The Best Places for Sunset Walks
Published on 3 Apr 2023 by Amy GreenwoodSpring is here, the hour has gone forward, and the evenings are lighter for longer! We’ve got some great ideas for beautiful sunset walks in North Wales.
Doesn’t everything seem so much more pleasant when our daylight hours start to stretch into the evening. The temperature is (generally) on the up, and nature is busy coming back to life. After a long cold winter, these all feel like things to be very grateful for.
The lighter evenings bring with them a great opportunity for exploring, and an evening walk – especially one that takes in a beautiful sunset, and possibly a nice pub or restaurant too – is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Take a look at some of our favourite places to watch the sun go down in North Wales.
From the top of Mynydd Mawr near Aberdaron
The top of Mynydd Mawr, a small summit just outside Aberdaron, is one of best places on earth to watch the sun dip into the sea. Pack a picnic and a bottle of your favourite tipple and enjoy the fantastic views of Cardigan Bay down to Tŷ Ddewi / St David’s to the south, Ynys Enlli and Ireland to the west, Ynys Môn / Anglesey to the north, and Eryri / Snowdonia to the east.
The Zig Zags Walk at Harlech Beach
On the west coast, looking out across Cardigan Bay, Harlech is a particularly lovely spot to watch the sun go down. Time this 1-1.5 hour walk to suit. Once you get onto Harlech beach from the boardwalk, turn left. Walk along the beach for as far as you can go. As you reach the rocks at the end, you will see a set of stairs to your left. Go up the stairs, cross the train tracks and you will come to a steep set of natural stairs in the rock. Follow these up to the top. At the top, turn left onto the road, following the road back into Harlech. On the way back, just as you come into the town on the top road, you will see some benches and large rocks to your left (again); known as slippery rock, this is a great lookout point to take in the sunset views. We would strongly recommend taking a seat and taking it all in – the views are just incredible.
A walk to a table window at Dylan’s in Criccieth
A stone’s throw from the beach at Criccieth, Dylan’s has made its home in the iconic Art Deco Morannedd building. Floor-to-ceiling windows, and a westerly aspect looking out to sea, make this a brilliant place to enjoy a sunset supper. You can work up an appetite with a walk along the seafront before tucking into Dylan’s award-winning menu.
On the waterfront next to Caernarfon Castle
This is a hugely atmospheric place to explore and let your imagination, and admiration for medieval architects and stonemasons, run wild. Caernarfon Castle’s vast curtain walls, polygonal towers and turrets are inspired by the imperial Roman architecture of medieval Constantinople. After an afternoon visit to the castle (closing times vary, but latest is 6pm in summer) enjoy a walk around the town’s harbour and cobbled streets, before taking in a sundowner or two at the Anglesey Arms pub. You’ll find it on the waterfront just next door to the castle.
West Shore Beach, Llandudno
The views from the sandy beach at West Shore are outstanding. With the Great Orme headland as a backdrop, views across the bay take in Anglesey and Puffin Island, as well as the jagged headland cliffs along the North Wales coast including Conwy Mountain. It’s a stunning place for an evening walk.
The Church in the Sea at Aberffraw, Ynys Môn / Anglesey
Take an evening walk through Aberffraw village and then it’s a mile down the lane to get to Porth Cwfan and the beautiful St Cwyfan’s church. The 12th century church sits on an island which you can walk to at low tide (but make sure you have checked you have time to walk back again). A beautiful, atmospheric walk. Pack a torch for the journey back up the lane.
South Stack Lighthouse, Ynys Môn / Anglesey
A favourite of the instagrammers for good reason. Walk onto the headland (via many steps, both up and down) towards the lighthouse to take in a dramatic sunset with a sea breeze in your hair. South Stack is also a must for anyone who loves nature. Look out for guillemots, razorbills and puffins on your outing. Wild and beautiful.