Coast |Eryri National Park

74 miles of stunning coastline

You couldn’t have a more varied and dramatic landscape than Eryri’s.

The National Park is home to 74 miles of spectacular coastline, with beaches and shores as breathtaking as the mountains and forests.

There are very few places in the world where it is possible to experience such a wide variety of environments within such a short distance.

The beautiful Dyfi, Mawddach and Dwyryd estuaries, together with the spectacular coastline and sandy beaches, contribute to Eryri’s wide variety of landscapes.

Eryri's Coastal Wildlife

Dolphins

Dolphins can be seen from some of Eryri National Park's beaches. Cardigan Bay is home to a high number of dolphins.

Crabs

There are many different species of crab living on the coast of Eryri. They are often found in ponds at low tide.

Starfish

One of the most common creatures found on our coast and in our seas. There are all sorts of different species to be seen along the coasts of Eryri.

Seals

There are two types of seals in Wales – the Grey Seal and the Common Seal. The Grey seal is the species most commonly found along the Welsh coast.

Porpoise

The Porpoise looks very much like a dolphin but without its long nose. The Harbour Porpoise is the most common species in Wales.

Mining bees

Many types of mining bees can be found in dune systems. This type of bee nests in the sand, and unlike other bees, lives alone.

Marram Grass

Marram Grass is an extremely important plant in dune systems. The plant's roots help bind the sand together so that other plants can eventually grow.

An outstanding coastline

The Mawddach and Dyfi estuaries are part of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere Reserve of outstanding environmental quality. Biosphere reserves are places where important conservation and ecological approaches can be trialled.

Wales Coastal Path

Wales is the only country in the world that has a complete, uninterrupted path along its entire coastline. Many sections of the 870-mile route pass through Eryri National Park.

Wales Coast Path website

Morfa Harlech Sand Dunes

The dune system at Morfa Harlech is one of the most important dune systems in Britain and one of only a handful in Wales.

Such areas are becoming increasingly rare.

It is one of Wales’ richest natural treasures and is home to a wide variety of wildlife that has evolved specifically to live in such a habitat.

Along with Morfa Dyffryn in the south, the dune system has been designated a National Nature Reserve and areas of the beach have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Dogs

Information about walking your dog in the National Park.

Dogs in the National Park

Safety

Information about keeping safe in the outdoors.

Safety in the National Park

Marine Code

Information about the Marine Code.

About the Marine Code