Porthor and the Whistling Sands walk
The views are spectacular along this rugged coastline on the northern side of the Llŷn Peninsula. This is a great walk to absorb some of the history and heritage of the area.
Bringing your dog?
Whilst dogs are welcome on this walking trail, please be aware that dogs are only permitted on the beach during the winter months (1 October - 31 March).
Map
Start:
Car park at Whistling Sands, grid ref: SH170293
1
From the car park follow the orange way-marker along the path between the toilet cabins, then through a cluster of willow trees.
2
There are great views of the Whistling Sands down on your right. Locals gave this crescent-shaped beach its name because of the squeak or whistling sound the sand makes underfoot. Follow the path until you come to a bench and a kissing gate on your left.
The Whistling Sands' industrial past
The Whistling Sands used to be a busy port, importing lime and coal and exporting farm produce like butter, cheese, eggs and poultry. Now, the beach is only busy during the summer when the cries of the gulls are mixed with the sounds of people enjoying themselves.
3
Go through the kissing gate and follow the path that winds along the coastline. We're restoring the cliff slopes to your right, using aerial spraying to control bracken and returning to the tradition of grazing this coastline.
4
Keep a good lookout here; you might be lucky enough to spot a seal, porpoise or even a dolphin swimming off the coast.
5
The two islands down to your right are Dinas Bach ('small stronghold') and Dinas Fawr ('large stronghold'). Further along the coastline in the distance you'll see the peak of Mynydd Anelog rearing out of the Irish Sea.
Fortified islands
The islands of Dinas Bach and Dinas Fawr were probably fortified sites during the Iron Age, 2,000 years ago. Today they're popular haunts for grey seals.
6
Soon after you pass the first of the islands you come to a kissing gate with another immediately on your left. Go through both, following the way-marker up a gentle slope. Look out for yellowhammers and finches feeding on thistle seeds. The double fencing to the fields creates a wildlife corridor for all kinds of animals and birds.
7
Follow the way-marker around the edge of the field up to Carreg. Turn right through the last kissing gate and follow the orange marker past Carreg to the road. Look out for the distinctive red rock, jasper, which used to be quarried here at Carreg.
Lookout point
The circular tower at the top of the hill above Carreg Farm - which you reach in section 7 of the walk - was built as a lookout point and used during the Second World War. It was topped with a glass dome to give shelter to the watchers as they peered out into the Irish Sea looking for enemy vessels.
8
When you reach the road turn left. After about 650 yards (600m) you'll see a signpost for the Whistling Sands. Follow this lane back to your starting point in the car park.
End:
Car park at the Whistling Sands, grid ref: SH170293
