Northwest Wales
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Positives
- Quality wedging peaks
- Versatile Lleyn Peninsula
- Beginner-friendly, west-facing beachbreaks
- Boulder pointbreaks in winter
Negatives
- Small SW swell window
- Lots of onshores
- Winter only up north
- Aberystwyth crowds
Northwest Wales surf travel guide
Anglesey sits off the NW coast of Wales and is the least consistent area for waves due to its ultra narrow swell window. Quality surf only occurs when strong SW swells make it up St Georges Channel and winds are from the NE. The SW coast of the island features a number of rocky beaches, like Rhosneigr, popular with surfers, windsurfers and kayakers. Really only a winter option.
The Lleyn Peninsula is a popular and versatile surf destination and has better exposure to the SW swell; the long beach at Hells Mouth is the most surfed area with a range of beachbreak and reef options. Offshores are rare but when the NE does kick in great conditions prevail. Small waves can be had year round whilst autumn and winter pressure systems will push in some overhead juice. A few times a year big swells will light up the sheltered spots on the peninsula; quiet bays home to quality wedging peaks.
Mid Wales is home to a host of slumbering classic set-ups. From Harlech to Borth long stretches of beginner friendly west facing beaches work in small swells. At Borth (a proposed artificial reef site) the coastal geography changes from beaches to cliffs and boulder reefs. Aberystwyth is Cardigan Bay's surf centre and home to a brace of classy but inconsistent reefs. If there's a 6ft SW swell hitting at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire then there'll be 3ft in Aber.
South of Aber the coastal aspect changes, to face NW. Along the Ceredigion coast lies a long stretch of boulder pointbreaks and secluded bays that come to life when huge winter swells are closing-out the open breaks to the south. A rare event but with the prevailing SW wind offshore there are rewards for the inquisitive.
Surf spots in Northwest Wales
Research the 17 surf breaks in Northwest Wales and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 17 breaks in Northwest Wales.
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Visas
Since Brexit, unrestricted travel between the UK and the EU is over. The current system allows for visa free travel for up to 90/180 days a year. Beyond 90 days things get very complicated so check online for the details. US, Canada, OZ, NZ and some others follow the same 90-180 day rules. Most other countries need a visa before arrival. More info here
Getting Around
Driving into Wales on a surf trip the roads follow a familiar pattern: motorway over the border from England, gradually shrinking to dual carriageway, to main road, to lane. Travel time is always more than you think, as the roads around the coast, especially in the summer, can be agonizingly slow. The narrow country lanes are often single-lane, so driving with consideration and slowly is the sensible option. The mountainous interior of Wales whilst beautiful, also makes for slow roads, the N and S coast urban corridors are the fast option. Travelling from E to W in Wales is easy, N to S is a pain due to the lack of infrastructure. Campsites and caravan parks are common and most feature facilities for camper vans. Free parking is possible near a few beaches, remember to take all your litter with you, but most beach car-parks are out of bounds overnight. Petrol prices are on a par with England - ie; pricey! Motorways are free and since 2018 so is the Severn Bridge. Coaches will take board bags, the policy is up to the driver so be as polite as possible, there may be a small fee. National Express have comprehensive services and Eurolines runs through N Wales.
Accommodation
Lots of good value accommodation options all around the Llyen Peninsula some right on the beaches with great sea views.
Activities
Harlech is the pick of the string of impressive castles. Beautiful coastal walks and lots of operators offer coastal activities like kayaking and sea cliff tours. Snowdonia National Park is stunning with mountains, lakes and waterfalls.
Hazards & hassles
Very fickle conditions mean getting quality waves takes patience but if your expectations are low you can get wet reasonably often. Crowds are low but the prime spots on the Llyen Peninsula will get very busy when conditions align. Plenty of inexperienced surfers can make for some dangerous sessions!
Handy Hints
Timing is everything....a big southwest swell will come with strong onshore winds and the key is hitting the water when the winds shift or die and the swell is still there. A few hours here and there can make all the difference. West coast Surf Shop in Abersoch is well stocked and the website has a good daily report (and camera when it works).
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.