Approximately 1¼ miles long and situated between the headlands of Trwyn y Gorlech and Penrhyn Glas, Porth y Nant (above) is a beach of rocks, pebbles and some low-tide sand. The former quarrying village of Nant Gwrtheyrn is just above the beach and is now a centre for the teaching of Welsh. It is reached by a very long steep lane from Llithfaen and has a car park, visitor centre, shop and the Caffi Meinir which serves home-made meals, snacks and refreshments. Access to the beach is down a steep path. There is considerable evidence of former granite quarrying, especially at the southern end.
Just to the south of Porth y Nant is Porth Howel (Grid Ref: SH335438), which is a small cove of shingle backed by steeply sloping banks of scree. These make access to the shore very tricky and you should not attempt to visit this beach unless you are confident in your ability to reach it safely and to get off again. The easiest way to reach Porth Howel is to follow a footpath from the B4417 west of Llithfaen.
