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Morfa Bychan and Ragwen are owned and preserved by The National Trust.

Description and habitats

This section of unspoiled coast consists of cliffs, shingle beaches and sheltered valleys. It faces Carmarthen Bay and offers good opportunities for seawatching and observing the Carmarthen Bay Scoter flock. There are gorse-clad hillsides and clifftops between Telpyn and Marros Sands and a sheltered, wooded valley inland of Morfa Bychan.

Directions

Access is from the minor road between Pendine and Amroth. There are bus services between Carmarthen and Amroth via Pendine but buses are infrequent. Four places on the coast are described here.

Morfa Bychan. SN225074. Driving from Pendine, after about 1 mile (1.5 km) look for the Green Bridge Inn. 150 yards (150 m) past the inn, there is a metalled track on your left (opposite a large entrance which is marked with standing stones). Carefully drive along this track which ends at the beach where there is space to park. Walking from Pendine on the coast path is an option but only for the energetic and sure-footed! The beach at Morfa Bychan is backed by a shingle bar, rough ground and a well-wooded and sheltered valley. There are sheltered sites for seawatching. The ground behind the beach and the lower valley may be searched for migrants.

Ragwen Point. SN220071. Can be reached from Morfa Bychan by following the coast path westward. The headland provides a vantage point for seawatching.

Marros Sands. SN205074. Continue on the coast path west of Ragwen Point. Alternatively, park at Marros Church (SN208089) and walk from there to the beach although it is a long walk and the path is steep in places. This shingle beach is mainly of interest for the gorse-clad hillside which backs it. Look here for breeding Stonechats, Whitethroats, and, at the appropriate seasons, for migrants.

Telpyn Point. SN183073. Driving from Pendine, pass the large sign for Telpyn Shooting Ground, then look for a layby on the left (opposite a large entrance). Park here and walk down the public footpath which starts at the layby. This path joins the coast path at a wooden sign. Turn left onto the coast path which quickly descends to a sheltered grassy terrace. The terrace is at the right elevation for seawatching. This site is very close to the county boundary and some birders may prefer to go further eastwards although the path ascends steeply and the clifftop soon becomes too high for seawatching. The clifftop at Telpyn point is gorse-clad and is a potential site for migrants.

Facilities for visitors

Full visitor facilities in Pendine and in Amroth.

Best seasons

Winter. Spring and Autumn migration times.

Regular birds

Red-throated Diver, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Shag, Common Scoter, Stonechat, Wheatear.

Scarce and rare birds

Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Cory’s Shearwater, Scaup, Surf Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Sabine’s Gull, Ring Ouzel, Chough, Firecrest.