Barmouth, on the edge of the dramatically beautiful Mawddach Estuary, has one of the most stunning beaches along the coast of Snowdonia, and is a candidate for one of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.
Caught between the rugged mountains of the Snowdonia National Park on one side, and the mouth of the river, this long stretch of sand offers the perfect location for family picnics, long contemplative walks or a variety of watersports. Even Wordsworth sung the beaches praises: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival,’ the poet wrote.
If you’re visiting during peak season, expect bustling crowds, sticks of rock, a summer funfair, amusement arcades and fish and chip shops. This is a classic Welsh beach holiday destination. At other times of year, you’re more likely to run into wetsuit-clad surfers, who flock here when the conditions are right. Birdwatchers are also drawn to the Mawddach estuary in the hope of spotting dippers, pied flycatchers and redstarts. Walkers generally wait until low tide when it is possible to walk as far as Harlech to the north with impressive views over Tremadog Bay.
Other points of interest are the new Lifeboat Visitors' Centre, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and examine the RNLI lifeboat from the viewing gallery. Each June, the Three Peaks yacht race starts here, with sailors racing to Caernarfon in the Menai Straits before leaving the boat and running to the top of Snowdon.
