Just a 20-minute walk from the town of Porthmadog in North Wales lies a quiet coastal village that often feels a world away from busier tourist hotspots. Every time I visit, it’s like discovering a hidden world: the walk from the harbour along Lombard Street leads to a short uphill path past trees and cottages, where the village finally reveals itself.
What makes Borth-y-Gest truly special is not just its ‘hidden’ location or its pastel-coloured cottages overlooking the bay, but also its series of small, golden-sand coves linked by sandy woodland, offering spectacular views across the Glaslyn Estuary and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).
It’s a destination that charms visitors all year round, and I know more than one person who can’t resist a visit whenever they’re in the area (special mention to my mother-in-law, who wouldn’t miss a stroll in Borth-y-Gest no matter the weather). So, whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach walk, a family picnic spot, or simply a slower pace of life, this village is well worth a visit.
Things to See and Do in Borth-y-Gest
One of the main reasons to visit Borth-y-Gest is its beach walks and coves. At low tide, you can explore a chain of sheltered, golden-sand bays stretching west towards Black Rock Sands, and they are among the prettiest in the Eryri National Park. Each cove feels like a small discovery, and they are often quieter than the more popular beaches in the region — although that may be less true during the busy summer holidays (we are in the era of social media, after all). Even so, they remain something quite special, and certainly less well known than other, larger stretches of sand. Dog owners will be pleased to know their four-legged friends are welcome on the beach.
The sandy coves located south-west of the village are just a short walk away. From the centre of Borth-y-Gest, simply walk south along Amanda Terrace from the car park and look for the Wales Coast Path sign. Follow the path as it takes you around the village and along the estuary.
SAFETY NOTE
The beaches are generally safe to explore, but be aware that there are no lifeguards on patrol, and the tide comes in quickly. Make sure to follow the guidance on the red signs, which provide safety information specific to Borth-y-Gest. It is a steeply shelving beach, meaning the water becomes deep quickly and currents can be strong, so swimming is not advised — nor is the use of inflatables. You can find more information on Visit Snowdonia.
Walking enthusiasts can continue along the Wales Coast Path towards Black Rock Beach and enjoy the wild beauty of the shoreline. I’d recommend bringing sturdy shoes, as the cliff paths can be uneven. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Moelwyn Mawr and Yr Wyddfa in the distance.
Back in the village itself, you’ll find a few cafés with sea views and outdoor seating — the perfect recipe for a break to soak up the picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere while enjoying a drink or ice cream.
If you’d like to explore further, the nearby town of Porthmadog is only a short walk away and has much to offer, with more restaurants, shops and cafés, as well as two heritage steam railways that rank among the best in the country.
quick history about borth-y-gest
- Before Porthmadog was developed, ships were built in Borth-y-Gest.
- Its small harbour was also the starting point of an important crossing over the Glaslyn estuary to take travellers to Harlech.
When is the Best Time to Visit Borth-y-Gest?
I’ve had the chance to visit Borth-y-Gest in all four seasons, and I’d say it retains its charm whatever the weather. That said, early spring and autumn are my favourite times of year, as the days are shorter and the sunlight often creates a beautiful contrast on clear days. If you’re lucky, you might also enjoy mild temperatures and low winds — perfect conditions for a picnic.
I’ve taken friends to Borth-y-Gest in winter too, and they were still amazed. (We once hosted an exchange student from Italy, and this was the last place she visited before returning home at the end of December — yet it became her favourite.) Of course, colder temperatures and more inclement weather can put some people off.
Do note that when visiting out of season, particularly outside the summer months, the village cafés may only be open at select weekends.
Useful Information When Visiting Borth-y-Gest
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Public Transport: The nearest railway station is Porthmadog, on the Cambrian Coast Line (Birmingham to Pwllheli / Aberystwyth). From the station, it’s about a 30-minute walk along Borth Road, or you can take the S4 bus from the High Street.
Parking: You can drive to Borth-y-Gest and find a small pay-and-display car park on the waterfront, although it can fill quickly in summer. Larger car parks are available in Porthmadog.
EV Charging Points: There are no charging stations in Borth-y-Gest, so you’ll need to use those in Porthmadog (at Tesco Superstore and the main railway station).
Public Toilets: Toilets are available at the small car park in Borth-y-Gest.
