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Wales Online
6 days ago
- Wales Online
Almost deserted sandy beach in North Wales celebrated as a 'hidden gem' for unspoilt beauty
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The only beach in North Wales with green flag status is also amongst the most deserted. Traeth Llydan is among the most beautiful of the region's beaches with golden sand and grassy dunes backed by a small pine forest. Also called Silver Bay, after the nearby holiday village, Traeth Llydan sits in a horseshoe bay on the southern side of Anglesey's Holy Island. Ideal for rock pooling, thanks to the rock formations that bracket the bay, it's renowned for spectacular sunsets and an air of seclusion. In the distance is a small castellated tower, a former bathing house on the Bodior Estate. In some respects the beach at Rhoscolyn is the smaller twin of famous Traeth Llanddwyn near Newborough - but without the bustle. One fan is comedian Jason Manford, who last summer spent time on the 'cracking' beach with his children while staying at friends. Posting sunset photos online on a 'beautiful Welsh evening', his only gripe was the 'bloody cold' water. Less wimpy visitors love the gently sloping beach as it's ideal for swimming, kayaking and sailing. Facilities are rudimentary but dogs are allowed on the beach at all times. Traeth Llydan's exclusivity is down to its lack of permitted vehicle access. Although there is a good-sized car park nearby, this is reserved for guests at the holiday park. Moreover, security guards take a dim view of anyone trying to walk through the facility. Instead, most people park at Borth Wen, the next cove along, and walk along the Anglesey coastal path. It's a bit of a trek – up to an hour – but the 'amazing' views across to Eryri make up for it. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki) If parking at Borth Wen, you'll need to arrive early – its beach can get busy. An alternative is to walk and cycle the lanes around Silver Bay Holiday Park and pick up a footpath through pine woods to the beach. The wooden steps down to the sand make for a dramatic entrance. 'Beautiful beach,' said one visitor in a review. 'Not unlike one abroad. Hot, soft sand and glistening water.' Another said: 'An absolutely beautiful beach unspoiled by tourism.' By comment consent, the beach is "never busy" and caravanning guests are 'lucky to have it" on their doorstep. Another visitor said: 'One of the prettiest bays I have come across for ages. Clean, clear water that is lovely to swim in and not too deep.' It's possible to have the beach to yourself, soaking up the tranquility. However the sound of lapping waves can be interrupted by a noisy neighbour: RAF Valley airport lies across Cymyran Strait and, depending on your perspective, the roar of jet planes will either be an irritation or a point of interest. (Image: Google) In May Traeth Llydan retained its Green Coast Award in this year's Keep Wales Tidy Wales Coast Awards. It was among 13 beaches in Wales to collect the award, and the only one in the north of the country. Green Coast status is conferred on the 'hidden gems' of the Welsh coastline - those that boast "unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality and high standards of environmental education". Organisers say these beaches are 'exceptional places to enjoy stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and diversity'. Keep Wales Tidy noted: 'Silver Bay is a beautiful, remote beach facing south into Cymyran Bay. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday "The beach is wide and sandy with rocky outcrops to clamber over and plenty of opportunities for rock pooling. It is also popular for sailing, surfing and canoeing.' Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
7 days ago
- North Wales Live
Almost deserted sandy beach in North Wales celebrated as a 'hidden gem' for unspoilt beauty
The only beach in North Wales with green flag status is also amongst the most deserted. Traeth Llydan is among the most beautiful of the region's beaches with golden sand and grassy dunes backed by a small pine forest. Also called Silver Bay, after the nearby holiday village, Traeth Llydan sits in a horseshoe bay on the southern side of Anglesey's Holy Island. Ideal for rock pooling, thanks to the rock formations that bracket the bay, it's renowned for spectacular sunsets and an air of seclusion. In the distance is a small castellated tower, a former bathing house on the Bodior Estate. In some respects the beach at Rhoscolyn is the smaller twin of famous Traeth Llanddwyn near Newborough - but without the bustle. One fan is comedian Jason Manford, who last summer spent time on the 'cracking' beach with his children while staying at friends. Posting sunset photos online on a 'beautiful Welsh evening', his only gripe was the 'bloody cold' water. Less wimpy visitors love the gently sloping beach as it's ideal for swimming, kayaking and sailing. Facilities are rudimentary