Popular with visitors from around the world, the county of Ceredigion is a must place to visit.
I hold Ceredigion close to my heart, as I have fond memories of growing up and staying in a relatives caravan not too far from Llangrannog. Granted, it wasn’t always sunny, but it is still a place of natural beauty no matter the weather.
Ceredigion is considered to be a centre of Welsh culture, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Ceredigion is mainly rural, with over 50 miles of coastline and a mountainous hinterland. The numerous sandy beaches, together with the long-distance Ceredigion Coast Path provide excellent views of Cardigan Bay.
Don’t miss these five must-do activities when you’re next visiting Ceredigion:
1. Take a picnic to watch the dolphins
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Ceredigion is home to a host of Welsh wildlife, and bottlenose dolphins can often be spotted swimming just off the coast. Did you know Cardigan Bay is home to Europe’s largest group, or ‘pod’, of bottlenose dolphins? Take a picnic and binoculars to spot them, as well as seals, porpoises, and marine birds.
Top tip: The curry and chips served by many of the local restaurants is bloody brilliant.
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2. Crabbing and rock pooling
Exploring the wildlife of the strandline and rockpools is a perennial family favourite. Ceredigion’s beaches and harbours are a haven for crabbing and rock pooling, from Gwbert’s pontoon to Aberystwyth jetty. Head on down to Aberaeron or New Quay harbours for easy accessibility. Tide times available here.
Don’t forget: Try some of the decision honey ice-cream from The Hive in Aberaeron.
3. Do your bit to help the environment
Ceredigion is blessed with miles of scenic coastline, safe family beaches and pretty coves, and you can help keep it that way by joining the Clean Seas beach clean campaign. During 2018, Aberporth became the first community in Wales to be declared plastic free. The first Aberporth beach clean of the year will take place in early January, only a few days after the annual village New Year’s Day Swim.
4. Discover Wales’ very own Atlantis
The famous tale of Cardigan Bay’s mythical ‘lost lands’ has entranced us for centuries. Head to Ynyslas and Borth to see the sunken forest. It’s best to visit in winter, when the sand can be washed away to reveal more. Read more about Cantre’r Gwaelod on their Legends app.
5. Spot a masterpiece, before it disappears
Sand art often pops up across the beautiful beaches of Ceredigion, Llangrannog and the ‘secret’ beach of Mwnt in particular – maybe see one there on New Year’s Day or at the Solstice. The artist uses just a stick and rope to create awe-inspiring images, from Welsh mythology to wedding proposals. Keep your eyes peeled for location announcements, but you’d best be quick – the tide will wash it away in just a matter of hours.
The steep walk up and down to the beach in Mwnt may be a little off putting at first, but I can assure you it’s well worth it.
