Porthclais Beach

This small sandy beach, which is submerged at high tide, lies at the entrance to Porthclais Harbour at the mouth of the River Alun. At low tide a good-sized patch of sand is revealed behind the breakwater.
The narrow bay features rocky slopes on either side, densely packed with gorse bushes.

The harbour is thought to have been used since Roman times and limestone, grain, timber and more were once traded here.  Today all that remains of this activity is a sea wall and a couple of disused lime kilns.  The overall effect is quite charming and the bay is popular with kayakers and rock climbers.  The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs immediately above both sides of the harbour.

This picturesque area is rich in birdlife and in spring and early summer there is an abundance of wildflowers.  The River Alun was once rich in eels and in springtime tiny glassy elvers could be seen swimming into the sea here on their long journey to the distant Sargasso Sea.

There is a National Trust car park close to the beach with toilets and a small café.  Charges may apply.