Posted on 10/05/2017 by David
As dog owners (or should we say owned by the dog?) we count ourselves lucky to have the vast and varied landscape of North Wales right on our doorstep. The options for walkies are almost endless and we're spoilt for choice when it comes to something longer and more scenic than a walk around the block.
At this time of year we love nothing better than a walk on the beach. Every year tens of thousands of tourists flock to the coast - to soak up the sun, indulge in some nostalgic sandcastle-building or to just get away from it all.
It would be nice to do all this with our four-legged friend in tow but North Wales, like many other places in the UK, have a series of by-laws banning dogs from certain beaches in high season.
Dog exclusion zones - what you need to know
From the 1 May - 30 September in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Anglesey, and from 1 April - 30 September in Gwynedd, many of our most popular beaches become doggie no-go zones.
The restrictions cover the seashore, the foreshore and any slope or staircase leading onto the beach. Failure to comply with the by-laws could see you being hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine. If you're caught with your dog on a beach with a dog exclusion zone in force, unless you have a support dog (in which case the by-law does not apply), the enforcement officers will fine you - they are not known for their mercy.
We don't think a trip to North Wales with your four-legged friend should be ruined by a whopping fine; there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches here, if you just know where to look!
To help plan a dog-friendly break to North Wales this summer we've compiled a list of beaches without dog restrictions, all with dog-friendly holiday properties nearby.
Dog-friendly beaches in Flintshire
The beach: Point of Ayre, Talacre
Made famous by 2011 Dulux paints advert, which saw the famous sheepdog enjoying the sandy exapnse of beach with the iconic Talacre Lighthouse (beloved by photographers) in the background.
Dog-friendly beaches in Denbighshire
The beach: Ffrith Beach, Prestatyn
Four miles of flat, sandy beach along a popular stretch of coastline between Prestatyn and Rhyl. Perfect for dogs who love to run or play fetch!
Dog-friendly beaches in Conwy
The beach: Towyn & Pensarn, Abergele
A lovely shingle beach with amazing views towards the Great Orme in one direction and the Wirral in the other. Built up an appetite with that long walk? Drop by the award-winning Pantri Bach for a bite to eat.
The beach: Deganwy
A really pretty spot, the beach is a mix of sand and shingle, with panoramic views of Conwy Castle and the Conwy Estuary. We advise against letting your dog swim here as the currents are very strong and unpredictable.
The beach: Conwy Morfa
A long sandy bay, backed by windswept sand dunes, this is one of our personal favourite places to walk the dogs. Apart from other dog walkers and the occasional horse rider, it's rarely busy and the views are just out of this world!
The beach: Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay
A beautiful and quiet sandy beach at the far end of the popular Colwyn Bay beach (dog exclusion order in place at Colwyn Bay during high season). Stroll along the prom or wander across the flat sands, the choice is yours!
Dog-friendly beaches in Anglesey
The beach: Abberfraw Bay
A scenic mix of sand and sand dunes, just far enough from civilisation to feel otherworldly. Count the white horses as they race to shore, then wander through the dunes to the pretty village of Abberfraw for refreshments.
The beach: Church Bay
Beautiful Church Bay has it all: sand in bucketfuls, rock pools to explore, calm waters and craggy cliffs. Don't leave without visiting Church Bay's best kept secret, the fantastic Lobster Pot restaurant!
The beach: Red Wharf Bay
A really dramatic spot with a picture postcard village, we defy you not to fall instantly in love with Red Wharf. At low tide, ten miles of sandy beach reveals itself - perfect for pooches who love to run and run!
The beach: Porth Diana
Small and perfectly formed, this lovely little sandy bay is sheltered in all but the fiercest storms and is a popular mooring for boats. A lovely place to let the dogs roam safely while you relax.
Dog-friendly beaches in Gwynedd
The beach: Afon Wen, Pwllheli
Like many beaches on the Llyn Peninsula, a long straight stretch of sand and shingle with epic views along the Gwynedd coast in front and behind to the Snowdonia National Park.
The beach: Carreg Wen, Porthmadog
A picturesque, sandy bay fringed by dunes. The water may look enticing but, beware, the currents can be strong and shallows are home to venomous weever fish - not nice on soft paws and curious snouts!
The beach: Hell's Mouth, Abersoch
Not as scary as it sounds! A broad expanse of flat sandy beach that feels the full force of the Atlantic, it's a surfers paradise. With strong currents in the water, keep the dogs busy playing on the beach.
The beach: Llwyngwril, near Barmouth
A small shingle beach with sand and rock pools at low tide, backed by beautiful Welsh countryside. A memorable place to watch the sun set - seeing is believing.
The beach: Pontllyfni Bay, near Caernarfon
A sand and shingle beach that feels remote despite being close to a village of the same name. Wander the foreshore and lose yourself to the sound of the waves and the seabirds... it's heavenly!
Wherever you choose to walk, remember to check for local authority restrictions in advance and keep your dog on a lead, unless it is safe and legal to let him roam. Happy wanderings!
Find a holiday cottage for you and your dogs to stay in.
Images courtesy: Hell's Mouth Beach, © Copyright Julie Cookson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. Other beaches, © Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales, all rights reserved.