Tenby: High water is 15 minutes before high water at Milford Haven
Stackpole Quay: High water is 10 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
West Angle Bay: High water is 5 minutes before high water at Milford Haven
Milford Haven: Milford Haven is a standard port.
Daugleddau, near Lawrenny: High water is 20 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Haverfordwest: High water is 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
St. Martin's Haven: High water is 10 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Little Haven: High water is 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Solva: High water is 15 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Ramsey Island: High water is 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Whitesands Bay: High water is 10 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Porthgain: High water is 50 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Aber Mawr: High water is 1 hours and 10 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Fishguard: High water is 1 hours after high water at Milford Haven
Newport: High water is 1 hours and 20 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Poppit Sands: High water is 1 hours and 5 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Aberporth: High water is 1 hours and 35 minutes after high water at Milford Haven
Off Tenby: The north going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The south going stream begins at 1 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Between Caldey and Tenby: The north north-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 50 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The south south-west going stream begins at 1 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 1.4 knots at springs.
Off the south east side of Caldey: The north-east going stream begins at 6 hours and 10 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south-west going stream begins at 10 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 1.5 knots at springs.
Caldey Sound: The east north-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 55 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The west south-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 10 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The east north-east going stream reaches a speed of 2.6 knots at springs. The west south-west going stream reaches a speed of 2.2 knots at springs.
Between Stackpole Head and Caldey: The east north-east going stream begins at 5 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The west south-west going stream begins at 1 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
St. Govan's Head and Stackpole Head: The north-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The south-west going stream begins at 2 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs. The streams run across the bay between the two headlands.
Between Crow Rock and St. Govan's Head: The east south-east going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The west north-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs. The stream here turns earlier than St. Govan's Head as an inshore eddy forms, running north west, during the last of the offshore south-east flow.
North of Linney Head: The stream is almost continuously south-going. At and past Linney head, the stream heads south-east and north-west to and from Crow Rock. There can be rough water at Linney Head.
Freshwater West: The stream here heads south-south east almost constantly.
Off St. Ann's Head: The south-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The north-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 20 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 1.8 knots at springs. These streams presumably run across the entrance to Milford Haven.
Entrance to Milford Haven: West of West Blockhouse Point: The north north-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 55 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south south-west going stream begins at 20 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Milford Haven, South of Stack Rock: The east going stream begins at 5 hours and 50 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 15 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The east going stream reaches a speed of 1.4 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 1.2 knots at springs.
Milford Haven, North of the refinery at Rhoscrowther: The east going stream begins at 6 hours and 10 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 5 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The east going stream reaches a speed of 1.4 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 1.2 knots at springs.
Milford Haven, near entrance to Pembroke River: The east going stream begins at 6 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 15 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The east going stream reaches a speed of 1.8 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 1.9 knots at springs.
Milford Haven, near A4139 Cleddau bridge: The east going stream begins at 6 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 10 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 2.5 knots at springs. To the west of the bridge, in the area north of Pembroke Dock, the stream mainly follows the channel. A strong eddy forms during the west-going flow near Hazelbeach.
Inshore, west of St. Ann's Head: The south-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 15 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The north-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 10 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 4.5 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
East of Skokholm: The south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 55 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
Eddy south of Gatesholm: An eddy forms here, with the following flows: The tide flows south-east and north-west. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Broad Sound: Between Skomer and Skokholm: The east going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 1 hours and 55 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
South coast of Skomer: The flow around the south tip of Skomer is almost constantly westerly. It flows strongly from around 3 hours before high water at Milford Haven until 3 hours after high water at Milford Haven. Overfalls can form around the Mew Stone. Fast water outside the Mew Stone, and a tidal rapid forming over a ledge inside the Mew Stone can make progressing east challenging or impossible. The ledge inside the Mew Stone dries at low water.
West of Skomer and Skokholm: The north going stream begins at 2 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 4.5 knots at springs. The Wildgoose Race forms off the west side of Skokholm - it can be violent on Springs when the flow opposes the wind. A less turbulent race forms north east of Skokholm. Overfalls form off the west of Skomer.
North east coast of Skomer: The flow here is almost constantly north westerly. It is strongest inshore between 3 hours after and 6 hours after high water at Milford Haven. Overfalls may form around the Garland Stone.
