Traeth Penloin

Wild waves crash against dark rocks at this remote stretch of Cardigan Bay coastline, where dog walkers and serious beach combers come to escape the crowds. Traeth Penloin sits tucked away from the main tourist trails, offering a proper slice of rugged Welsh coast without the car parks and cafés that come with better-known spots.

The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles, with interesting rock pools when the tide's out - though it's not really one for bucket-and-spade families looking for gentle paddling. Strong currents make swimming questionable here, but the walking is brilliant along the clifftops either side.

This is definitely more of a walker's beach than a lounger's paradise. The approach involves a bit of a trek from whatever parking you can find near Cardigan, and facilities are non-existent. Bring everything you need, including waterproofs - this stretch gets the full force of Atlantic weather.

For those staying at nearby sites like Llety Caravan Park or Blaenwaun Caravan Park, it makes a good morning expedition when you fancy something wilder than the sanitised resort beaches. Just don't expect sun loungers or ice cream vans - this is Wales at its most authentically untamed.