Banc Sidan

The beach at Banc Sidan is one of those stretches of Cardigan Bay that works harder than it looks. It's a proper working beach - you'll spot fishing boats alongside families hunting for shells, the sand firm enough to walk on for miles without your ankles giving up. The water's cold, mind you, even in summer, but that's North Wales for you.

What makes it different from the more famous spots around Pwllheli is the lack of fuss. No arcades, no pier, just a straightforward expanse of sand backed by low dunes. You get good views across the bay on clear days, and at low tide the beach stretches considerably wider. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - something increasingly rare along this coast.

Walkers will get the most from Banc Sidan, especially if you're combining it with a longer ramble along the shoreline. Families with younger children find it manageable though the approach involves a bit of scrambling, and the lack of facilities means you need to come prepared. That said, it's only three miles from Glampio Coed Glamping if you're staying nearby, and Treheli Farm sits even closer for a base.

Best visited outside peak summer when the car park situation and crowds are far more reasonable. Early morning light across the bay is genuinely lovely if you can face an early start. Allow at least a couple of hours to justify the journey, longer if walking is your thing.