Mwnt

Mwnt is a small sheltered cove on the Ceredigion coast a few miles north of Cardigan, its sandy beach tucked beneath Foel y Mwnt, the conical grassy hill that is a landmark from far out in Cardigan Bay, with the tiny medieval Church of the Holy Cross, a Grade I listed sailors' chapel, on the slope behind. The National Trust looks after the bay, one of the best places in Ceredigion to see bottlenose dolphins playing offshore, and its rangers run dolphin-watch counts each summer. The climb to the top of Foel y Mwnt gives views over the whole bay and, on a clear day, to the mountains of Snowdonia, while the beach itself is reached only by a flight of steep steps. Dogs must stay on a lead at all times because of grazing livestock and are banned from the beach from May to the end of September. Reviewers praise the waves for bodyboarding, the small cafe and shop, not run by the Trust, that sells beach toys and snacks, and the views from the hill. Tips from visitors: the approach is by narrow single-track lanes, and the car park is pay and display, free for members.