but dogs are allowed on the beach at all times. Traeth Llydan's exclusivity is down to its lack of permitted vehicle access. Although there is a good-sized car park nearby, this is reserved for guests at the holiday park. Moreover, security guards take a dim view of anyone trying to walk through the facility. Instead, most people park at Borth Wen, the next cove along, and walk along the Anglesey coastal path. It's a bit of a trek – up to an hour – but the 'amazing' views across to Eryri make up for it. If parking at Borth Wen, you'll need to arrive early – its beach can get busy. An alternative is to walk and cycle the lanes around Silver Bay Holiday Park and pick up a footpath through pine woods to the beach. The wooden steps down to the sand make for a dramatic entrance. 'Beautiful beach,' said one visitor in a review. 'Not unlike one abroad. Hot, soft sand and glistening water.' Another said: 'An absolutely beautiful beach unspoiled by tourism.' By comment consent, the beach is "never busy" and caravanning guests are 'lucky to have it" on their doorstep. Another visitor said: 'One of the prettiest bays I have come across for ages. Clean, clear water that is lovely to swim in and not too deep.' It's possible to have the beach to yourself, soaking up the tranquility. However the sound of lapping waves can be interrupted by a noisy neighbour: RAF Valley airport lies across Cymyran Strait and, depending on your perspective, the roar of jet planes will either be an irritation or a point of interest. In May Traeth Llydan retained its Green Coast Award in this year's Keep Wales Tidy Wales Coast Awards. It was among 13 beaches in Wales to collect the award, and the only one in the north of the country. Green Coast status is conferred on the 'hidden gems' of the Welsh coastline - those that boast "unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality and high standards of environmental education". Organisers say these beaches are 'exceptional places to enjoy stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and diversity'. Keep Wales Tidy noted: 'Silver Bay is a beautiful, remote beach facing south into Cymyran Bay. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday "The beach is wide and sandy with rocky outcrops to clamber over and plenty of opportunities for rock pooling. It is also popular for sailing, surfing and canoeing.'
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Seven Pembrokeshire beaches scoop Wales Coast Awards
Abereiddy, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Penally, Caerfai, Druidston, and West Angle Bay have all retained their Green Coast Award status. This means Pembrokeshire has the most Green Coast Award beaches in Wales. The Green Coast Award is given to beaches that are "hidden gems" of the Welsh coastline, boasting unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality, and a high standard of environmental education. The award is part of the Wales Coast Awards, which have been managed by Keep Wales Tidy for more than 20 years. The awards play a vital role in protecting the marine environment and are recognised worldwide as a symbol of quality. Keep Wales Tidy chief executive Owen Derbyshire said: "The Green Coast Awards celebrate Wales' beautiful and diverse coastline and are a testament to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales who work hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances. (Image: Fran Harper-Green) (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) "Most people are familiar with the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards – but it's just as important that we recognise the wild, unspoilt beaches that stretch along so much of the Welsh coast. "The Green Coast Award signifies the highest standards of water quality, environmental education, and site management. "These are the sweeping coastlines that define Wales on the world stage – and it's right that we celebrate these extraordinary places." The awards signify that a beach or marina meets and maintains the highest environmental standards and achieves tough water quality targets, as well as ensuring high standards of information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management. In addition to the 13 Green Coast Award recipients, 21 Welsh beaches were awarded Blue Flag status for 2025, recognising the excellent water quality, facilities, and safety provisions which make for a safe and fun day out at the seaside. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Wales boasts some of Europe's finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people. "Today we celebrate the announcement of the Wales Coast Awards 2025 winners. "With 21 Blue Flag awards, 13 Green Coast Awards, and 15 Seaside Awards, I commend the dedication to preserving our pristine coastal environments. "As we celebrate this achievement, let us also heed the call to protect and preserve our coastal treasures. "Let's ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come."
