Machynys Peninsula

Machynys Peninsula

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Immerse yourself in the landscape!

An extremely popular area for walking and cycling, closely hugging the coast from Llanelli beach in the west to the Loughor estuary in the east. Approximately 4.9 miles of mostly flat, traffic free pathways with excellent coastal views across the Loughor estuary to the Gower Peninsula. You'll find Pay and Display parking at either end of the route (see map below).

Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire

The area was once an industrial heartland for manufacturing bricks, iron and steel products with docklands being built in the 17th and 18th centuries for exporting coal from local collieries. It even had it's own village ('Bwlch-y-Gwynt'), built in the 1800s, to house the local factory workers.

Today the Machynys Peninsula is completely transformed into a wetlands haven, sitting on the edge of the Loughor estuary (a Special Area of Protection) it attracts a variety of bird species all year round, it's little wonder that the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre has made it's home here.

The area is also known for it's championship golf course, Machynys Peninsula Golf Club and Premier Spa, a Nicklaus designed, 7121 yard links course. Welcoming golfers since 2005.

At the eastern end of the peninsula is the Gateway camping and caravanning resort offering a welcome watering hole stop after a long coastal walk or cycle.

Gallery

Wild and natural.

Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula
Machynys Peninsula
Machynys Peninsula
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire
Machynys Peninsula, Carmarthenshire

Important!

Map

Use the 'what3words' app for a precise location:
Western car park: ///clubs.dart.safely
Eastern car park: ///moderated.wager.surprised

Machynys Peninsula Map

The Wales Coast Path and National Cycle Network Route 4 follow the coastline of the Machynys Peninsula.


Did you know?

Some interesting facts...

Remains of old Machynys rifle range

"The butts"

Towards the southern tip of Machynys just east of the coast path can be seen the remains of two rifle ranges. The area has been used for target practice since the late 1800s but has now fallen into disrepair and no longer used.
coflein.gov.uk.
The Wetlands Centre

The Wetlands Centre

The Wetlands Centre, Llanelli was opened in April 1991 by Sir David Attenborough on behalf of his late friend Sir Peter Scott. Sir Peter was involved in the planning of the centre but sadly died in 1989 before it's completion.
wwt.org.uk
Old Machynys

Once upon a time

It's a distant memory now but the beautiful, scenic Machynys you see today was once the site of a thriving industrial and maritime hub with factories, docks and railways. Since the early 1800s this was a large centre of manufacturing and exporting.
Abandoned Communities website

Nearby attractions

Explore a few more interesting places in this area...

Loughor Estuary

Loughor Estuary

Beautiful riverside walk, frequented by many shoreline bird species, includes children's play area and medieval castle ruins nearby.
Loughor Estuary
FREE
Parc Howard Museum

Parc Howard, museum and parkland

19th Century restored country house, now a museum of local historical artefacts, paintings and pottery collections, surrounded by beautiful gardens, parkland and childrens play area.
Parc Howard
FREE
Llanelli Beach

Llanelli Beach

A long sandy beach, part of the Millennium Coastal Park, a short distance from Llanelli town centre and right next door to Sandy Water Park. An ideal location for walking or cycling along the beautiful loughor estuary sea front.
Llanelli Beach
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
Lliedi Reservoir, Swiss Valley

Swiss Valley

The Lower Lliedi Reservoir, 'Swiss Valley', is the perfect environment for a picturesque walk through mature woodland greenery, following a circular path around the waters edge.
Swiss Valley
FREE
Troserch Woods, Llangennech

Troserch Woods, Llangennech

A tranquil walk following the river Morlais through ancient woodland. Includes a mountain bike trail.
Troserch Woods
FREE
Morfa Berwig Nature Reserve

Morfa Berwig Nature Reserve

This rich, scrubland area with water courses and ditches supports a variety of wildlife, including the quite rare and endangered, water vole.
Morfa Berwig Nature Reserve
FREE
Burry Port

Burry Port harbour and sea front

Not one but two beaches to choose from! Two vast sandy beaches located either side of an historical, picturesque harbour.
Burry Port
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
Pembrey Peninsula

Pembrey Peninsula

With 7 golden miles of sandy beach and 3 miles of dense pine forest the Pembrey peninsula is one of the destination highlights of the Welsh coastline.
Pembrey Peninsula
FREE
PARKING - PAY ON EXIT
Kidwelly

Kidwelly

An historical village on the river Gwendraeth estuary boasting a 13th Century Norman castle and riverside quay walk.
Kidwelly
PARKING FREE
CASTLE - ENTRY FEE
Sandy Water Park, Llanelli

Sandy Water Park, Llanelli

A superb wetland habitat, see swans, ducks, cormorants whilst soaking up the lakeside atmosphere.
Sandy Water Park, Llanelli
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
Penllergare Valley Woodland

Penllergare Valley Woodland

A beautiful profusion of wildlife, exotic plants and waterways. Magical, tranquil woodlands, fabulous views across the valley.
Penllergare Valley Woodland
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
Millennium Coastal Park

Millennium Coastal Park

Over 11 miles of unspoilt coastline, sandy beaches, lakeland and woodland areas, traffic free cycling and walking along national routes, abundant wildlife.
Millennium Coastal Park
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
Llyn Llech Owain Country Park

Llyn Llech Owain Country Park

Beautiful Lake surrounded by a network of accessible walking paths, plenty of wildlife to look out for. Includes children's play area, toilets and picnic area.
LLyn Llech Owain Country Park
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
Pwll Nature Reserve

Pwll Nature Reserve

A mixture of coastland and woodland walks, wildlife habitats, fishing ponds and a profusion of plant life. Right next to the National Cycle network and Wales Walking Path.
Pwll Nature Reserve
FREE
Dinefwr Park

Dinefwr Park

A 19th century mansion house managed by the National Trust, surrounded by an amazing 800 acres of parkland and woodland, with 12th century Dinefwr Castle perched dramatically upon a nearby hillside.
Dinefwr Park
FREE
PAY & DISPLAY PARKING
ENTRY FEE FOR MANSION

Links to more attractions....

Heritage

Parks, Woodlands, Nature

Leisure

Gardens

Attraction Collections

Medieval Castles

Medieval Castles

Explore haunting relics of the past in a dramatic and ancient landscape. This area has some of the finest and most well preserved, medieval castles in Wales.
Medieval Castles
Beautiful Beaches

Beautiful Beaches

Discover endless miles of stunningly panoramic, golden, sandy beaches. Visit one of the longest beaches in Wales - Cefn Sidan at Pembrey, which is just one offering amongst many coastal gems.
Beautiful Beaches
Great Gardens

Great Gardens

Experience a cornucopia of horticultural delights in an historic or modern setting. Varieties old, new, tropical and unusual... just waiting to be discovered.
Great Gardens

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myplace.wales strives to promote the natural beauty and stunning landscape of Carmarthen Bay, Gower and surrounding area to locals and potential visitors. Highlighting great places to visit and excellent attractions for all.


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