Jack Sound: The north going stream begins at 4 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south going stream begins at 2 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 6 knots at springs. Strong eddies form behind Midland Isle and Tusker Rock. Eddies can often be used to pass upstream through the sounds. Considerable overfalls forms here. On north-going flow, streams are somewhat weaker south of The Anvil, making crossing from Limpet Rocks easier than in the main flow. The south-going flow runs strongly close to The Anvil, Limpet Rocks and The Bench. Rocks scattered across the main flow can facilitate crossing by means of a series of fairly short ferry glides. Little Sound can provide a good training venue, although care is required given that the race runs straight out to sea.
West of Little Haven: In Goultrop Roads: The east going stream begins at 5 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 2 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs. The west-going flow continues for 9 and a half hours.
Newgale to Little Haven: No significant streams. There may be a slightly southerly flow around 3 hours before high water at Milford Haven.
Between Porthclais and Newgale: Streams are below 1 knot. Streams increase in speed to the west of Porthclais, running fast around Carreg Fran and Porthaflod
West side of Ramsey: The tide flows north and south south-east. The north going stream reaches a speed of 3.3 knots at springs. The south south-east going stream reaches a speed of 2.2 knots at springs. The north-going stream runs strongly around Carreg Gwylan and Trwyn Bendro. The south-going stream is strong around Trwyn-drain-du, Trwynllundain and Carreg Gwylan. However, it is normally possible to make progress along the west side of Ramsey in the opposite direction to the stream by using inshore eddies.
Ramsey Sound: The north going stream begins at 3 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south going stream begins at 3 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 4.3 knots at springs. The flow can reach 6 knots in the narrowest part of the Sound. A tidal rapid forms around The Bitches Rocks. In south-going flows, this provides a good place to practise simple moving water skills. In north-going flows, The Bitches can provide large standing waves for serious playboaters, especially at springs.
Eddy south of The Bitches: On the south-going flow, an eddy runs from Ynys Cantwr to The Bitches.
Eddy on east coast of Ramsey: During the north-going stream, an eddy forms downstream of the Bitches on the east coast of Ramsey. During the south-going stream, a north-going eddy runs towards Trwyn Ogof Hen.
Horse Rock: Roughly halfway between St. Justininans and the small harbour just to the north of the Bitches on Ramsey, is a drying pinnacle called Horse Rock. On the north-going stream, considerable turbulence and a whirlpool occurs here. Keep well away!
Eddy on east side of Ramsey Sound: On the north-going flow, an eddy flows south from Point St. John to Penmaen Melyn. On the south-going flow, an eddy runs from Porthstinian to Point St. John.
Eddy near Trwyn Sion Owen: A strong north-west going stream occurs here at the start of the south-going stream.
Near Gwahan: The south-going stream divides near Gwahan, one stream running into Ramsey sound, the other running around the west side of Ramsey. An eddy forms behind the island, which can be a convenient stopping place if heading to the west of Ramsey from Whitesands Bay.
Twyll y Dillyn and Twyll y Gwyddel: The east going stream begins at 2 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 5 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. These times are uncertain. The streams runs strongly here, reportedly up to 6 knots. It can certainly be difficult, if not impossible, to paddle against the west-going flow. A significant race can form in Bay Dillyn when the westerly flow is strong. If the group cannot make the short, but challenging, move up these channels, two options remain for entering Ramsey Sound. If Twll y Gwyddel (the gap north of Ynys Cantwr) is dry, it is reportedly possible to portage through here. The second option is paddle around Ynys Bery. Be aware that the stream runs strongly around the south tip (although not as strongly as through the gap) and the stream runs south along half of the island's east coast during the north-going stream, due to this stream splitting in the vicinity of Ynys Eilun.
West of the Bishops: The north going stream begins at 2 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Between Ramsey Island and the Bishops and Clerks: The north north-east going stream begins at 2 hours and 55 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The south south-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 5 knots at springs. A large area of rough water can form when the tide is flowing strongly in this area.
St. Davids head to Abereiddy: The east north-east going stream begins at 2 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west south-west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 2.5 knots at springs. Flows are weak in bays but can be strong off headlands. Races may form at Carreg-gwylan-fach and St. Davids Head. On the south-west going stream a race forms at Penllechwen. A north-east going eddy can form close inshore to St. Davids Head, running for an hour after the main flow has turned south west.
