Porth Neigwl Beach (Hells Mouth)
Porth Neigwl, known to locals as “Hell’s Mouth” is a south-west-facing, rural beach on the southern side of North Wales’ Llyn Peninsula.
The “Hell’s Mouth” label either derives from the physical relief of the bay, which can look like an open mouth, or the fact that this area is thought to have been the scene of as many as 30 shipwrecks over the last 180 years.
This gently shelving pebble beach, which stretches for around 4 miles in length, is flanked by craggy headlands. At low tide a wide expanse of sand is revealed. The strong winds here, and often sizeable waves mean swimming can be quite risky, but the bay attracts experienced surfers and kayakers, who come to Porth Neigwl precisely for these sea conditions.
If you are more inclined towards land-based activities then there are plenty of good walks in the area.
There are no facilities at the beach itself, although the small village of Llanengan, about half a mile away, has a pub which serves food. Heading west from Llanengan, there is a small car park, from which a well-maintained path leads down to the beach, approximately 200 metres away.
Also known as:
Hells Mouth
Type of beach
Sand & pebble
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
Dogs are allowed on the beach. although no dog bins are provided.
Gwynedd dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Good fishing
- Swimming/bathing
- Surfing
Nearest town
Postcode
LL53 7LG
OS grid ref.
SH 2789 2655
Parking
A small car park is available to visitors. with a well-maintained footpath of approximately 200 metres in length leading to the beach. Vehicular access to this beach is not permitted. Car parking is free of charge. No disabled spaces but tarmac enabl
Water quality
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Porth Neigwl Beach Reviews
A HUGE Litter Problem
I visited Porth Neigwl Beach whilst on holiday. This is a beautiful stretch of beach in an area of outstanding natural beauty. However, I was saddened by what I saw. This stretch of beach is absolutely littered with plastic bottles and plastic debris washed up from the Atlantic. Always one to carry a bin liner I stood and filled the bag completely full of empty plastic bottles by just standing on the same spot. The problem is enormous. This beach needs an almighty clear up.
Lovely beach
Cindylou Turner-Taylor
Aug 15th 2022Great day at Porth Neigwl. Swimming was brilliant in the crystal clear waters and my grandchildren had enormous fun playing in the sand, with the pebbles, swimming and kayaking with Mum and Dad. Hard work walking through the dunes if you have any mobility issues but not impossible. LOADS OF SPACE despite it being the last day of the heat wave, so much busier than normal. Only a seven minute drive to the spa and a National Trust Cafe just down the road (closed Mon & Tues). No loos so plan ahead ????