Yahoo News The tiny Welsh village with 7-mile sandy beach that is perfect for winter walks
Looking for a winter escape by the coast? Pendine in Carmarthenshire is the ideal seaside break for long beach walks with the dog, affordable accommodation and blustery coast path hikes.
This small village is renowned for its seven-mile stretch of spectacular sandy beach, each end offering a unique coastal experience. To the west, near Gilman Point, dramatic cliffs overlook rock pools and picturesque trails that form part of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path.
In contrast, the eastern expanse, known as Laugharne Sands, features flat, golden sands that are famous for hosting historic land speed record attempts and remains a hub for thrill-seekers chasing excitement.
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But Pendine isn’t just about the sand—it’s also a gateway to scenic coastal walks, outdoor activities, and a unique museum celebrating land speed records.
Pendine Sands: The perfect winter walk destination
Pendine Sands, a seven-mile stretch of firm, golden sand along Carmarthen Bay, is one of Wales’ most distinctive coastal features, with a unique racing history.
In the 1920s, these sands became a proving ground for record-breaking land speed attempts, earning Pendine a reputation that still resonates with motoring enthusiasts.
The vast beach has firm sand and is dog-friendly in the off-season, making it ideal for a long winter walk in Wales. Starting at the western end near Gilman Point, you’ll find rugged cliffs and rock pools worth exploring. Heading east, the sands stretch seemingly endlessly, offering a chance to enjoy uninterrupted sea views.
This part of the coast is also used as a Ministry of Defence firing range, so parts may be inaccessible at certain times—a detail worth checking ahead of your visit.
Pendine Sands has served multiple purposes over the years, from high-speed records to wartime training exercises, and its layered history adds to its appeal. It’s a quieter place these days, but the sense of scale and openness remains as striking as ever.
Discovering Pendine’s land speed legacy
For over 100 years, Pendine Sands has been synonymous with land speed records. Its unique terrain, a natural runway of compacted sand, offered an ideal proving ground for early 20th-century speed pioneers.
By the 1920s, Pendine had become the go-to location for land speed record attempts, where racing boundaries were pushed to exhilarating new heights.
In 1924, Sir Malcolm Campbell, a racing legend, brought his Sunbeam 350HP car, aptly named 'Blue Bird', to Pendine.
With the sands as his canvas, Campbell made history by setting a new world land speed record at 146.16 mph. The following year, his thirst for speed saw him return, breaking his own record with a remarkable 150.76 mph. These feats cemented Pendine's reputation as the ultimate stage for motoring glory.
Not to be outdone, Welsh-born engineer and driver J.G. Parry-Thomas rose to the challenge. In 1926, he piloted his custom-built car, 'Babs', to a new record of 169.30 mph, showcasing innovative engineering and daring driving.
Tragically, Parry-Thomas's pursuit of speed ended in 1927 when he was fatally injured attempting to reclaim the title. His car, buried on the sands after the accident, was later recovered and restored, symbolising the danger and determination that defined this era of racing.
Pendine Sands’ legacy went quiet for much of the 20th century until modern speed enthusiasts returned it to the spotlight.
In 2015, actor Idris Elba honoured the sands’ rich heritage by setting a new 'Flying Mile' record, reaching 180.361 mph in a Bentley Continental GT Speed. His achievement was a poignant nod to the daring pioneers who had blazed the trail almost a century before.
Today, Pendine Sands is celebrated as a historic hub for motorsport and engineering brilliance and its racing legacy is now preserved in the brilliant Museum of Land Speed.
Museum of Land Speed
The modern Museum of Land Speed at Pendine Sands is a tribute to the rich history of land speed record attempts on Pendine Beach’s famous sands – located right where history was made!
The museum overlooks the beach and is packed with artefacts, memorabilia, and stories about the daring feats of speed achieved on this historic stretch of coastline.
One of the museum’s highlights is its display of vehicles that have set land speed records on Pendine Beach over the years.
From Sir Malcolm Campbell’s legendary “Blue Bird” to John Godfrey Parry-Thomas’s “Babs,” you can get an up-close look at engineering marvels and technological innovations that propelled these vehicles to record-breaking speeds.
Interactive exhibits also let you delve into the stories of these speed pioneers, making it a must-see if you're interested in motorsport or engineering.
Coastal Walks along the Wales Coast Path
Pendine is not just about its sands. It’s also a gateway to the Wales Coast Path, stretching 870 miles around the country’s coastline. The section near Pendine offers dramatic clifftop views and a chance to spot local wildlife.
The trail leads west to the picturesque cove of Amroth, while the eastward route promises sweeping views of the Gower Peninsula and Carmarthen Bay.
