Porth Dinllaen.

Start. Morfa Nefyn (National Trust car park).

Route. Morfa Nefyn - Morfa Nefyn beach - The Wharfes - Porth Dinllaen - Lifeboat Station - Borth Wen - Golf Road - Nefyn Golf Club - Morfa Nefyn.

Notes. A long narrow headland protects the only good natural harbour on the northern coast of the Llŷn, Porth Dinllaen, in the 18th century it was a busy port, today the safe haven is full of pleasure craft, how times change. In 1823 a vicarage was built, by 1842 it had been converted into the Ty Coch Inn to slack the thirst of the ship builders in the yard on the beach. Hopefully it would be open by the time we reached the scattering of houses clinging to the high water mark. It’s got to be said this was my favourite place on the whole of the Llŷn Peninsula, a brave claim to make on a peninsula with many stunning corners. Many visitors access on foot via the golf road, but our way was by far the best, along the beach.

From the rear of the car park a flight of steep steps descends to a narrow road a few paces from the beach, the tide was rising hopefully it would be possible to walk along the beach, if not we would have to ascend the steps and follow the golf road. We risked the beach and a stunning walk it was. Keeping just above the tide line we wandered on, soon passing a fine house built on the waters edge, then some old sheds and a building on a small headland, I believe this is called The Wharfes. We continued over Porth Dinllaen Beach, passed between some more houses clinging to the high water mark to reach the inn, we sat outside in the sun drinking alcohol from cardboard cups, just soaking up the atmosphere of this stunningly beautiful place.

Refreshments over we continued towards the headland, passed some more houses to join a path a few feet above the rocky shore line, this in turn guided us passed another house then on to the Lifeboat Station. On the night of 2/3 December 1883 18 ships sheltering were driven ashore, Robert Rees of Morfa Nefyn tied a rope round his waist and with the help of 4 other men saved 28 lives, a lifeboat was needed. There has been a lifeboat saving lives from this headland since the first lifeboat house was built a year later.

We climbed the access drive to the lifeboat station then rounded the headland, we then passed to the left of a National Coast Watch tower then continued above low cliffs overlooking the rocky west coast on the edge of the golf course. When the path curved around the shingle beach at Borth Wen rather than wander to the next path junction we nipped across the golf course, it seemed quite safe and definitely shorter. With no protests from golfers or staff we stepped onto the golf road, this in turn guided us passed the club house then back to the parked car.

view route map.

home.

Wonderful views as we step from the car, Penrhyn Nefyn the small headland at the far end of the beach backed by a stunning mountain backdrop.

Still soaking up views from the car park, Porth Dinllaen across the bay.

Dominating the scene across Caernarfon Bay, Yr Eifl.

Looking back along Morfa Nefyn Beach.

Garn Boduan across Porth Dinllarn bay.

Living on the edge, the white washed community of Porth Dinllaen.

Walking between the cottages I wondered if the residents ever get sick of sand in their houses.

As seen from Porth Dinllaen, Yr Eifl.

Viewing the Ty Coch the inn at Porth Dinllaen.

Passed just before rounding the headland the Lifeboat Station.

Which way next.

Headland after headland, bay after bay, the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula.

The shingle beach at Borth Wen.

Seen from the golf course, under a dark cloud Yr Eifl.

Sitting outside the Caffi Porthdillaen situated at the entrance to the car park, drinking tea eating sandwiches enjoying views over the farmland of Morfa Nefyn.

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