Morfa Nefyn to Porth Dinllaen
Starting
point and OS Grid reference:
National
Trust car park at Morfa Nefyn (SH 281406)
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Ordnance
Survey Map
OS
253 - Lleyn Peninsula West.
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Distance: 5.1 miles
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Date of Walk: 13 May
2015
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Traffic light rating:
(For explanation see My
Walks page)
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For advice on .gpx files see
My
Walks page
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Click
the PDF logo above to give a printable version of this walk without the
photos.
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To
view route as a dynamic Ordnance Survey map click here.
Introduction: This short circular walk was unashamedly an excuse to
visit the unusual Ty Côch
Inn at the pretty hamlet of Porth Dinllaen, on the north cost of the Llŷn
(Lleyn) Peninsula. It is unusual in that customers can only access it on
foot or by boat but it serves great hand pulled beer and good food, so is
worth the effort. Because of limited access, hours concentrate on daytime
opening only, apart from weekends and vary summer/winter, so I advise
checking the website.
However, this easy
walk itself is quite charming, along an attractive section of coast,
following the Wales Coast Path. The point at Trwyn Porth Dunellen is
dramatic and I saw seals on the rocks just offshore. There were innumerable
types of wild flowers along the cliffs and various types of birds. Oyster
catchers and cormorants were two I recognised with my limited ornithological
skills!
The large bay in
which Porth Dunellen sits is spectacularly beautiful with firm sand and
views of the mountains of Yr Eifl and Mynydd Carnuwch beyond.
A slight downside
is that a good section of the walk follows the edge of a golf course,
although this did not present any immediate problems on the day.
The walk starts
from the National Trust car park at Morfa Nefyn. Morfa Nefyn is on the
B4177, which runs along the north coast of the Llŷn
Peninsula. Fork right (if travelling east to west) on to the B4412 in the
town.
Start: Exit the car park on to
the road and turn right. Follow the road past the golf club house and on to
a large barn. Just past this, turn left to follow the public footpath
fingerpost.
After
two hundred and fifty yards, meet another path and turn left (SH 274409). It
becomes a broad track, leading to Porth Dinllaen Farm.
Cross the farm
lane and go through a kissing gate to the pond and turn right. Between the
pond and the farm buildings, turn left through a metal kissing gate then
immediately right. (SH 275404).
Follow the right
hand field boundary as it drops down to a gateway, after crossing a stream.
Through this gateway, bear gently right, up the field, to another gate.
Go through this
gate then follow the left hand field boundary past a farm then at the corner
of the field, turn right (SH 269399), again following the left boundary to a
kissing gate.
Through the gate,
once again, follow the left boundary to the corner of the field and go
through a walkers’ gate and up a few steps. After a short section of
elevated footpath, you arrive at the farm. Turn right (or could be described
as straight on) to follow the track.
The track becomes
a sunken lane which leads you down to the coast path, accessed by turning
right up some concrete steps (SH 262402). However, before climbing the
steps, it is worth continuing down the path for the few yards to the quiet
cove, just for a look. It is a tranquil spot, ideal for a picnic.
From the concrete
steps above, simply follow the coast path. You pass through the rear of Aber
Gerich (SH 267405), a cove unmistakable due to the pipeline running along it
and over a broad stream via a bridge. Despite the (fairly small) pipeline,
it is quite an attractive spot and there was a profusion of spring flowers
when I did the walk.
Beyond Aber
Gerich, you pass the bay of Borth Wen then quickly start to follow the edge
of the golf course. The route is at the perimeter and well marked with the
Welsh Coast Footpath signs. Watch out for flying golf balls and please
respect the golfers’ games. They seemed friendly enough and one waited
happily whilst I passed.
Incidentally, I
would not recommend copying one couple I saw who were sitting enjoying the
view right on the edge of the fairway!
Follow the
coastline out along the left of the “finger” to the point at Trewyn
Porth Dunellen, where there is a coastguard station (SH 276421). Continue
back by the other side of the “finger” and along to the gorgeous bay of
Porth Dunellen. On the way you pass the relatively new lifeboat station
which was open for a look as I passed. Please leave a donation.
You arrive at the
tiny hamlet of Porth Dunellen itself with its cluster of cottages and of
course the pub.
Tide permitting;
continue across the firm sands, past a couple of holiday cottages to another
small group of whitewashed cottages. Turn right up the road here (SH
282409). Look out for a footpath
on the right virtually opposite the Cliff Inn which will return you to the
car park.
In the event the
tide makes this latter section impassable, take the track through the golf
course and retrace your steps via the road to the car park.
If you need to buy any
hiking equipment/clothing before your trip see the Hiking
Store
All information on this
site is given in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of any
damage, loss or injury which might result from acting on it.
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