Walking here in winter is an entirely different experience. The quieter paths, crisp air, and dramatic seascapes make it feel like you have the coast to yourself.
Be sure to pack sturdy boots, as parts of the path can be muddy after rain, but the effort is well worth it for the epic coastal scenery.
Adventures beyond the sands
Pendine isn’t just a place for walking—it’s also an adventure hub. Morfa Bay Adventure, located nearby, offers a range of activities that will get your heart racing.
From abseiling and archery to sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, there’s something for all adventure lovers. One of the standout experiences is land yachting—a thrilling way to glide across the sands at up to 30 mph speeds.
For history lovers, a short walk from the village brings you to Ragwen Point, where you can find remnants of a wartime training wall used during D-Day preparations.
The Atlantic Wall replica is a reminder of Pendine’s strategic importance during World War II, adding another layer to its already fascinating story.
Riding along the sands
If horsepower of a more traditional kind appeals to you, Marros Riding Centre offers guided treks through ancient woodland and, for the more experienced, exhilarating rides along the beach.
Imagine galloping along the surfline on horseback, with nothing but the sound of hooves and crashing waves in the background. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the sands.
For beginners or nervous riders, the centre’s staff are on hand to help, offering gentle rides that focus on enjoying the scenery rather than speed.
Where to eat
Bistro on the Bay
For the best ocean view, head to the Bistro on the Bay, the place to go. Perched right on the beachfront, this licensed Bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and evening meals and has evening entertainment like cabaret nights.
The small plate and tapas menu is full of tasty options, but the homemade leek and cheddar Glamorgan sausages served with rocket and sweet chilli jam are a standout.
The best part? It’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged pal along while enjoying what miht be the best beach view in Pendine.
Cambrian Ice Cream
Loved by Welsh celebs like Joanna Page and Wynne Evans, Cambrian Ice Cream offers a variety of lush flavours. Visit the parlour to grab a cone of salted caramel, strawberry, or mango sorbet and wander along the sands.
Springwell Inn
You can’t go wrong with the dog-friendly inn for proper pub food. It’s super cosy and serves all the classics you’d expect, like pies, fish and chips, and a cracking Sunday roast. It’s right near the beach, too, perfect for a post-walk pint and a hearty meal to end the day.
Stay at Caban
If you’re after a budget-friendly break by the sea, Caban Pendine is a great shout, with spacious rooms starting from just £75 a night. It’s modern, comfortable, and perfectly located for enjoying the beautiful Carmarthenshire coast without breaking the bank.
The hotel is right by Pendine Sands and is perfectly positioned for long walks or even a chilly dip in the sea if you’re feeling brave. Plus, with the ocean practically on your doorstep, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves—how dreamy is that?
One of the standouts here is the seafront restaurant, which serves up proper Welsh food made with fresh, local ingredients. The prices are a real bonus, too.
Their full-cooked breakfast is less than £7; if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the pancakes with maple syrup are only £4.50. That’s your morning sorted before heading out to explore.
Caban Pendine isn’t super fancy, but it’s got everything you need for a chilled weekend by the coast—comfy rooms, great food, and views that’ll have you reaching for your camera.
Travel Tips for Pendine and Carmarthenshire
Planning a visit to Pendine and Carmarthenshire? Here are some practical tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
Parking: A large car park is located next to Pendine Sands, making it convenient for beach access and exploring the village. Parking is generally easier to find in the off-season, but it can fill up during peak summer days.
Beach Access for Dogs: Dogs are welcome on most parts of Pendine Sands during the autumn and winter months. However, restrictions apply between the slipways from May to the end of September, so check signage if visiting in summer.
Wales Coast Path: The coastal path around Pendine offers stunning clifftop views and is well-signposted. Wear sturdy footwear, especially after rain, as some sections can get muddy. If hiking in winter, pack warm layers and be mindful of shorter daylight hours.
Nearby Amenities: Public toilets are available near the beach, and the village has several cafes and small shops within walking distance. These are perfect for warming up after a chilly day outdoors.
Military Firing Range: Parts of Pendine Sands are occasionally used as a Ministry of Defence firing range, which may limit access. Check for notices or restrictions before heading out.
Best Times to Visit: Winter is ideal for quieter walks and uninterrupted views, while summer brings a livelier atmosphere with more local events. Spring and autumn strike a nice balance, with milder weather and fewer visitors.
Local Wildlife and Tides: Check tide times if exploring rock pools or walking further along the sands. The area is home to various seabirds and marine life, so it’s a great spot for nature lovers.
