Two-way traffic can be tricky on Ffordd Morfa Bychan when visitors queue to reach the beach(Image: Brett Williams)
Infrastructure is being upgraded at a popular Gwynedd beach that’s notorious for drowning cars. The improvements aim to relieve the impacts of over-tourism rather than mitigate the dangers of vehicles being claimed by the sea.
Morfa Bychan Beach (Black Rock Sands), near Porthmadog, is one of the few beaches in Wales where drivers can take their cars, vans and motorhomes onto the sand. It offers a gently sloping shoreline along a three-mile stretch – but it has a reputation for catching out unwary drivers.
During last year’s dry spring and summer, when hundreds of vehicles queued to reach the beach, it became apparent a rethink was needed for the narrow access road leading from Morfa Bychan village.
At busy weekends, an estimated 1,500 cars were parking up on the sand each day. With tailbacks sometimes stretching back two miles into the village, residents complained everyday life was being disrupted.
This week, Cyngor Gwynedd began working on a scheme to improve “management arrangements” at the beach. This will include widening the road to more easily accommodate two-way traffic.
A new footpath will be built alongside the road for walkers. New signage is also being erected as well as a new barrier.
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
While the work takes place, the beach access road and entrance will be closed. The beach can still be reached by car, via Lôn Gwydryn (Beach Road), for the duration of the works. Visitors will be able to park up on the sand – but only near the entrance given the presence of two streams nearby.
A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: “Cyngor Gwynedd has successfully secured grant funding from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics fund to develop and improve the main entrance to Morfa Bychan beach.
“The project will upgrade the access infrastructure in order to create a high-quality welcoming arrival area, improve traffic flow and safety, enhance disabled parking provision, and strengthen public information and interpretation.
“These improvements will help to reduce the pressure and impact of tourism at one of Gwynedd’s most popular locations by improving accessibility and facilities, whilst elevating the overall visitor experience.
“The work is expected to take approximately six weeks to complete. During this period, vehicular access to the beach will remain available through the Lôn Gwydryn entrance at the southern end of the beach. Clear signage is in place to direct traffic.”
