Stretching for 10 miles along the River Loughor Estuary, the Millennium Coastal Park transformed a once industrial area into a tranquil stretch of sand backed by dunes, incorporating the beaches at Burry Port Sands and Llanelli. A discovery center with seaside promenade, donkey rides and amusements such as miniature golf and bouncy castles is at Llanelli. Although swimming in the beach’s estuary currents is not recommended, Burry Port Sands is a busy spot for water sports, popular with windsurfers and surfers, with 4- to 6-foot waves on occasion.
Pendine Sands juxtaposes looming cliffs and rock pools at its western edge with a 7-mile stretch of low sands to the east. The beach is one of the longest in Wales and it was here that Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the land speed record of 146 miles per hour in 1924. Pendine Sands overlooks Carmarthen Bay, with views as far as the Gower Peninsula on a clear day. Visitors will find numerous nearby pubs, a campsite and excellent water for bathing. Pay attention to the demarcated area set aside as a military firing range.
At the tip of Pendine Beach, at the estuary of the River Taf, Laugharne Sands is often deserted, presenting a windswept vista of low dunes, marsh and grassland and a beach covered with millions of shells. During the summer the beach is dog-free. The area draws in windsurfers and land yachters throughout the year, but swimming around the estuary is hazardous. The nearby town of Laugharne is inside the river estuary and attracts a steady stream of literary pilgrims in search of the former boathouse occupied by Welsh poet and national treasure Dylan Thomas. Visitors can grab a pint in one of the many local pubs once patronized by the poet, or see the shed where he wrote “Under Milk Wood” and other works.
Although technically part of the River Towy estuary, Llansteffan’s sands are referred to as “the beach” by legions of day trippers and those on school outings. Overlooked by a 12th century Norman castle, the beach has a long strip of hard sand that is perfect for beach soccer or cricket, with ample facilities nearby including bathrooms, picnic tables, car parking and fish and chips. Since the beach is on a tidal estuary, swimming is not safe until the tide is way up onto the sands, but the supreme array of wildlife that often gathers around the confluence of three river estuaries is well worth the trip. When the waters retreat, expect to see cocklers digging for elusive burrowing shellfish.
Cefn Sidan beach at Pembrey is an 8-mile strip of fine golden sand, the longest in Wales. The beach backed by acres of dunes, with views across Carmarthen Bay to Tenby and Gower. The area has been designated a site of special scientific interest because of its rare plants and variety of birdlife, and was awarded blue flag status for cleanliness. Cefn Sidan is part of the Pembrey Country Park, which packs in a 425-foot dry ski slope, 9-hole pitch and putt, the longest toboggan run in Wales, a cycle track and nature trails. The beach has excellent disabled access and facilities, and during the summer a mile of the beach is dog-free.
