seaside and surf
For good old-fashioned seaside fun, look no further than the huge, sandy, blue-flag beach at Barmouth. The beach is patrolled during July and August, and there is a dedicated area for jet-skiers and powerboats.
There are long, peaceful beaches stretching both north towards Porthmadog and south towards Tywyn, ripe for honing those kite-surfing skills.
For the wave-rider, Barmouth offers an occasional treat, though the swells can be infrequent and short lived. When there is a clean swell the waves tend to be better and bigger heading north towards Talybont. Many surfers head towards Tywyn where the long straight beach, with no rocks or tidal rip, is relatively safe for riding. Experts may consider riding at Llwyngwril, on the stunningly picturesque stretch of coast between Barmouth and Tywyn. This is a quality wave, but with some dangerous boulders, and is for experienced surfers only.
Locals’ favourites include the quiet and unspoiled Benar Beach just off the A496 at Talybont and the slightly busier Fairbourne beach on the other side of the Mawddach estuary. Fairbourne also has a steam railway which is a great favourite with children.