Porthmadog: High water is 1 hours and 55 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Abersoch: High water is 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Aberdaron: High water is 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Bardsey Island: High water is 2 hours and 30 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Porth Oer: High water is 1 hours and 45 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Porth Ysgaden: High water is 1 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Porth Dinlaen: High water is 1 hours and 10 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Trefor: High water is 1 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Criccieth*: High water is 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead
Near Mochras Point: The north going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs. Sarn Badrig, a partly drying reef, extends around 12 miles south-west from Mochras Point. There may be turbulent water over the reef.
Dwyryd Estuary entrance: The east north-east going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The west south-west going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs. Streams are much slower away from the entrance. The east north-east going stream typically starts 30-45 minutes later at neaps.
St. Tudwal's Sound: Inshore of the St. Tudwal Islands: The north north-east going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south south-west going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. The strongest flow is between the islands. A southerly wind will produce rough seas. The flow can be avoided close inshore.
Trwyn Cilan: Headland to the east of Hell's Mouth The east going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The west going stream begins at 3 hours and 45 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The east going stream reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs. The east-going flow tends to run south-east off the headland. It is possible to paddle inshore against the flow in calm conditions. Steep cliffs often reflect waves to form clapotis here and along the coastline to the west.
Hell's Mouth: Tidal streams are generally weak close inshore along the bay, and along the coastline between Hell's Mouth and Porth Ysgo.
East entrance to Aberdaron Bay, Gwylan islands: Between the Gwylan islands and the headland of Ebolion: The east going stream begins at 30 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The west going stream begins at 2 hours and 30 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The east going stream reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.. A tide race forms on the west-going stream.
Eddy north of Pen y Cil: Along the coast to the north of Pen y Cil, during the south-east going flow in Bardsey Sound: An eddy here flows south south-west starting 2 hours and 15 minutes before low water at Holyhead.. this becomes strong during the latter part of the south-east going flow, forming overfalls at Pen y Cil if there is any wind or sea state from the south-west.
Bardsey Sound: The south-east going stream begins at 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The north-west going stream begins at 15 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 6 knots at springs.. The times of slack water may be around 10 minutes earlier at neaps. Very rough seas can form in wind against tide conditions. The slack water times vary markedly between sources. There is evidence that the slack water times vary day to day by +/-15 minutes. More information in my flow atlas.
Inshore Bardsey Sound: Eddies cause the tidal streams close inshore east of Braich y Pwll to change differently to those in the main Sound. The south-east going stream begins at 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The north-west going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 6 knots at springs. The 'young flood' running north-west can be strong. The north-west going flow reaches 8 knots at Carreg Ddu, creating strong eddy lines and large whirlpools. The flow reaches 6 knots at Trwyn Bychestyn, the headland opposite Carreg Ddu. A tide race forms early in the NW-going flow at Pen-y-Cil, which is typically impossible to paddle against. The SE-going inshore flow is weaker, including at Carreg Ddu. The SE-going flow is weak in the first half of the flow.
Inshore Bardsey Island: The south-east going stream begins at 15 minutes after high water at Holyhead. The north-west going stream begins at 15 minutes after low water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 6 knots at springs. During the south-going flow (south-east in Bardsey sound), the flow splits around the island at a location just south of the north-west point of the island. It flows strongly south along the west coast and east along the north coast, although it is reportedly possible to paddles against these streams. A significant tide race forms at Maen Du.
Eddy north-west Bardsey: An eddy flows south-east in the area to the north west of Bardsey during the north-west going flow. This may be especially strong, and cause turbulence, from 5 and half hours before to 2 hours before high water at Liverpool
Eddy east of Bardsey: During the main south-east going flow, an eddy forms to the east of Bardsey, causing a flow north up the coast from Pen Cristin to the north-east point of the island. Flows are less south of Pen Cristin, running gently south towards Maen Du.
Flow around Bardsey on north west stream.: During the north-west going stream, the flow splits around Bardsey Island, flowing north up the coast from Pen Cristin and flowing south towards Maen Du south of the Inlet of Henllwyn. This south-going flow continues flowing south from Maen Du, only turning north to join the flow up the west side of the island some distance south. The stream at Maen Du itself can be very swift and impossible to paddle against. During the North-west going stream, flow is slack on the west coast of Bardsey.
Braich Anelog: The north north-east going stream begins at 30 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south south-west going stream begins at 1 hours before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs. Eddy flows make the flows here run differently to those in Bardsey Sound.
Porth Ysgaden: The north-east going stream begins at 50 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
Carreg Ddu (Trwyn Dinillaen): The east north-east going stream begins at 50 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The west south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The east north-east going stream reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs. The west south-west going stream reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs. Overfalls form off the point. In calm conditions it is possible to paddle against the tide inshore of Carreg Ddu, but any sea state will create breaking waves in this channel.
