Criccieth: Beach, Coastal Path and Castle

Criccieth brings together coast, activity and history: the water is shallow at the eastern beach, a walking route on the Wales Coast Path leads here from Pwllheli, and the castle, set on a rock, shapes the town’s appearance. Y Maes also serves as a hub for food and culture in the heart of Criccieth. This raises a practical question when planning your holiday: should you devote most of your time to the beach, getting out and about, or the town’s historic character?

Beach days and paths by the water

Criccieth’s eastern beach, Traeth y Promenade, is sheltered from the prevailing westerly weather. The shallow water is suitable for paddling and swimming. These features give the beach its own character for days when activities on the water are the main focus. If you would like to combine different outings, National Cycle Route 8 adds a cycling perspective: it passes through Criccieth and provides access to the beach by bike. Both the water and arriving by bicycle are therefore established ways to experience this coastal town.

There are also different starting points for walks, which are easy to distinguish when planning your day. The Wales Coast Path walking route from Pwllheli to Criccieth starts in Pwllheli town centre and ends in Criccieth. The full route is listed as 11 miles (18 kilometres). Sandy and shingle beaches mark the beginning and end of the walk. Its total length makes it a route to choose in its own right, rather than just a short detour within the town.

The “Criccieth Castle and Beach Bop” circular route starts elsewhere: its starting point is Criccieth railway station. The two routes therefore differ from the outset in both their starting points and the type of route described. If you are planning walks during your stay, you can consider these details alongside the beach and cycle route and decide what kind of outing best suits your holiday days.

The castle and its history

Criccieth Castle stands atop an isolated rock, washed by the sea to the south. Its setting makes the castle a striking feature of the landscape; its history also tells of an earlier role for the site. Llywelyn ab Iorwerth probably had it built in the 1230s as the centre of the commote of Eifionydd. In 1403–1404, the castle was captured and destroyed, and was never rebuilt.

For travellers interested in historic sites, two aspects come together here: its exposed position by the sea and a building history with clearly dated historical milestones. The probable construction in the 1230s and the destruction in 1403–1404 are far apart; between them lies its role as the centre of the commote of Eifionydd. Anyone choosing Criccieth for its history will find a specific point of interest that is also rooted in the landscape.

Food, culture and choosing a holiday cottage

Y Maes adds another focus to the coast, paths and castle: the hub for food and culture lies in the heart of Criccieth. This means you can shape your stay around food and culture as well as activity and scenery. The different themes offer practical guidance when choosing a holiday cottage: first consider whether you would rather focus on the beach and water, walking and cycling, the castle’s history, or the town’s cultural and culinary character. That way, your search for accommodation is tied to the holiday you actually plan, rather than just to a place name.

Discover more destinations: Llannor, Aberdaron, Llandwrog, Betws Garmon, Waunfawr, Pwllheli, Beddgelert, Aberllefenni.

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