Pwllheli

Pwllheli, on the south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, is a friendly and well-equipped stop for sailors — and their four-legged crew. For us, the visit was made extra special when Dave and Sue, friends from Shotley Sailing Club, made the overnight trip to meet us. Sue in particular had missed our Bernese Mountain Dog, Svea, and their reunion was nothing short of joyful. Our stop here is extended due to lack of space in Aberystwyth. We hope to slip on Tuesday.

⚓ The Approach

Pwllheli’s marina lies at the end of a dredged channel leading in from St. Tudwal’s Roads. The approach is straightforward in calm weather, but keep an eye on your tidal height – the channel can get shallow at low water springs.

• Waypoint: After reaching the safe water mark, the outer harbour entrance is marked with lit buoys; follow the channel markers carefully as it twists its way in.

• Hazards: Be mindful of crosswinds and cross-tides on the approach; they can push you sideways in the narrow channel.

• Timing: Whilst Reeds and other sources say that this is a 24 hour access marina, the marina staff advised us to arrive around mid-tide or higher to give a bit of depth cushion.

Once inside, the marina is modern, sheltered, and has good facilities for visiting yachts.

🛟 Harbour Policy on Dogs

Pwllheli is a genuinely dog-friendly marina. There’s a chandlery, fuel pontoon, and helpful staff who seem used to canine crew. Dogs should be kept on a lead while on the pontoons and in the marina compound. Waste bins are provided, and dogs are welcome in the office — though not in the shower block.

Svea was thoroughly spoiled by Emma from the marina team, who also gave us spot-on navigational advice before our arrival and patiently fielded Pete’s many questions. Huge thanks to Emma and the crew for making our stay so easy.

🐾 Dog Walks from the Marina

Pwllheli is a bit of a dog paradise, with two main beaches and plenty of inland paths:

1. South Beach – Just a few minutes from the marina, this sweeping sandy beach is dog friendly all year round. Perfect for letting paws stretch after a day at sea.

2. Glan-y-Don Beach – A quieter beach east of the harbour, with lovely views across Cardigan Bay.

3. Lon Cob Bach Path – A scenic coastal path that runs alongside the inner harbour, good for a gentle stroll.

4. Town Loop – Walk along the main street to the square and back via the harbour for a bit of local colour (and the odd pub stop!).

   
   

🍻 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafes

Pwllheli’s town centre is about a 10–15 minute walk from the marina, and there are plenty of places to stop. Due to the beer prices, we started our night out at Weatherspoons, only to be informed that the chain has a no dog policy - even outside. They did refund our drinks.

• The Pen Cob – A friendly Marston’s pub right near the marina, very dog-friendly inside and out. Great for a quick pint after mooring up.

• The Vic – A classic pub atmosphere with a warm welcome for dogs and owners alike.

• The Coffee Hut – Small café with good coffee and pastries, dogs welcome inside.

🌊 Why Stop Here?

Pwllheli offers the best of both worlds – practical facilities for sailors and a stunning coastal backdrop for dog adventures. Whether you’re just passing through en route around the peninsula, or staying a couple of days to explore the Llŷn’s hidden corners, it’s a stop that will keep tails wagging and crew happy.