Between Porth Dinllaen and Llanddwyn Isalnd: Off Trwyn y Tal: The north-east going stream begins at 45 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Borth y Gest*: The tide flows east north-east and west south-west. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Pont Briwet*: The north-east going stream begins at 15 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The north-east going stream reaches a speed of 2.5 knots at springs. The south-west going stream reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. Slack water times may vary by 45 minutes.
Crochendy Twrog*: On the Afon Dwyrd, just downstream from the A487 bridge: The tide flows north-east and south-west. . Time are affected by wind and river flow.
Mochras Lagoon entrance*: There is a tidal lagoon south of Llandanwg with a narrow entrance to the sea. The tide flows south-east and north-west. The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs.
Between Pwllheli and Cricceth*: Tidal streams along the north side of Tremadoc Bay, between Absersoch and Criccieth, especially between Pwllheli and the Glaslyn Estuary, are insignificant. The east going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The west going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Pwllheli harbour entrance*: The tide flows east and west. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
Between the Tudwal Islands*: The tide flows north and south. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Braich Anelog to Braich y Pwll*: Eddy streams in this area cause the flow to run south-west through most of the tidal cycle, increasing in strength when the stream at Braich Anelog turns south-west: An eddy here flows south-west starting 2 hours and 30 minutes after low water at Holyhead.
Eddy on north coast of Bardsey*: An eddy forms along the north coast of the island during the north-west going flow.
Eddy, south end of west coast of Bardsey*: A south-going eddy flow forms at the south end of Bardsey's west coast during the main north-west-going flow.
Eddy in Aberdaron Bay*: A east-going eddy forms in Aberdaron Bay during the west-going flow at Ebolion and the Gwylan islands.
Braich y Pwll*: The south going stream begins at 15 minutes before high water at Holyhead. The north going stream begins at 15 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 6 knots at springs. Streams run strongly here. Tide races form close to the headland - there is no shelter inshore. Significant overfalls form if the tide opposes wind or sea state.
Eddy south-easy of Braich y Pwll*: During the south-east going flow, an eddy forms to the south-easy of Braich y Pwll.
Eddy in Porth Nefyn*: By the midpoint of the north-east-going offshore stream, a south-west-going eddy forms in Porth Nefyn. The north-east-going is only felt inshore beyond the north end of Traeth Nefyn at Penrhyn Bodeilias..
Eddy in Porth Dinllaen*: By the midpoint of the north-east-going offshore stream, a west-going eddy forms in Porth Dinllaen.
Eddy east of Carreg Ddu*: The eddy in Porth Dinllaen continues along the east side of Carreg Ddu.
Eddy west of Trwyn Porth Dinllaen*: A weak eddy flows north here during the south-west-going flow at the point.
Penrhyn Mawr and Maen Mellt*: The north-east going stream begins at 55 minutes before low water at Holyhead. The south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 25 minutes after high water at Holyhead. The flow reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs. Overfalls can form at Penrhyn Mawr. A strong north-east going stream develops soon after slack water at Maen Mellt.
Penrhyn Nefyn to Carreg Ddu*: The tidal stream here flows west north-west starting 1 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Holyhead reaching a maximum speed of 3 knots at springs. A tide race forms between Carreg Ddu and Carreg y Chwislen over shallow rock ledges as the flow arcs north-westwards out of Porth Dinllaen. Because of the eddy streams in the bay, fast flows and races develop soon after slack water.
Traeth Penllech / Porth Colman*: An eddy runs towards Penrhyn Colmon on the north-east going offshore flow.
Eddy east of Penrhyn Mawr*: An eddy here flows west south-west reaching a maximum speed of 4 knots at springs.
Eddy in Porth Ysglaig*: An eddy flows west here during the north-east-going offshore flow.
Penrhyn Glas*: The tide flows north-east and south-west. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Eddy north of Porth Towyn*: A north-going eddy runs up the coast north of Porth Towyn during the south-west-going offshore flow.
North-going eddy in Traeth Penllech*: During the main south-west-going flow, an eddy runs north-east in the bay towards Penrhyn Melyn.
Eddy at Porth Wen Bach*: An eddy flows north toward Penrhyn Colmon during the main south-west-going flow
Eddy north of Porth Oer*: An eddy flows north to the north of Porth Oer, towards Penrhyn Mawr, during the main south-west-going flow.
Trefor to Dinas Dinlle*: The tide flows north-east and south-west. The flow reaches a speed of 1.5 knots at springs.
Porth Ceiriad: Often surf on the beach.
Hell's Mouth Beach: The beach is well known for its surf. The waves are best in the bottom half of the tide, with a heavy shore break forming near high water.
Portdinllaen NCI*: Portdinllaen NCI can be contacted on VHF channel 65 or 01758 435004.
Llandanwg: (SH 568 283) g Car park, short carry to the beach
Borth-y-Gest: (SH 565 375) g Large pay and display car park with slipway. Usable 2 hours either side of local high water. A 3 knot tidal stream can run across the bay.