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Three Ceredigion beaches to fly Blue Flags this year
Three Ceredigion beaches will fly Blue Flags in 2025. Borth, Llangrannog, and Tresaith have been recognised for their 'excellent' water quality, facilities, and safety provisions. In addition to the Blue Flags, six other beaches have been given Seaside Awards, and four have received the rural Green Coast Award. The Seaside Award is given to beaches that meet recognised water quality standards and have adequate public facilities, safety provisions, and management. Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council's cabinet member for the economy and regeneration, said: "I am delighted to see that Blue, Green, and Seaside Award flags/plaques will be erected at Ceredigion's most popular bathing beaches in 2025, and we are fully expecting to see many visitors and locals alike enjoying themselves on beaches along the Ceredigion coast this summer." He also expressed his gratitude to the individuals, groups, organisations, and businesses that have volunteered their time to support the Caru Ceredigion initiative. This includes regular litter picks and the promotion of environmental conservation, wildlife education, and beach/water safety activities. Mr Davies said: "Without this long-standing support, we would not be able to put forward so many of our beaches and successfully obtain these prestigious coastal awards, which places Ceredigion beaches amongst the very best of coastal destinations in Wales and the UK whilst acting as a key driver for the Ceredigion economy." The beaches that have achieved prestigious coastal awards in 2025 are: Blue Flag (Overall excellent water quality standard): Borth, Llangrannog, and Tresaith. Seaside Award (Overall good or sufficient water quality standard): Clarach, Aberystwyth North, Aberystwyth South, New Quay Harbour, New Quay Dolau/North, and Aberporth. Green Coast Award (Overall excellent water quality standard): Llanrhystud, Cilborth-Llangrannog, Penbryn, and Mwnt. Beachgoers are advised to swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags, which denote the designated swimming areas patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards at Borth, Clarach, Aberystwyth North, Aberystwyth South, New Quay Harbour, Llangrannog, Tresaith, and Aberporth beaches.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Three Wicklow beaches will have Blue Flag status this summer – but popular bathing spots miss out
Across Ireland, 99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards were announced on Friday, with six beaches in neighbouring Wexford being awarded Blue Flags, and a further two being awarded on the northern border in south Dublin, along with Blue Flags being given to two of Wexford's marinas. However, for a fourth successive year Wicklow will only have three, with recognised beaches that attract plenty of swimmers missing out. The Blue Flags for this bathing season, which begins in June, go to the beaches that have long-held that status in the south of Greystones, and both north and south areas of Brittas Bay. Having last flown a Blue Flag in 2021, Bray has again failed to come up to the mark for the international award, as have all the beaches in Wicklow town and Arklow. Although water quality plays a part in obtaining a Blue Flag, there are many other boxes to tick, including having sufficient lifeguard cover, information boards, a drinking water supply and other facilities. Though they did not fit other criteria, Arklow South Beach, Wicklow Harbour and Bray South Promenade do have lifeguard cover in the bathing season, although Arklow South Beach's lifeguard hut will move this year to The Cove as the area was deemed safer for swimming. Last year Arklow South Beach earned a Green Coast Award, which recognised its clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. However, the beach has not been awarded that status this year. Despite this, Arklow South Beach was considered to have generally good quality water in the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report on bathing water quality, which was taken from last year's results. This finding is the second best for a less popular beach that is not managed under Bathing Water Quality Regulations, with 'highest quality' being the highest recordable standard. This was achieved by similar beaches at The Murrough in Wicklow town, Kilcoole and the area south of Bray Harbour. The bathing area in Wicklow Harbour achieved the next status down, termed 'meets minimum standard'. In the same report, recognised bathing areas at Wicklow's Blue Flag beaches all achieved the highest water quality rating of 'excellent', with Silver Strand near Wicklow town ranked just below at 'good' along with Bray South Promenade. From next year, The Cove in Greystones will be recorded. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Speaking at the launch of Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards in Curracloe in Wexford, Heritage Minister James Browne said: 'We've come a long way since the beginning of Ireland's Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and two marinas were recognised. 'This didn't happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy. 'Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather - anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today.' In Wexford, Carne, Curracloe, Ballinesker and Ballymoney, North Beach, Morriscastle, and Rosslare Strand, will all fly Blue Flags this year, along with Kilmore Quay and New Ross Marina. Additionally, the county has earned 10 Green Coast Awards for Baginbun Beach, Ballyhealy, Booley Bay, Cahore Point, Cullenstown Strand, Culleton's Gap, Grange, Old Bawn Beach, Rosslare Harbour Beach and St Helen's Bay. The first Green Coast Awards were presented to four beaches in Wexford in 2003. The award was rolled out nationally in 2008. An important aspect of it is the link with voluntary Clean Coasts groups, who participate in community clean-ups and help manage the applicant beaches in cooperation with local authorities. South Dublin's Blue Flag beaches are Seapoint in Dun Laoghaire and Killiney.
