South Wales Wales

There’s a Welsh beach where people queue up for ages to park on the sand for £6

June 4, 2023
Cardiff News Online reporter

Nestled along the Gwynedd coastline, Black Rock Sands at Morfa Bychan near Porthmadog stands out as one of the region’s most popular and unique beaches. Unlike traditional beaches where visitors park their vehicles and walk down to the shoreline, Black Rock Sands offers a distinctive experience—driving directly onto the sandy expanse, stopping as close to the sea as one dares. However, caution is advised, as strict parking regulations aim to ensure safety and prevent hazards to both people and vehicles.

Regrettably, in recent times, the beach has seen an influx of reckless and dangerous drivers who disregard these rules, leading to police intervention and the seizure of cars. Some beachgoers have even required rescue by emergency services after falling victim to high tide warnings, witnessing their vehicles being swamped by the advancing sea. Yet, this idyllic paradise faces additional challenges. Motorhome and campervan owners have been fined for ignoring parking restrictions on the beach, resulting in a £50 penalty. In response, North Wales Police have increased collaboration with Cyngor Gwynedd Council’s maritime beach patrol team to monitor and prevent dangerous driving incidents on the sand.

Curious about the experience firsthand, I decided to visit Black Rock Sands and discover its allure. As luck would have it, my timing was perfect, coinciding with the record-breaking temperatures in Porthmadog. However, it appeared that everyone else had the same idea. After enduring a reasonable 15-minute queue and paying the somewhat steep £6 entry fee (making it one of the priciest beaches I’ve visited), I finally gained access to drive onto the sands. I opted for the dog-free zone at the northern end of the beach, carefully maneuvering my vehicle among the sea of cars, tents, and beach paraphernalia set up by fellow visitors. Eventually, I chanced upon a suitable spot that struck a balance between proximity to the sea and respect for others’ sunbathing space.

Although there seemed to be some semblance of a parking system, it felt like a chaotic mishmash of vehicles around me. Vaguely discernible rows existed, but invariably, there was at least one car that had missed the memo or deliberately ignored the order. Considering the small team at the entrance gate tasked with managing hundreds of cars scattered across the beach, I couldn’t help but sympathize with the difficult job they faced. Unfortunately, I hadn’t planned for an afternoon of sunbathing and had not dressed accordingly for a day at the beach. Trying to maintain composure, I ventured out of my car, clad in jeans and a shirt, while perspiring profusely beneath the stifling heat.

As I made my way towards the sea, capturing snapshots of the picturesque scenery while deliberately avoiding any intrusive close-ups, I encountered an unexpected turn of events. Just as I focused my lens on the pristine sandy beach, an unfamiliar off-road vehicle approached, featuring an unfamiliar logo. Behind the wheel were a couple of individuals sporting yellow t-shirts similar to those I had observed at the entrance gate. They cast a few casual glances in my direction, sparking a flicker of curiosity. Dismissing it initially, I continued forward, capturing a few more shots. Yet, without delay, the car edged even closer to my position.