Criccieth: (SH 505 381) g Parking along the Esplanade and in a large car park behind it. Ramp onto beach, short carry to the sea.
Abererch: (SH 403 359) g Car park just over the level crossing with height barrier. It may be possible to drop the boats further down the road, close to the holiday park entrance. 150 m from the car park to the beach.
Pwllheli Traeth Glan-y-Don: (SH 384 350) g Large car park by the beach. Height barrier. 500m carry at low water springs. Best above half-tide.
Pwllheli Beach: (SH 373 342) g Parking all along the Promenade, a short carry from the beach. This is a good option at low water.
Llanbedrog: (SH 332 314) g National trust pay and display car park near the beach. 500m walk to sea at low water springs. Best above half-tide.
Abersoch North: (SH 316 291) g Limited parking on road verge. Carry 150m along a narrow path through the dunes to the beach.
Abersoch Marina: (SH 315 283) g Small parking area, with a short walk to a slipway. Likely better at higher tide levels.
Abersoch Lon Traeth: (SH 317 281) g Small pay car park, closer to the beach than the main pay and display further south.
Abersoch South: (SH 316 277) g Pay and display car park a short distance from a slipway onto the beach. Short carry across beach, usable at all states of the tide. Likely busy on summer weekends - be aware of zones allocated to swimmers and guidelines on where to launch on this beach.
Machroes: (SH 317 266) g Car park behind sea wall, slipways onto the beach. May be a long walk at low tide.
Porth Neigwl: (SH 282 264) g Small car park. 250m carry to the beach along a sandy path. Be aware that there may be surf on the beach.
Aberdaron: (SH 171 264) g Large car park by the river. Short carry from here onto the beach to launch.
Porth Oer: (SH 166 298) g Road goes down to the beach, but parking is 300 m away at a National Trust car park. There may be a further 100m carry across the sand at low water. Surf can form here with a swell from the south-west.
Porth Colmon: (SH 195 342) g Small parking area with slipway onto small shingle beach, 50m carry at low water.
Porth Ysgaden: (SH 220 374) g A track leads to a parking area above the beach, with a path down to a slipway. At low water, the slipway leads onto a beach, requiring a 50m carry.
Porth Dinllaen: (SH 282 408) g The road goes all the way to the beach, and boats could be dropped here. Large National Trust car park up a footpath from here - or drive back to crossroads and turn sharp right.
Trefor: (SH 376 472) g Large beach car park, 100m carry at low water. At low water, stay close to harbour wall to avoid soft clay on the shore east of the harbour.
Aberdesach: (SH 425 515) g Reasonably sized parking area by the beach
Llanenddwyn*: (SH 572 227) g Car park near end of road with height barrier, parking along road outside height barrier. From the road end it is a 300m carry down to a stony beach.
Dwyryd, Bryn Mawr*: (SH 649 402) g Layby opposite a gated entrance signed 'Bryn Mawr'. From the layby, a gate provides access to a field and a backwater of the river. Likely best around high water.
Pont Briwet*: (SH 619 382) g Layby (avoid blocking gate) at south end of bridge on east side of road. A 100m carry from here across sand leads to the shore, depending on tide. Tidal stream may run up to 3 knots below the bridge.
Crochendy Twrog*: (SH 658 406) g Layby off the road on the south side of the road, just to the south-west of the few buildings (and narrowing of the road) that make up Crochendy Twrog. A public footpath leads from the layby down to the river Dwyryd. Park considerately and lift boats carefully over any gates to avoid jeopardising access for local outdoor centres.
Abergafren*: (SH 600 379) g At the end of the public road is a small parking area (signs prohibiting sleeping in vehicles overnight). A path leads through a gate down to the water. Usable in the top half of the tide. May not be easy to find from the water.
Black Rock Sands*: (SH 530 373) g Parking on beach, cost £5. 200m walk at low water.
Treheli Farm*: (SH 242 284) g A path leads steeply up from the beach (public footpath), passing briefly through a campsite before reaching a minor road with a small parking area. The 150m carry up a steep and poor path, an equally long carry across the brach (tide dependant) and the possibility of surf make this access point difficult to recommend.
Traeth Nefyn*: (SH 301 407) g Parking for around 15 cars on the road leading down to the beach. Carry of perhaps 200m at low water. If busy, drop boats here and park in the village - heading back to the main road and turning right brings you to a car park 'Ffordd Dewi Sant Parking', from which it is a 500m walk back to the beach. Parking may also be possible to the left along the main road, just to the east of the village school, either on the road or in car parks.
Bardsey: Bardsey Island is well worth a visit to explore the ancient remains, visit the one or two wonderfully informal shops and cafes or just sunbathe on the hill watching the tides flow. The tides in Bardsey sound are fast flowing and complex, so getting to Bardsey and back requires careful planning.
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