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Pen Sidan

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Pen Sidan

Dinas Head Seen from the road from Fishguard to Newport
Dinas Head Credit: Deborah Tilley

Pen Sidan is a prominent coastal feature located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Situated on the western coast of the county, it is a headland that extends into the Celtic Sea. The name "Pen Sidan" translates to "silk head" in Welsh, possibly referring to the smooth appearance of the headland.

This point is characterized by its rugged and dramatic cliffs, which provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The headland is composed of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and shale, which have been shaped over millions of years by the erosive forces of wind and water. Visitors to Pen Sidan can observe the exposed rock formations, which exhibit layers of different colors and textures.

The area surrounding Pen Sidan is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The headland is home to a variety of seabird species, including fulmars, gulls, and cormorants, which nest on the cliffs and can be observed soaring above the crashing waves. The coastal waters surrounding the point are also teeming with marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts.

Access to Pen Sidan is relatively easy, with a well-maintained footpath leading to the headland. The path offers visitors the opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the area, including wildflowers, grasses, and small mammals. The headland also boasts a beautiful sandy beach at its base, offering visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Overall, Pen Sidan is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

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Pen Sidan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.029641/-4.9161917 or Grid Reference SN0040. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dinas Head Seen from the road from Fishguard to Newport
Dinas Head
Seen from the road from Fishguard to Newport
Perilous point There is some inconsistency between different versions of the Ordnance Survey as to whether this or the next headland is Pen Sidan. Either way, the only reason for scrambling down here was to claim another green square! It's very steep and accessible only via paths made by sheep - and even they sometimes come a cropper, as reported in the local newspaper recently: "Things went a bit woolly for Fishguard's inshore lifeboat crew yesterday afternoon, as they had a sheep on board. The animal had become stranded at the bottom of a cliff near Dinas Head. Fishguard coastguard rescue team was also called to the scene. The baaad sheep was helped aboard the inshore lifeboat, who landed in a safe place. They then delivered the animal to the coastguard team who took her back to the farmer."
Perilous point
There is some inconsistency between different versions of the Ordnance Survey as to whether this or the next headland is Pen Sidan. Either way, the only reason for scrambling down here was to claim another green square! It's very steep and accessible only via paths made by sheep - and even they sometimes come a cropper, as reported in the local newspaper recently: "Things went a bit woolly for Fishguard's inshore lifeboat crew yesterday afternoon, as they had a sheep on board. The animal had become stranded at the bottom of a cliff near Dinas Head. Fishguard coastguard rescue team was also called to the scene. The baaad sheep was helped aboard the inshore lifeboat, who landed in a safe place. They then delivered the animal to the coastguard team who took her back to the farmer."
Inaccessible cove Tiny bay visitable only by boat: note the float and line left to mark the spot a lobster pot has been dropped.
Inaccessible cove
Tiny bay visitable only by boat: note the float and line left to mark the spot a lobster pot has been dropped.
Gull's egg The egg has been broken into and the torn shell left lying in the grass. Another bird is most likely to have been the culprit.
Gull's egg
The egg has been broken into and the torn shell left lying in the grass. Another bird is most likely to have been the culprit.
Remains of St Brynach's church
Remains of St Brynach's church
Trig Point on Pen y Fan, Dinas Head
Trig Point on Pen y Fan, Dinas Head
Churchyard and ruined church, Cwm yr Eglwys All that remains of the church of St Brynach, the rest having been washed away by the so-called Royal Charter Storm of October 1859. A somewhat melancholy sight, all the more so on a drizzly afternoon. As for the meaning of the name, if this were Cornwall rather than West Wales, the wording on the map might well be 'Church Cove'.
Churchyard and ruined church, Cwm yr Eglwys
All that remains of the church of St Brynach, the rest having been washed away by the so-called Royal Charter Storm of October 1859. A somewhat melancholy sight, all the more so on a drizzly afternoon. As for the meaning of the name, if this were Cornwall rather than West Wales, the wording on the map might well be 'Church Cove'.
The Pembrokeshire Coast path east of Dinas Head Seen from a few hundred metres east of the trig. point at Pen y Fan - on a drizzly afternoon. In the distance is the Nevern Estuary, Aber yr Afon Nyfer. Ahead of me on the path is Casey, a Jack Russell terrier often to be seen in Pembrokeshire Geographs: <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/301958," href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/301958,">Link</a> <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2188741" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2188741">Link</a>
The Pembrokeshire Coast path east of Dinas Head
Seen from a few hundred metres east of the trig. point at Pen y Fan - on a drizzly afternoon. In the distance is the Nevern Estuary, Aber yr Afon Nyfer. Ahead of me on the path is Casey, a Jack Russell terrier often to be seen in Pembrokeshire Geographs: Link Link
Cliffs on the west side of Dinas Island 'Dinas Island' is not a true island at all (think of the Isles of Ely, Purbeck, and Thanet). But it would take a rise in Mean Sea Level of less than 10 metres for it to become one once more (as it doubtless was in the past), as it is separated from the 'mainland' by a low-lying strip of land.
Cliffs on the west side of Dinas Island
'Dinas Island' is not a true island at all (think of the Isles of Ely, Purbeck, and Thanet). But it would take a rise in Mean Sea Level of less than 10 metres for it to become one once more (as it doubtless was in the past), as it is separated from the 'mainland' by a low-lying strip of land.
Coastal path on Dinas Island There is a diversion in place to avoid an eroded section of cliff, but the diversion is not enforced. The marker on the stone to the left acts merely as a recommendation.
Coastal path on Dinas Island
There is a diversion in place to avoid an eroded section of cliff, but the diversion is not enforced. The marker on the stone to the left acts merely as a recommendation.
Hillside above Pwllgwaelod The whole of Dinas Island is on a slope but it is steeper at this southern end.
Hillside above Pwllgwaelod
The whole of Dinas Island is on a slope but it is steeper at this southern end.
Building foundations on Pen y Fan I presume there was a lookout station on this site. Newport Bay is far left.
Building foundations on Pen y Fan
I presume there was a lookout station on this site. Newport Bay is far left.
Trig point on Dinas Head In the distance is a ferry to Ireland which has recently departed from Fishguard.
Trig point on Dinas Head
In the distance is a ferry to Ireland which has recently departed from Fishguard.
Hillside above Pwll Glas There is a view across Newport Bay.
Hillside above Pwll Glas
There is a view across Newport Bay.
Coast path above Pwll Glas There is a steady climb up to Dinas Head.
Coast path above Pwll Glas
There is a steady climb up to Dinas Head.
Coastal path on Dinas Island The path is currently aiming at Carningli, with Newport down to the left. This is a popular walk and the path can get crowded.
Coastal path on Dinas Island
The path is currently aiming at Carningli, with Newport down to the left. This is a popular walk and the path can get crowded.
Non-flowering gorse by the coast path on Dinas Island The gorse on the moors is a blaze of colour currently, so it was a surprise to see this not in flower.
Non-flowering gorse by the coast path on Dinas Island
The gorse on the moors is a blaze of colour currently, so it was a surprise to see this not in flower.
The bay at Cwm-yr-Eglwys This is the view which opens up from the coastal path on Dinas Island.
The bay at Cwm-yr-Eglwys
This is the view which opens up from the coastal path on Dinas Island.
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Pen Sidan is located at Grid Ref: SN0040 (Lat: 52.029641, Lng: -4.9161917)

Unitary Authority: Pembrokeshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///fails.credited.currently. Near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire

Nearby Locations

Pen-clawdd Dinas Island Catch y Mitsiwr Pen Sidan Aber Pensidan Cafnau

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