Pen Llŷn
(The Llŷn Peninsula)
The Llŷn Peninsula invites exploration with its untamed beauty, where craggy cliffs meet the wild embrace of the sea, creating a landscape that speaks of both tranquillity and adventure.
Our homestead and boutique shepherd’s hut makes for a restorative base to recharge after a day of exploring. Set in the picturesque and historic village of Rhiw, you’ll be surrounded by far-reaching views of Eryri (Snowdonia mountain range) in one direction, and Porth Neigwl/Cardigan Bay in the other. Head out of the door and explore ancient woodland, vast beaches, neolithic sites, a beach waterfall, mountain biking and road cycling routes, a 17th-century manor house with ornate gardens and a tea shop, plus a range of walks on the famous Wales Coast Path.
Top 5 things to do in Rhiw
Straight out of your front door
Enjoy 360° views of the peninsula
Grab your walking shoes and head up Mynydd Rhiw taking in the views all around you, with Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) in one direction and Eryri (Snowdonia mountain range) in the other. There are also prehistoric sites dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age (2500-750 BC) to visit. Learn more about the Mynydd Rhiw Archeology Walk.Explore ancient woodlands and a 17th-century National Trust manor house
The Plas yn Rhiw and Rhiw village circular walk is a must during your stay. It’s a relatively short (1 hour) but quite challenging walk with coastal views and fascinating history. Plas yn Rhiw has a Manor House, ornamental gardens and a tea room with views of Cardigan Bay you can enjoy on your walk around. The house and tea rooms are closed over winter but there is access through the grounds all year round. View the walking route.
We recommend taking a small diversion to what the route suggests to spend more time on the coastal path and see the wild ponies. Ask us before you set off and we’ll direct you. If you’re a poetry fan, there is another circular route around lower Rhiw, taking in Sarn y Plas, once the home of poet R.S. Thomas and artist ME (Elsi) Eldridge. View the route.Learn about Rhiw’s marine life from a local fisherman
Brett is Rhiw’s local fisherman and he offers marine safaris, angling trips, dive trips and marine surveys from a yellow fishing vessel at a cove opposite Plas yn Rhiw (5-minute drive, 10-minute cycle or 20-minute walk from the hut). You might be able to catch something to cook on your fire pit back at the hut for the full sea-to-table experience. Visit Top Cat Marine Safari for more information and to book.
4. Cycle to the nearby beach for a picnic and dip in the sea
We strongly recommend hiring electric bikes from Discover Llŷn for the duration of your stay (they will drop off your bikes for free ahead of your arrival). Then, grab your swimmers and head to the beach for a dip. The Rhiw end of Porth Neigwl is a 10-minute cycle from us (or a 20-minute walk) and the route takes you through the beautiful grounds of Plas yn Rhiw.
We recommend grabbing a coffee at Treheli Farm’s coffee shop (and locking your bikes up) before following signs for the beach access point. This is a secluded swimming spot so be prepared for no lifeguards and few people. The invigorating swim will give you the burst of energy needed to tackle the hill on the way up (you’ll thank us for the e-bike recommendation!).
5. Visit a nearby waterfall that flows onto the beach
Porth Ysgo is a small secluded cove close to Rhiw where manganese was mined until 1945. Prior to that, a sizeable jetty existed at the cove where ships were loaded up. You can still see evidence of the mines on the hillside. Visit at mid to low tide and ideally after rain when the waterfall, Pistyll y Gaseg, is at its fullest. Access to the beach is via a set of wooden stairs which run down the cliffside. The car park for this beach is a 5-minute drive, 10-minute cycle or a 30-minute walk direct from the hut.
You can also walk from the hut via the Mynydd y Graig & Porth Ysgo loop which takes you past some incredible scenery on the Wales Coast Path and is our recommended route (approx 2-hour round trip). The route map shows the start/finish from Plas yn Rhiw but bear in mind you would be starting from the hut which is closer to Mynydd y Graig.
Top 5 things to do nearby
Within a 30-minute drive
Visit the historic fishing village of Aberdaron
10-minute drive, 20-minute cycle
Aberdaron was the last stop for pilgrims on their way to Ynys Enlli, the ‘Isle of 20,000 Saints’ otherwise known as Bardsey Island. You’ll find a beautiful beach (without jet skis and speedboats), walks, pubs, cafes, a bakery and village shops that are only 3.8 miles away from us. We recommend enjoying a drink overlooking the sea at the Ty Newydd pub before getting takeaway fish and chips from Sblash to eat on the beach. As well as driving and cycling to the village, you can also walk between Rhiw and Aberdaron along the Wales Coast Path or get the bus. More information about the village including a film.Explore an international dark sky sanctuary and spiritual island
20-minute drive, 30-minute cycle to Porth Meudwy where boats depart from
Ynys Enlli (English: Bardsey Island) is a designated a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is in the Llŷn Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The island has also been listed as a Special Area of Conservation for its habitats and species as well as a Special Protection Area because of the breeding birds. In 2023 it received International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification by the International Dark Skies Association (IDA), making Enlli the first site in Europe to achieve this status. It also has its very own apple which you buy and add to your orchard. You can visit the island for the day or stay overnight from March until October with boat trips leaving from Porth Meudwy in Aberdaron. Find out more via the Bardsey Island Trust.Enjoy a drink at one of the top ten beach bars in the world
30-minute drive, 50-minute cycle
The Ty Coch Inn is nestled in the old fishing village of Porthdinllaen near Morfa Nefyn. Reached by foot, expect a traditional tavern with real ale and pub food you can enjoy on the beach whilst watching fishermen bring in their daily catch. They also put on live music in the summer. They have a website but we recommend checking their Instagram for more regular updates.
