Whitesands Bay, Sandy beach on St Davids Peninsula, Wales
Whitesands Bay is a wide sandy beach on the St Davids Peninsula with fine light-colored sand backed by tall dune ridges. The Carn Llidi rock formation rises prominently at one end and marks a natural boundary of the shore.
The area has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by medieval burial sites discovered near the bay. These archaeological finds show that the region held importance for settled communities over many centuries.
The bay holds significance in Welsh religious tradition as a departure point for Saint Patrick's missionary journey. Locals and visitors alike experience the place as a living connection to Wales' spiritual past and its role in wider Celtic history.
The beach is staffed by lifeguards during summer and has amenities including a cafe and rental equipment for water sports activities. Access paths are clearly marked and wheelchair-accessible routes make it easy to reach different areas of the shore.
At exceptionally low tides, remnants of an ancient sunken forest become visible, with stumps of birch, fir, hazel, and oak trees preserved in the sand. These fossil trees offer a rare glimpse into what the landscape looked like thousands of years ago.
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