Between Abereiddy and Aber Mawr: The east north-east going stream begins at 2 hours and 25 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west south-west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 2.5 knots at springs. Flows are weak in the bays, but can be strong off headlands, causing races off Ynys Deullyn, between Port gain and Penclegyr and around Cerrig Gwyllan.
West of Strumble Head: The tidal stream here flows north north-east reaching a maximum speed of 2.5 knots at springs. The stream runs strongly off Penbwchdy and Pen Brush. Streams probably run north here for much of the tidal cycle due to an eddy behind Strumble Head.
Strumble Head: The east north-east going stream begins at 2 hours and 15 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west south-west going stream begins at 4 hours and 40 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs. Substantial races can form. Races form on the east-going flow off Carreg Onnen and Ynys Meicel. On the west-going flow, races form between Pen Caer and Ynys Meicel.
Coast west of Fishguard Bay: Off Pen Angles: The east going stream begins at 2 hours and 30 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 20 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The east going stream reaches a speed of 1.7 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 1.9 knots at springs. Note that the flow here is affected by an eddy forming behind Stumble Head, causing the flow to be westerly for much of the time.
In Fishguard Bay: An eddy forms here, with the following flows: The east south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 50 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 30 minutes after high water at Milford Haven. The east south-east going stream reaches a speed of 0.7 knots at springs. The west north-west going stream reaches a speed of 0.5 knots at springs.
Dinas Head: The east going stream begins at 2 hours and 5 minutes before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The east going stream reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs. The west going stream reaches a speed of 1.5 knots at springs. Tidal streams are not significant in the bays either side of Dinas Head
Inshore stream east of Dinas Head: Between Needle Rock and Llech Isaf: The tidal stream here flows west north-west reaching a maximum speed of 2 knots at springs. Overfalls may form off Llech Isaf. This stream probably occurs during the middle of the west-going stream.
Between Cardigan and Newport Bay: The north-east going stream begins at 2 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The south-west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The streams are not significant.
Teifi Entrance: The south-east going stream begins at 3 hours and 25 minutes after high water at Holyhead. The north-west going stream begins at 3 hours and 30 minutes before high water at Holyhead. Weak within the bay, but increasing in strength in the shallows, and strong in the narrow parts of the channel, especially at the entrance narrows by Pen yr Ergyd. Heavy surf can form over the bar. At low water, the estuary is entered by the hotel on the east side into a buoyed channel.
Between Cardigan Island and the Mainland: The north-east going stream begins at 2 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The south-west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 2 knots at springs.
Between Aberporth and Cardigan Island: The east going stream begins at 2 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The streams are not significant.
Between Aberporth and New Quay: The north-east going stream begins at 2 hours before high water at Milford Haven. The south-west going stream begins at 4 hours after high water at Milford Haven. The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs. A small race can form off Ynys Lochtyn.
West Beacon Point, Caldey*: Observations suggest that the flow is often south-going here, forming a small race at the Point.
Penally Range: Firing times from a recorded message on 01834 843522 or the camp office on 01834 845950. A safety boat patrols the area during firing, and they may come to chat with kayakers in the area. It is possible to paddle close inshore around the west tip of Caldey (St. Margaret's Island) without entering the range danger area.
Castle Head Range, Manorbier: Firing times can be obtained from the range on 01834 870105 and 01834871282 or from a recorded message on 01834 870098 or online.
Castlemartin Firing Range: Extends from the car park at Freshwater west to Broad Haven beach (Trefalen). Firing times can be obtained from a recorded message at 01646 662367, range control at 01646 662336 or VHF 16 or the gate house 01646 662280. Info online here.
Milford Haven harbour: Information on Milford Haven Harbour is available at www.mhpa.co.uk. The harbourmaster is on VHF channel 12, and it is sensible to monitor this. All craft must keep 100 m away from the petroleum jetties. There are several waterskiing and jet ski areas in the harbour - see the website.
Fishguard Harbourmaster: May be contacted on VHF channel 14 or 01348 873369. Alternatively, you can obtain the ferry departure times from Stena Line: 08705 707070 or 08705 755755 or their website .