4. Peruse contemporary Welsh art at the Plas Glyn y Weddw
20-minute drive, 50-minute cycle
This stunning arts and heritage centre is situated in Llanbedrog Bay, part of a Special Area of Conservation. Housed in an impressive grade II Gothic Victorian mansion, it’s the perfect location to view and buy contemporary Welsh art, enjoy an outdoor theatre performance or stop for tea/coffee/lunch in their café. See what’s on at the gallery.
5. Combine homewares, coffee and a beautiful beach at Cwt Tatws
20-minute drive, 40-minute cycle
Cwt Tatws is part homeware store, part coffee/lunch spot located near the pretty village of Tudweiliog with stunning views of Porth Towyn. It’s also close to the secluded cove of Porth Ysgaden if you want to visit two beautiful beaches in one trip. Cwt Tatws is one of the few places that’s open all year round (which we’re very grateful for) and has a cosy log burner going in the colder months. Rain or shine, it’s worth a visit. Check out their Instagram for updates.
6. Experience coasteering with Abersoch Watersports
25-minute drive, 55-minute cycle
For an exhilarating adventure, try coasteering with Abersoch Watersports along the cliffs of Morfa Nefyn. This activity combines swimming, climbing, and cliff jumping along the stunning Welsh coastline. It's a thrilling way to explore the natural beauty of the area from a unique perspective. Suitable for all skill levels, their experienced guides will ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. They also offer a variety of other water activities, from surf lessons to sunrise paddle-boarding experiences. Book your Coasteering trip.
Eating and Drinking
RHIW
5-minute cycle, 20-minute walk
Plas yn Rhiw Tearoom - Teas, coffee, cakes and sandwiches with indoor/outdoor seating and views over Cardigan Bay.
Treheli Farm Coffee Shop - On-site at Treheli Farm campsite selling coffee, tea, cold drinks and sweet treats including cakes and ice cream. On the coastal path looking right out onto Porth Neigwl.
CLOSE TO RHIW
10-minute drive, 20-minute cycle
Crasu Coed - serving breakfast, wood-fired pizzas and local Cwrw Llŷn beer. Great atmosphere with an outdoor seating area, fire pit, and festoon lighting.
ABERDARON (3.8 miles)
10-minute drive, 20-minute cycle
Becws Islyn Bakery - A small bakery serving coffee and freshly baked bread and cakes daily. We recommend getting a takeaway breakfast bap and coffee from the café and enjoying it on the beach.
Splash Fish Bar - Traditional fish and chips, to eat in or takeaway, as well as homemade crab cakes, panko fish goujons and locally caught lobster tails. (Our favourite place to get fish and chips!)
Ty Newydd - Directly overlooks the bay and sandy beach of Aberdaron. Perfect spot for a pint and some freshly caught seafood.
ANALOG (5.2 miles)
5-minute drive, 10-minute cycle from Aberdaron
Caffi Siop Plas - A small cafe on the Plas Carmel site serving coffee and lunch with local, seasonal produce.
ABERSOCH (7 miles)
20-minute drive, 45-minute cycle
Blades Deli and Bakery - Market fresh fruit and vegetables, coffee, homemade treats and artisanal bread alongside a deli counter of homemade produce. Takeaway and sit-in options available.
Crust Pizzeria - A restaurant and takeaway serving fresh, wood-fired pizza and good cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Nwdl - Asian-inspired evening dining and delicious cocktails. We recommend any of their ramen dishes and a ginger and chilli margarita to go with it.
The Dining Room - Intimate bistro serving local, seasonal food.
The Potted Lobster -Ambient and relaxed lunch and evening dining with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood.
Two Islands Ice Cream - Small-batch, homemade ice cream parlour and coffee shop. Financial Times World’s top 25 ice cream parlours.
TUDWELIOG (7.2 miles)
20-minute drive, 40-minute cycle
Cwt Tatws - coffee and lunch spot with a log burner, indoor/outdoor seating and views of Porth Towyn.
LLANBEDROG (7.5 miles)
20-minute drive, 50-minute cycle
Plas Glyn y Weddw - Art gallery and café serving breakfast and lunch as well as coffee, tea and homemade cakes with views over Llandebrog Bay and right on the Wales Coast Path.
PORTHDINLLAEN (11.5 miles)
30-minute drive, 60-minute cycle
Ty Coch Inn - Voted one of the top 10 beach bars in the world. A traditional tavern with real ale and pub food you can enjoy whilst watching fishermen bring in their daily catch. Live music events in the summer.