Discover Penbryn and Penmorfa - Cardigan Bay Properties

Penbryn is arguably the most striking of the beaches along this stretch of West Wales coastline. It is completely unspoilt and a haven for wildlife. It is owned and managed by the National Trust which has taken great pains to protect the surrounding natural habitat. As a result there has been little land development and the existing houses in the Penbryn and Penmorfa valley have been there since the 1800s and early 1900s (and earlier). This locality offers a tranquil and relaxing rural lifestyle.

The beach itself is a mile long stretch of sandy shores split in two by the river Hoffnant, which ends its journey, down the steep valley, here. To the right of the river is a beach backed by sand dunes and high cliffs and at low tide it is possible to explore the cave and walk around to the second bay, which is even more stunning than the main beach as it feels like entering a paradisal haven, almost like stepping back in time. To the left of the river the dunes give way to high cliffs and a longer stretch of beach that end in rocky pools, excellent for exploring. Some say that it is possible to walk to the next bay (Tresaith) during low tide, but this is not advisable as it’s a long walk and the tide can turn quickly. It is much safer to take the coastal path to Tresaith.

Penbryn beach is not a built up seaside village, its facilities include a car park, toilets and a café. The walk down to the beach from the car park is about a quarter of a mile. There is a turning circle at the bottom of the road for dropping off and picking up. Once you’ve parked, at the top of the hill, you can either walk straight down the road or take the path that winds down through the woods through Cwm Lladron (Robber’s Valley). The beach is well known for its history of smuggling!

Other walks through the woods include a tramp away from the shoreline and up towards one of the oldest churches in Wales; the medieval parish church of St. Michael, a Grade I listed building, dating back to the 13th Century.

The area is serviced by a Primary school in Brynhoffnant, a short drive away, and the Secondary school for the area is either Cardigan Secondary School or Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul. Also in Brynhoffnant you can find Hoffnant Stores, attached to the petrol station, and there will soon be a pub and restaurant as the old Brynhoffnant Inn is under full refurbishment and due to reopen in the Summer of 2021. At the nearby Gogerddan Garage, in Tanygroes, you will find a local Post Office.

Penbryn is also on the The Coastal Way – the spectacular coastal path that runs 180 miles along the Cardigan Bay coastline from North Wales, through Ceredigion and down to Pembrokeshire. Please click here for more information.

More Info

For further information on Penbryn please click here.
For further information on the beach please click here.

Public Transport

The Traws Cymru, T5, bus route runs through the village of Sarnau on the main road about a mile from Penbryn and Penmorfa. For time tables and locations of bus stops please follow the following link: Traws Cymru T5 bus route.

The valley is served by the Cardi Bach bus service, which operates through the coastal villages during the summer please click here for more information.