Cwm-yr-Eglwys.
Hidden hamlet and beach near Dinas Cross.
One of our favourite beaches near Newport is Cwm-yr-Eglwys at Dinas Cross. This small cove is ideal for families as you can keep the kids in view as they enjoy the sandy foreshore when the tide is low.
Do check tide times and heights as at full tide the beach can be totally submerged, leaving just the quay wall to sit on and enjoy the view. Parking is also limited to some 20 or so cars in the small car park (£3 donation).
During August, Cwm-yr-Eglwys plays host to a Regatta which packs the beach with not just competitors but with onlookers enjoying the spectacle too.
Crabbing is good at Cwm-yr-Eglwys, especially good on the jetty to the left-hand side of the beach when the tide is in – don’t forget to pack the kid’s crab lines and some bait.
Amenities here amount to an ice cream kiosk (summer months and school holidays) and public loo's - so bring everything you would need for a great day at the beach.
Above the beach are the ruins of St Brynach’s Church, which was destroyed by a storm during October 1859. The Churchyard provides a limited amount of seating for enjoying the view should the tide be up to the quay walls.
From Cwm-yr-Eglwys there is a lovely circular headland walk (approx 3 miles with some steep sections) around Dinas Island which has some of the best panoramic views of the North Pembrokeshire coast across both Newport and Fishguard bays. You can also follow the coast path to Newport (approx 6.5 miles) or to Fishguard (approx 8.5 miles).
An etching of Cwm-yr-Eglwys (then known as Dinas) before the great storm that ruined the Church.
Short video of Needle Rock - 10 minutes walk along the Dinas Island walk from Cwm yr Eglwys
Wildlife to look out for:
- Gulls, chuffs, cormorants, puffins
- Seals, porpoises, dolphins