MOD Aberporth Range: MOD (ex DERA) Aberporth has a vast range spanning a large proportion of the Irish Sea. Kayakers sticking to the coastline likely only need to be aware of the danger area immediately around Pencribach (Cribach Bay to Carreg Wynt). Contact 01239 813480 or 01239 813760 or VHF channel 11 or 16, callsign 'Aberporth Marine Control'. See Qinetiq website.
Amroth: (SN 164 070) g Large free car park just back from the beach. Roadside parking close to the beach further east.
Wisemans Bridge: (SN 146 062) g Car parking by the beach.
Saundersfoot Coppet Hill: (SN 140 053) g Large car park next to the beach.
Tenby South Beach: (SN 132 001) g Pay and display car park by the beach which can get busy - arrive early. If this is full there is a very large car park a short walk up the hill to the north east (Rectory pay and display car park)
Manorbier: (SS 061 976) g Large car park about 250 m from the beach. It may be possible to drop boats 100 m closer. The beach can be popular with surfers.
Freshwater East: (SS 017 978) g Car parks near a short wide path down to the beach.
Stackpole Quay: (SR 993 957) g Paid car park 150m up the road from a small beach.
Broad Haven: (SR 977 939) g Car park above beach, 100 m carry down to beach down some (not terribly steep) concrete steps.
Freshwater West: (SR 886 996) g Parking area by the beach. May be busy with surfers. There are areas of quicksand on the beach.
West Angle Bay: (SM 853 031) g Large beach car park.
Angle Bay East: (SM 897 021) g Limited parking by the road or in a layby. Best near high water - much mud and sand exposed at low water.
Hobbs Point: (SM 968 042) g Small car park with slipway and pontoon. Usable 5 hours either side of high water.
East Lannion: (SM 982 042) g Large car park, with slipway usable at all states of the tide.
Lawrenny Quay: (SN 011 061) g Car park, access possible across shingle at all states of tide.
Black Tar Point: (SM 999 095) g Slipway usable 3 hours either side of high water. Limited parking a little way up the lane.
Landshipping: (SN 011 118) g Slipway usable 5 hours either side of high water. Rather limited parking.
Picton Ferry: (SN 010 122) g Small parking area with a nearby ramp to the water.
Haverfordwest: (SM 956 154) g Slipway by the Bristol Trader Pub. Parking available in an adjacent car park and on the road nearby, but can be busy. Usable a hour either side of high water.
Neyland Green Lane: (SM 966 048) g A lane to the west of a large car park runs down to the water. Usable 4 hours either side of high water.
Neyland pontoon: (SM 963 048) g Car park and pontoon on Trafalgar Terrace next to yacht club.
Hazelbeach: (SM 948 048) g Small car park. Pontoon provides access at most states of the tide.
Milford Haven: (SM 904 057) g Plenty of parking near a slipway into Milford Haven at the eastern end of the Marina, usable 5 hours either side of high water.
Gelliswick Bay: (SM 888 057) g Car park and slipway near the sailing club.
Sandy Haven: (SM 857 074) g Car park with height barrier with narrow lane down to the river and beach.
Pickleridge: (SM 809 067) g Large car parking area. Best near high water, as much mud becomes exposed when the tide is low.
Dale: (SM 812 058) g Large pay and display car park near the beach, £5 in 2021. Pontoon and slipway, allowing access at all states of the tide. Can be busy.
Martin's Haven: (SM 760 091) g Large national trust car park (with overflow parking) 200 m up the road from a small beach. It may be possible to drop boats closer to the water by reversing down a steep lane. In the mornings Martins Haven is often busy with day trippers and watersports groups, so it can pay to arrive early. It always feels much quieter and more laid back when you return in the afternoon. Public toilets, which often provide nesting places for the local House Martins.
St. Brides Haven: (SM 802 109) g Free parking, with toilets, on the north side of the churchyard, a short carry to the beach.
Little Haven: (SM 857 129) g Slipway onto beach with loading spaces to drop boats. Public car park 100 m to the south. Steep and narrow roads must be negotiated to get into the village - launching at Broad Haven may be easier?
Broad Haven: (SM 861 139) g Large car park a 120 m walk from the north end of the beach. The walk across the beach is long at low tide.
