After Tenby, I knew we had to head back to the beach at some point. At first, I thought maybe Kobe was just excited because he was still young and it was all new to him. But nope he still absolutely loves it. He knows the signs now. As soon as his bed goes into the car, he knows we’re going somewhere good. Cue full-on excited puppy giddiness every time we go anywhere near the coast 🐶💨.

I would have loved to visit Portmeirion, the little village that looks like it belongs in Italy. I did look into it when I was researching places nearby, but unfortunately dogs aren’t allowed in the village itself. I get it. It must take a huge amount of effort to maintain, and they probably don’t want a dopey Labrador eating the grass or doing his business 💩 in the public gardens. Still, it was a shame, because I’d have loved to see it.

That said, I completely respect that not everyone loves dogs. And honestly, that’s one of the reasons I love finding those little dog-friendly gems, places where I can still have a great experience and bring my dope of a Labrador along with me ❤️.

Where we stayed 🏡

We found a small, dog-friendly Airbnb in Porthmadog, which worked perfectly as a base. There were several beaches just a short drive away, and Kobe was in absolute heaven. He loves the freedom of charging through the water, tearing along the sand… and becoming completely obsessed with his ball 🥎.

At some point, we do have to put the ball away to force him to take a break. If we didn’t, he’d chase it forever. I really do think you sometimes have to make your dog rest so they don’t overdo it or injure themselves.

Black Rock Sands 🖤

Black Rock Sands was the first beach we visited and it was practically empty. One thing that really surprised me was that you can actually drive straight onto the beach and park there. I’d never come across that before; usually there’s some kind of designated car park.

I can imagine it gets busy in nicer weather, but it’s such a vast stretch of sand that it never feels cramped. I’d love to come back in summer at some point ☀️

Harlech Beach & that road 😅

Harlech Beach sits just across the estuary, so you have to drive around to reach it — but it’s absolutely worth it. Miles of flat sand (around four miles, I think), and just as beautiful as Black Rock Sands.

For some reason, we decided to park near Harlech Castle and walk down Ffordd Pen Llech — formerly the steepest residential street in the world according to Guinness. The gradient is a ridiculous 37.45%, and going down it really tested Kobe’s lead-walking skills. I was basically trying not to be dragged downhill on my face 🫠

I think the record’s been beaten now by another street somewhere else, but honestly… this one still feels steep enough.

Dog-friendly food stops 🍦☕

We stopped for lunch at Cadwaladers in Criccieth, which was a lovely, dog-friendly spot and perfect after a beach walk.

Why winter beaches win 🐕❄️

After taking Kobe to a few beaches now, I honestly think winter is the best time to go:

• No risk of him overheating
• Dog restrictions are often lifted (but always check, rules do change)
• Far fewer people, so your giddy pup is less likely to collide with an unsuspecting human
• No picnics to crash, not because of the food but he is so giddy, he doesn’t watch where he’s running!