McConks stand up paddle boarding bitesize travel guides: Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Location:
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire, Wales
McConks Go Anywhere 10’6i inflatable all round paddle board | the ultimate all rounder
McConks Go Anywhere 10’8i inflatable all round paddle board | the ultimate all rounder
Spot type:
Open water, tidal, rocky and remote west facing beach break that almost disappears at high tide leaving only reef.
Conditions:
Being open to the Atlantic Marloes Sands picks up plenty of surfable juice. And at low tide can be an idyllic beach break. With a few small rocks to watch out for. It’s a remote place, due to difficult access, but this remoteness makes Marloes equally very beautiful. On flat water days, it’s a dreamy spot for recreational paddling. There are a few adventure SUP routes but you’ll need to know the area and have your emergency get outs sorted!
Hazards:
Rocks! Small rock stacks are scattered everywhere at low tide. And with a flood the sand disappears leaving only rocks. The high water mark is just a rock garden in fact. Marloes is a remote beach with difficult access. If anything goes wrong it’s a long walk back to civilisation.
Access:
Access is via a farmer’s field car park or National Trust one. You then need to walk down a cliff track and navigate across the aforementioned rock garden to make it onto the sand.
Popularity (1-10):
Due to access, Marloes is never really bombed out. That said the small area of sand can feel busy with even small numbers of people in attendance.
Amenities:
No real amenities down on the sand. And nothing unless the ice cream van is parked up in the parking field. There’s a coffee shop and toilets a 5 min walk from the National Trust car park.
Overview:
Across a field, down a steep track and over a bunch of slippy rocks you eventually end up on the truly splendid sands of Marloes. At low water, the golden sands can extend over 1.5m. But with a flooding tide, you get quickly hemmed in, flanked either side by rock stacks and reef. It’s easy to get cut off here so be warned! At high tide, it’s rock garden everywhere with steep cliffs that do have a habit of crumbling.
For the truly adventurous stand up paddler lugging your gear down the cliff is rewarding. Marloes can hold a fun wave at low and aboard your stand up paddle board will be super fun. During summer it’s mostly flat so definitely worth a punt with the paddle for some adventure SUPing. There are a whole load of nooks and crannies to investigate. It could, if you’re experienced and have all your ducks in a row, be a good paddle across to Gateholm to the right. Just be aware of tricky access and even more rocks!
Marloes Sands is a super idyllic, recreational paddling and chilling out spot for our money. Far from the madding crowds, it’s the perfect escape for some sunny SUP fun without too much hassle. Just remember to keep some energy in the tank for carting you and your gear back up the cliff track!
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