Nolton Haven: (SM 859 186) g Large car park set just back from the beach.
Newgale: (SM 849 218) g Several car parks near the beach. The steep beach can make landing difficult near high water.
Solva: (SM 805 243) g Paid car park at the head of the inlet, which can be busy in summer. A slipway here provides access to the sea at high water. At lower water, boats can be dropped at a small shingle beach on the north shore of the harbour on the road down to the sailing club.
Caerfai: (SM 760 244) g Reasonably sized car park. 200 m carry down a steep track to the beach.
Porth Clais: (SM 741 241) g National Trust car park, as well as a separate car park operated by the harbour authority, a short distance from slipways in a long inlet. Much of the inlet dries at low water, making for a carry of up to 400m. Launching fee (£1 in 2021) payable into the honesty box.
Porthstinian: (SM 724 252) g Small car park by the road. 100m carry with steep steps to a small shingle beach.
Porthselau: (SM 727 260) g It may be possible to park in the camping field above the beach - fee payable at Pencaran Farm. Short steep path to beach.
Whitesands Bay: (SM 734 272) g Large car park by the beach. Popular in summer. Can be surf - the south end of the bay is often quieter, with less board surfers and swimmers.
Abereiddy: (SM 797 313) g The beach car park is a reasonable size, but smaller than it used to be due to erosion and it tends to fill up. A large overflow car park has now been opened in a field up the hill - it should be possible to drop boats at the beach first. £5 charge to park in either car park in 2024, payable to the helpful attendants. Public toilets a short walk from the car park.
Porthgain: (SM 814 325) g Plenty of parking near the slipway into the harbour. Cafe selling excellent scones and cakes. Public toilets.
Aber Draw: (SM 834 324) g Very limited roadside parking by the sign marking the edge of Trefin. A 100 metre walk past a ruin leads to a small beach.
Abercastle: (SM 853 337) g Small car park by slipway onto beach.
Aber Mawr: (SM 884 348) g Limited roadside parking near the end of the lane. 300 metre carry down a path to the beach.
Aber Bach: (SM 884 350) g Very limited roadside parking where a path leaves the road, providing access to the south end of the beach with a 200 metre carry.
Goodwick: (SM 948 380) g Parking near a slipway in the harbour. Dries at low water, exposing a large area of mud and sand.
Fishguard Lower Town: (SM 963 372) g Car park near the bridge with access to the water at high water. At low water, there is a slipway at the end of the harbour, where boats can be dropped or picked up. The car park can flood at high tides.
Pwllgwaelod: (SN 005 399) g Car park a short walk from the beach. Likely busy in summer.
Cwm-yr-Eglwys: (SN 015 401) g Small paid car park a short carry from a small beach. Can be busy in summer.
Newport: (SN 052 397) g The Parrog car park has slipways to access the water. Note that there is a bar across the river entrance, and that the river is entered at the very west end of the bay at low water.
Newport bridge: (SN 062 394) g Parking by the road at the south end of the bridge. Access via a small grassy area adjacent to the road. Best at high water - it may not be possible to reach this point below half tide.
Newport Sands: (SN 054 405) g Pay and display car park by the beach. Can be popular with surfers.
Ceibwr: (SN 110 456) g Limited parking in a small layby, from which a track leads down to the beach.
Poppit Sands: (SN 152 486) g Large car park. Carry to the water is around 250 m at high water, but can be 500 m at low water.
West bank of the Teifi: (SN 158 482) g Limited parking on the grass verge. Access over the salt marsh, may be easier than Poppit Sands, especially at low water, if the mud can be avoided.
Cilgerran, Teifi: (SN 198 430) g Large parking area for those wishing to explore upstream on the Teifi.
East side of Teifi, roadside slip: (SN 165 485) g A slipway leads off the road. It is possible to park on the road here. Launching is possible at all states of the tide, although you may have to drag the boat some distance at low water.
East side of the Teifi, boatyards: (SN 163 486) g A track leads past boatyards to the beach. Possible to park on beach. Access possible at all states of the tide.
Mwnt: (SN 193 519) g Large car park at the top of the cliffs. Long and steep carry down 140 steps to the beach. Not a great access point.
Aberporth: (SN 258 515) g A ramp leads down to the beach from the car park. In summer, car parks operate on the outskirts of the village.
