ABEREIDDY
Landowner
The National Trust and private ownership. Pembrokeshire County
Council manage the toilets and the car park.
Facilities
- Car Park.
- There is also a car park above Traethllyfn
Beach, Accessed via Barry Island Farm (charge made).
- Public toilets.
- Wheelchair Access to Blue Lagoon.
- Emergency Telephone.
- Ice cream van in the summer.
Description
The site lies within both Abereiddy - Castell Coch Cliffs and
Llanfryn Quarries Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and
Abereiddy - Trwyncastell Cliffs and the Blue Lagoon SSSI.
It has been designated due to its international importance for
geology. The coastal and quarry exposures show rocks of both sedimentary
and volcanic origins. Study of the site has given details of conditions
470 million years ago. Volcanic ashes can be seen which have derived
from Strumble Head and Ramsey which were active volcano sites
at this time.
The marine ecosystems found in the Blue Lagoon are unique in south
west Britain.
The lagoon is dominated by species which are rare on the open
coast, with an abundance of suspension feeders (due the siltation
of the lagoon) such as sea squirt and bristle worm. There are
a variety of sponges, some of which are rare.
The Blue Lagoon itself is a man-made structure, formed after the
quarry of slate from the area. The now derelict quarryman’s
cottages and other quarry buildings can also be seen.
Activities
Diving. The Blue Lagoon makes a good shore dive and is well-used
particularly when rough weather makes more exposed venues untenable.
Launching of dive boats larger than 4m is almost impossible -
use Porthgain or Porthclais.
Surfing/Kayaking. Quite popular for both activities remaining
useable when Newgale or Whitesands are “blown out”
but beware powerful rips on the north side and rocky reef within
the surf zone! It is probably friendliest at mid to low tide.
For novice kayakers, the lagoon itself offers safe, sheltered
but deep water.
Coasteering. A popular trip used by local centres from the beach
out to the Lagoon. Things become progressively more serious beyond
with friable cliffs, strong tidal currents and no easy emergency
exit.
Important Information
National Trust byelaws apply on their land and should be complied
with at all times.
There are hidden ledges and rocks in the Blue Lagoon, jumping
in can be very dangerous.
Visitors using the tidal zone must be aware of the tidal activity
for the day and be aware that certain tidal/weather conditions
can cause treacherous currents. (Particularly in Traethllyfn Beach).
Coasteering routes have been agreed by the National Trust with
local Outdoor Pursuits Centres, any new routes wishing to be done
by existing groups or new groups wishing to use the site should
contact the National Trust.
Slate should not be removed from quarry buildings.
Hammering and the removal of geological samples is forbidden.
The rocky shore is sensitive, samples should not be removed.
The Lagoon itself is an important seal pupping area and disturbance
to the seals and their pups should be avoided (Sept - Dec).
Useful Contact Numbers
- The National Trust – 01646 661359
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park –
0845 345 7275
- Milford Haven Coast Guard – 01646 690909
- Countryside Council for Wales - 01646 636736
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE IN BEACH CAR PARK
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