has numerous smaller beaches and coves. Jasper, serpentine and quartz pebbles can be found and the sea water is usually crystal clear in summer. The main beaches have Beach Wardens in summer, but no lifeguards. The terrain is not particularly hilly or mountainous, but rarely flat. There's little heavy traffic, and it's good for cycling, walking, wildlife and photography.
Llyn Peninsula (Gwynedd) The Llyn Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The southern shore has long sandy beaches, whilst the north side is indented with smaller sandy beaches and secluded coves. A wide variety of pebbles can be found including plenty of pure white quartz pebbles. The roads tend to be mostly narrow and winding, particularly towards the west. No Gwynedd beaches have lifeguards.
Meirionnydd (Gwynedd) The old county of Meirionnydd / Merioneth is now part of the new county of Gwynedd, and has approximately 21 beaches, most of which are long, west-facing and sandy, but are not lifeguarded. British Rail's Cambrian Coast line runs along here and has stations near most of the beaches. Just a few miles inland the terrain becomes mountainous, with lakes, wooded valleys and plenty of camp sites.
Ceredigion (Pronounced 'Kerrer-diggy -on') Ceredigion has about 40 beaches which border Cardigan Bay, are mostly west-facing and usually good for surfing. Seals and bottlenose dolphins can be seen and the main beaches have lifeguards in summer. The terrain - both coastal and inland - is very hilly.
Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire has about 120 beaches to choose from, which lie within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches in summer and boat trips operate to the offshore islands of Caldey, Skomer and Ramsey. Pembrokeshire's south-western tip has some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in Wales, where choughs and ravens can often be seen soaring over the cliff-tops.
Carmarthenshire Carmarthenshire has a relatively short coastline and about 14 beaches, with Pembrey's 7½ mile long lifeguarded sandy beach easily being the best. Inland, Carmarthenshire has some fine scenery, with deep wooded valleys and rolling farmland to the west, becoming mountainous towards the north-east. The once-endangered Red Kite is now commonly seen in Carmarthenshire skies. Unfortunately it's not a place for walking, as its footpaths are generally in a terrible condition, and in large areas of the county hardly any are passable.
Swansea and Gower The limestone peninsula of Gower is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has mostly sandy bays along its southern shore and long sandy surf beaches on its western coast. Towards the south-west, there are high limestone cliffs and numerous caves - both coastal and inland. Being close to Swansea, the beaches can get very busy. The roads tend to be narrow and winding and have not been improved over the years, so congestion is inevitable during busy periods. It's popular for walking, climbing, caving, surfing and most water sports. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches in summer.
South-east Wales The Vale of Glamorgan comprises the east of this region and the beaches are mostly rocky with some sandy bits and backed by unstable cliffs of blue lias. Inland the Vale is scenic and relatively flat, and is a good choice for walking and cycling. The counties of Bridgend and Port Talbot are further west and the beaches here are sandy and backed mostly by low dunes. The sea water tends to be a muddy brown near Cardiff, slowly becoming clearer towards the west. Lifeguards patrol the main beaches in summer.
Somerset The Somerset Coast borders the Bristol Channel and the beaches are nothing special. There are some long sandy stretches, but most beaches have thick mud lower down and the sea water is usually a muddy brown colour. Inland the county is very scenic and has plenty of idyllic villages with thatched cottages, ancient churches and tea-rooms. This county looks after its footpaths and is good walking territory.
Wirral (Cheshire) The Wirral is a low-lying peninsula of sandstones and mudstones sandwiched between the estuaries of the Dee and the Mersey. The beaches are mostly sandy and relatively featureless. The tide goes out over a mile on the ebb and the main beaches are patrolled by lifeguards in summer.