Tresaith: (SN 278 515) g Slipway onto beach, with very limited space for parking, or indeed turning. More parking in a field at the top of the village.
Penbryn: (SN 293 524) g Boats can be dropped at the turning area by the beach. National Trust car park 500 metres up the road.
Llangrannog: (SN 311 542) g Car park by the beach. There is a large car park around 800m up the road if this is full.
Cwmtydu: (SN 356 575) g Small car park by the shingle beach. A larger car park, just up the road, has public toilets.
New Quay: (SN 390 601) g Access by slipway or onto the beach. Car parks around 300m away up the hill. Likely busy in summer.
Llanina Point: (SN 405 598) g Car parking in the woods near Llanina church. A couple of hundred yards along a path by the stream to the beach.
Cei Bach: (SN 409 597) g Campsite, car park and toilets, steep carry down to the beach.
Caldey Island: The trip around Caldey Island is an enjoyable, if short, paddle from Tenby. Tidal flows around the island can make for interesting conditions especially in Caldey Sound, at West Beacon Point and Chapel Point. Conditions on the south side of the island can be very different to those on the north side. Caldey Island, including the foreshore, is owned by the monastery. No landing is permitted on Sunday, but at other times, it is possible to land in Priory Bay and look around for a fee - see the website
Skomer and Skokholm: The islands at the south end of St. Bride's Bay are surrounded by strong tides and home to a profusion of wildlife. Martin's Haven is the usual launch point, with no good alternatives south of here until beyond the entrance to Milford Haven. Strong tidal streams run around the islands, especially through Jack Sound, which you will need to ferry glide across. The area is best avoided when strong winds oppose the tidal stream. You will also encounter tidal flows in Little Sound and at the north, west and south points of Skomer. Paddling upstream through Little Sound may well not be possible. Making upstream progress around the Mew Stone may also be challenging. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing wildlife all along the coastline of these islands - more information here. From March to July inclusive, the areas around Bull Hole and The Wick on Skomer must be avoided. Between September and February inclusive, you must stay out of the east side of North Haven and give the point to the south of The Neck (out to Shag Rock) a wide berth. No landing is normally permitted on Skokholm, and North Haven is the only landing permitted on Skomer (fee to access the island).
Stack Rocks and surrounding coastline: The coastline from Martin's Haven to Little Haven is well worth exploring for those keen on exploring rocky shorelines. Tidal flow is minimal in this area, so swell and wind will be the main planning considerations. Stack Rocks is worth a visit, especially if you can get there around high tide. St. Brides is a great launch point, being quieter and easier than either Martin's Haven or Little Haven.
Porth Clais to Solva: This section of coast makes a fine trip with excellent rock hopping. It provides good shelter from a northerly wind. The trip can easily be extended to Newgale if desired. A bus following the main road from Newgale to St.Davids via Solva is handy for a shuttle. Non-drivers would be wise to carry some cash for the tea shop in Solva or the pub at Newgale.
Ramsey Island: The paddle around Ramsey makes for a fantastic trip. Clearly, good weather and a competent group well-versed in tidal planning and paddling will be required. Depending on the tides, the normal start points are Whitesands Bay or Porth Clais. Approaching from the north, Gwahan makes for a good place to pause. From here it is sensible to commit to the stream going around the west side of the island (or into the Sound), as attempting to follow the slack water towards Ramsey can leave a group scattered as the flow divides around the Island. Although the the flow can certainly be felt on the west side of Ramsey, there are plenty of eddies and bays and progress can normally be made against the flow if needed. Depending on the season, there may be a profusion of seals here, making it hard or impossible to land for lunch. Be aware of the flows through the gaps in the islands south of Ramsey. Although confident paddlers with whitewater skills may well be able to make the short upstream move against the flow here, you may not wish to assume that the whole group will. A portage is often possible through a gap in the rocks north of the channel. A significant race can form here around the time that a group paddling clockwise around Ramsey from Porth Clais will likely pass through. Within Ramsey Sound, The Bitches forms a famous tidal rapid, although an inshore route will normally be fairly straightforward. Be aware of Horse Rock - the overfalls here are best avoided when the tide is flowing - stick close to Ramsey until you are confident that you are downstream of this area.
Back to index