Penllech Beach (Traeth Penllech)

  • Penllech Beach - Gwynedd
    © Eric Jones and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Penllech Beach - Gwynedd
    © Eric Jones and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Penllech Beach - Gwynedd
    © Eirian Evans and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Penllech Beach - Gwynedd
    © Oliver Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Penllech Beach - Gwynedd
    © Oliver Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Set towards the northern tip the beautiful and remote Llyn Peninsula is Traeth Penllech beach. This sandy beach stretches for over a mile long at low tide. To either end are rockpools whilst to the back are sloping, grass covered cliffs with some interesting rock formations.

    About halfway along the beach is small waterfall where the stream of the Afon Fawr has cut a gorge into the cliffs behind.

    Just around the western end of the beach is a small cove (Porth Colmon) where there is a slipway and little car park above.

    I’ve had conflicting reports of whether it is safe to swim at Penllech. However, there are signs warning of strong currents, so given the lack of lifeguard cover I’d advise against it.
    There can be good surf at Penllech on the right conditions.

    Also known as:

    Traeth Penllech

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    Gwynedd dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Kayaking/canoeing
    • Diving & snorkelling
    • Good fishing
    • Kite surfing
    • Sailing
    • Rock pooling
    • Surfing
    • Water skiing
    • Wind surfing

    Facilities

    • Cafe/restaurant
    • Disabled facilities
    • Slipway

    Nearest town

    Pwllheli

    OS grid ref.

    SH 2028 3436

    Submit a correction

    Penllech Beach Reviews

    Stunning, unspoilt beach

    Lawrence Harcourt
    Jun 21st 2022

    I love Traeth Penllech (Penllech Beach) - and decided it’s finally time I posted a review. it’s a beautiful, rugged, stretch of coastline which feels quite different from the beaches on the south side of the Llyn Peninsula. There are lovely long stretches of light-coloured soft sand with imposing cliffs above. When the tide is out you can walk quite a way. The sea can be a bit rough for swimming but not always - today it was beautiful and calm. A word of caution: towards the far end, heading eastwards towards Tudweiliog you sometimes see (well-behaved) people skinny-dipping / swimming in the nude, especially early mornings. I don’t have a problem with that, personally. Another word of caution: when the tide is in you can get to the eastern end via the coastal path along the edge of a farmer’s field which currently (correct as of today, June 21st, 2022) has a herd of rather menacing looking bullocks wandering around. They haven’t eaten me yet, however. All in all, a picturesque, striking beach which doesn’t attract huge crowds and isn’t commercialised and has the benefit of a free car park. A nice change from Porth Or (Whistling Sands).

    My favourite beach

    The Purple Butterfly
    May 26th 2019

    Different every time we visit