Llantwit Major

Rocky and pebbly beach backed by cliffs.

Submitted by:
justal
Updated:
25th Apr 2004

Photo of Llantwit Major beach - rolling sand

Llantwit Major
by: kelvin

Photo of Llantwit Major beach - more nice easy launch area!

Llantwit Major
by: kelvin

Photo of Llantwit Major beach - Nice easy sand !

Llantwit Major
by: kelvin

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Llantwit Major is a rocky and pebbly beach at the end of a valley, backed by cliffs. To find this beach, take Junction 33 from the M4 and follow signs to Cardiff Airport and then Llantwit major. Parking is available on the beach and B&B's, campsites and shops in Llantwit Major.

In the summer there is voluntary lifeguard cover, with paid lifeguards in July and August. There are also emergency facilities present. The beach is primarily a surfing beach so bathers should take care. The beach is cleaned when necessary and there are litter bins available. Dogs are banned from May - September.

Llantwit major is a wildlife lovers haven, the rocky cliffs povide habitats for nesting birds and cliff plants, the rocky platforms and cobbles create rockpools and there is a freshwater stream, coastal scrub, woodland and grassland.

Two waves break on the south facing beach of Llantwit Major. At the west end of the beach a fairly hollow, powerful righthand wave breaks in shallow water, while at the east end the left handers are slower and more mellow. Northerly winds are offshore and a decent SW swell should get these waves working.

Windsurfing is also popular here for intermediate and expert windsurfers. Both the waves can produce excellent wave-sailing and jumping conditions in SW winds which are cross-onshore.