Paddle boarding in Abercastell

Sitting at the mouth of a long, rocky inlet, Ynys y Castell is a wild islet crowned by the remains of a promontory fort. Depending on the state of the tide, it’s possible to paddle all the way round it. Abercastell itself is a charming historic harbour that once exported local slate as well as coal, limestone, grain, butter, honey and corn.

Today, it is managed by the local Boat Owners’ Association, and busy with colourful fishing and leisure boats. To circumnavigate the islet, leave Abercastell beach and head up the rocky inlet through the moored boats to reach the small channel between the south tip of the islet and the mainland. Continue in an anti-clockwise direction, along the east (right) side of Ynys y Castell and find the first cave.

If conditions are favourable, paddle around the base of the tall cliffs, exploring the island’s rocky inlets, to find another large cave on its western side. On a calm day, the trip can be extended to another island, Ynys Daullyn, a short distance up the coast heading northwest from the inlet’s entrance.

Distance 1km (return)

Paddling environment : Sheltered bay/coastal

Starting Point Beach, Abercastell, SA62 5AF. Grid ref. SM 852 336; What3Words relatives.restore.crumple; Lat/long 51.960, -5.127

Parking Limited parking (charges) next to slipway to beach

Launching Short walk to beach

Pitstops Welcoming traditional pub, great beer and pub grub, the Ship Inn, Trefin, SA62 5AX, tel. 01348 831798

Getting there From Goodwick, NW of Fishguard, head SW on A487 turning R signed  Mathry/Abercastell. Continue to top of Mathry Hill, turn R at T-junction and follow signs (ignoring multiple junctions) to Abercastell. Follow narrow road downhill, turn R in front of white house (before heading uphill) to reach harbour.

Special points Best 2hrs either side of HW – a flooding tide is ideal – as bay can drain out all the way to the islet. N of islet can be explored at any state of the tide in calm conditions. Protected bay from all but N winds; check Surfline www.surfline.com at nearby Abereiddy for local conditions. 

Offshore wind: SE in bay, S around islet