The secluded Monknash beach has some of the most surreal rock formations you’ve ever seen
The campsite is near secluded Monk Nash Beach(Image: Portia Jones & Ewan Lo Turco )
A 90-minute drive down the M4 is a stunning, secluded beach known for its extraordinary rock formations.
While it’s a known treasure amongst locals, many are still to discover this hidden bay – which can only be reached by foot – where prehistoric fossils are embedded in the bedrock, complete with a cosy pub just a stone’s throw away.
It’s a curious mixture of sea, golden sand, bedrock and ancient cliffs, with loads of rock pools teeming with marine life. The Sunday Times recently listed Welsh beach Monknash as one of the UK’s 50 best beaches.
Time journalist Chris Haslam described it as “somewhere between prehistory and another planet.”
At this coastal marvel, visitors can find fossils dating back 300-million-years, reports Wales Online.
Cwm Nash is also quieter than other Welsh beaches. There’s no car park at the beach, and it’s only accessible by parking in a nearby field and then walking along a tree-lined path that follows Nash Brook down to the shore. You’ll need some decent walking shoes for this stroll.
The path wonders through shady, lush woodland, offering glimpses of local wildlife and the soothing sounds of the brook that spills out over the rock platforms when it meets the beach.
Explore quiet coves and Bays in Wales(Image: Ewan LoTurco )
Emerging from the woods, the beachgoers are met with a striking scene: immense limestone cliffs rise above, golden sands sprawl out during low tide, and the shifting waters of the Bristol Channel draw the eye beyond the shore.
It’s a relatively untouched spot, with no facilities such as toilets, cafes or deck chair hire. Visitors are advised to bring everything they need for a day at the beach and take all their rubbish home with them.
But it’s not just about the views here, the extraordinary layered cliffs make this rocky bay stand out as a distinctive Welsh beach.
Formed during the Carboniferous and Jurassic periods, these cliffs have been meticulously crafted over millions of years. This geological wonder is a fantastic spot for fossil enthusiasts to scour the shorelines.
The beach is only accessible by parking in a nearby field and then walking along a tree-lined path that follows Nash Brook down to the shore(Image: Portia Jones )
Imagine discovering ancient life forms, such as ammonites and belemnites, embedded within the Blue Lias limestone. While fossil hunting, remember that these towering cliffs are prone to erosion and rockfalls, so it’s wise to admire them safely and resist the urge to climb or pull at loose stones.
The natural charm of this unique beach doesn’t end with its geology. The cliffs are a favourite haunt for peregrine falcons, which you might spot soaring high above, scouting for prey.
If your children enjoy rock pooling, Monknash is an ideal spot with a vibrant ecosystem, especially when the tide is out. The rock pools teem with life, from tiny crustaceans and small fish to colourful sea anemones.
It’s a mini marine safari right at your feet.
This isn’t your typical type of beach(Image: Getty Images)Plough and Harrow pub
After a day of exploring the beach, enjoy a pint in the charming 14th-century pub Plough and Harrow.
Dating back to 1383, this Grade II-listed building is the epitome of a ‘proper Welsh pub’, offering great food, a spacious beer garden, an open fire, a wide selection of drinks, and guest ales.
The pub’s name gives a nod to its ecclesiastical roots, as Monknash was originally a grange, an outlying farm managed by lay brothers for a monastery. Its historical connections are evident in its architecture, with beamed ceilings, Tudor doors, and roaring open fires.
The bar is open from midday until late, and food is served from noon-4pm on weekdays and Sundays and from noon-8pm on Saturdays. Typical dishes include traditional lamb cawl, salmon, prawn and dill fish cake, Plough and Harrow’s gourmet beef burger, and the Chef’s homemade pie of the day.
It’s just a short stroll from the Monknash coast and has received glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. Reviewer Alison A wrote: ” Fantastic food on Thursday 24th August. Compliments to the chef, I had beef and ale pie, which was the best I have ever had.”
The extraordinary layered cliffs make this rocky bay stand out as a distinctive Welsh beach(Image: Ewan Lo Turco)Wales Coast Path
Cwm Nash is also a highlight of the Wales Coast Path, a long-distance trail that hugs the Welsh coastline. This section of the path offers some of the most impressive views of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the Bristol Channel.
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast, stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl, offers 14 miles of untouched coastline, complete with Jurassic features and marked trails that meander through quaint villages, rural farmland and secluded bays.
For those who fancy a challenge, there’s the option to traverse the entire Heritage Coastline or opt for one of the shorter walks or loop trails. A series of clearly marked Vale Trails guide you through coastal and countryside routes, showcasing the most picturesque views and historical landmarks.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, the nearby Heritage Coast Campsite is an ideal choice. This expansive site provides family-friendly camping in a stunning coastal setting, near Cwm Nash – one of Wales’ most scenic camping spots.
The campsite caters to both tents and camper vans, and for those seeking a touch of luxury, spacious 5m glamping bell tents are available for hire.
Facilities at the campsite include grassy tent pitches, electric hook-ups for campers, fire pits, toilets, showers, and a wash-up area. For those who’d rather not cook, there’s an on-site cafe bar offering breakfast and dinner options.
Take an evening stroll down to the beach to snap some glorious sunset photos on the striking bedrock beach.
This geological marvel is a brilliant spot for fossil enthusiasts to scour the shorelines.(Image: Portia Jones )Can you swim in Cwm Nash?
Unless you are a very experienced outdoor swimmer, you should avoid paddling out to sea here. If you do decide to take a bracing sea dip at the shoreline, the best time is low tide. Safety is vital at this beach because of the Bristol Channel’ spowerful tides.
These tides are among the highest globally, and it’s easy to find yourself in a tricky situation if you’re not vigilant.
Always check the tide times before setting off, and keep an eye on your surroundings to steer clear of potential dangers.
The local Heritage Coast Centre is a brilliant resource, providing geology leaflets and guided walks to enrich your visit and ensure your safety.
How to get to Cwm Nash Beach and where to park
To park in the closest car park, a field opposite a working farm with an honesty box, you’ll need to head from the village of Monknash and follow the country lane that passes the Plough and Harrow.
The field will be on your left, 0.6 miles down the road (a two-minute drive). Don’t proceed any further, as turning around can be difficult, and a private residence is located at the end of the lane.
From the car park, continue on foot down the same lane you were driving on to the very end, where you’ll encounter a gate and small wall you’ll need to climb over. This leads you to the footpath, which takes you to the beach (it’s approximately a 15-minute walk).