General
Also known as 'Sker Beach' and Cynffig in Welsh, this is a long stretch of sand between Porthcawl and Port Talbot adjacent to Kenfig Burrows.

Getting There

Google Maps

By car:
Leave the M4 motorway at junction 37 (Pyle) or junction 38 (Margam). Follow the signs for Cynffig Nature Reserve where there is ample parking. From the nature reserve make your way on foot down to the beach ( the sea is visible from the car park) but it is a walk of 1.5 miles through the sand hills.

Upon reaching the track that divides the beach from the sand hills, turn right and walk for about ten minutes toward the steel works in Port Talbot - this is to ensure that you reach the quietest part of the beach - (if you reach the river you have gone too far). This is reputedly known as 'Morfa', while the beach to the left of the access is called 'Sker'. Further south-eastward toward Porthcawl lie Pink Bay, Rest Bay and then Porthcawl/Trecco. Choosing a spot just below the dunes will mean you can avoid the in-coming tide and any horse riders, fishermen or joggers who use the beach.

Description
Kenfig Burrows are popular with locals but do not get the attention they deserve. It is a beautiful, clean and tranquil place, with plenty of room to spread out for those who wish to be alone, or larger areas for those who want to socialise. It can be reached at any time, - access being gained from the landward side - and there is no hurry to leave because the shingle prevents the sea from cutting you off at high tide. In 'Free Sun' the beach was described as "an excellent beach and huge area [of] unfrequented sand dunes". The beach is in easy reach of B&B's, campsites etc etc.

Note that swimming conditions may be dangerous - especially near the river. As always, local information should be sought before risking life and limb.

Facilities
None on the beach itself, but 'The Angel' pub is said to be a great place for a meal and a drink after a day on the beach. Alternatively, try the 'Prince of Wales' in Kenfig for excellent food and real ales, straight from the barrel. "The Draught Bass is worthy of the gods themselves."

Selected Visitor Comments

"I found both water and beach to be of a reasonable standard ideal for sunbathing and a swim when the tide is in.the fact that it is isolated makes it the perfect place for both male and females."

"..the beach is excellent and as a frequent user I would recommend it."

May 2006 - "The wife and I spent a very pleasant couple of hours here sunday afternoon. It's quite a trek through the nature reserve to get to the beach, but once there it very quiet and peaceful. We are infrequent nudists and we appreciate the solitude. There were a couple of other unclothed men on the beach and one guy seemed to take a particular interest in my wife. I don't know if its normal for men to stare at women but it seemed a bit rude. It didn't worry us and we enjoyed ourselves anyway.. it's very pleasant."

August 2007 - "... was very disappointed. Sunny bank holiday, but only about a dozen people naked, and all those were hiding in the dunes behind the sand. Only one couple, the rest all eye ogling gay males.

October 2007 - "A pleasant beach. Grassy dune area giving privacy but only three other naked people, all locals. I spent a pleasant but quite lonely day."

April 21, 2009 - "The best place to park is in the car park of the nature reserve and walk down it should take about half an hour."