Porthgain

Settlement in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Porthgain

Cerrig Gwylan From a Lichen-encrusted Mainland These two rocky islets are popular with seabirds (Kittiwake, Cormorant and Black-backed Gulls). The brightly coloured lichen in the foreground covers the mainland rocks. — Cerrig Gwylan From a Lichen-encrusted Mainland Credit: Anthony Parkes

Porthgain is a small coastal village located in the county of Pembrokeshire, Wales. Situated on the north coast of St. David's Peninsula, it is nestled within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

With a population of approximately 100 people, Porthgain is known for its rich industrial history. In the 19th century, the village thrived as a center for slate and granite quarrying, and its harbor played a crucial role in exporting these materials. The remnants of this industrial past can still be seen today, with the well-preserved slate quarrying buildings and the iconic brick hoppers that were used to load the slate onto ships.

Despite its small size, Porthgain has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque harbor, which is home to a handful of fishing boats and pleasure craft. The village is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with a number of galleries showcasing the work of local artists.

The surrounding natural beauty makes Porthgain an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The coastal path offers stunning views of the rugged cliffs and the Irish Sea, and there are plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, and birdwatching in the area.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Porthgain boasts a charming pub and a seafood restaurant, both of which serve delicious local fare. Overall, Porthgain offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural charm, making it a must-visit destination in Pembrokeshire.

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Porthgain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.947577/-5.177368 or Grid Reference SM8132. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cerrig Gwylan From a Lichen-encrusted Mainland

These two rocky islets are popular with seabirds (Kittiwake, Cormorant and Black-backed Gulls). The brightly coloured lichen in the foreground covers the mainland rocks.

Anthony Parkes

Cerrig Gwylan

These two rocky islets are popular with seabirds (Kittiwake, Cormorant and Black-backed Gulls).

Anthony Parkes

Cerrig Wylan

Seen from the nearby headland, it is not entirely clear that there are two islands lying offshore.

Oliver Dixon

Cerrig Gwylan

These small islands and the headland on the right of the picture are the entire land of this grid square.

Rob Burke

Hare's foot clover (Trifolium arvense)

A low-growing plant that likes sandy soil, seen here on the sea cliffs above Traeth Llyfn. Its soft downy flower heads turn from pinkish-purple to silvery-beige as they mature.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum)

This plant, with the fleshy leaf spikes and knobbly greeny-yellow flowers growing in the crevice behind the sea campion in the foreground, was the one whose perilous collection from the sea cliffs Shakespeare described as a 'dreadful trade'. It has long been used as a pickling vegetable and was once supplied in large quantities to London markets. Nowadays it has been rediscovered by wild food enthusiasts, for example see Link

It is sometimes confused with the marsh samphire or glasswort (Salicornia sp.) that may be seen on fishmongers' slabs. The name samphire comes from the French 'herbe de St Pierre' because of its rocky habitat, and by further association it was deemed beneficial for kidney stone ailments! It is in fact a succulent member of the carrot family, adapted for arid conditions.

Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff

Cerrig Gwylan

From the beach west of Porthgain. You will need to climb down the metal steps to get onto the beach.

Colin Hoskins

Fields near Trefin

Looking westward across Aber Draw from the footpath joining Trefin with the coast path.

E Gammie

Sawn slate wall, Porthgain

Dylan Moore

Navigation aids, Porthgain

Chris Andrews

Quarry buildings, above Porthgain

Chris Andrews

Traeth Llyfn

Chris Andrews

Navigation aids, Porthgain

These two stone markers stand high above the narrow entrance to Porthgain harbour, which might otherwise be difficult to spot from the sea. The nearer (east) marker is circular in cross-section whereas the further one is square. I confess that I do not really see much point in this: from a distance out at sea it would be difficult to distinguish the cross-section, and once you have identified both markers you know that you want to navigate between them!

David Purchase

Ynys-fach from the west

A small tidal island well seen from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

David Purchase

Sea Pink Covered Cliff-tops above Traeth Llyfn

Anthony Parkes

Porth-gain from the Coastal Path

Anthony Parkes

Gun from the Liberty Ship 'Dan Beard'

The gun, which once belonged to the American Liberty Ship, Dan Beard, was found by divers off the northern coast of Pembrokeshire. The ship was returning from the Normandy landings when it fell prey to a German U-Boat in December 1944. A total of 29 men lost their lives. Now the gun has been placed on display in the tiny harbour village of Porthgain

Anthony Parkes