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Llantwit Major

A view over the beach by Welsh Lady on Flickr.

A classic right hand point break breaking over sand and pebbles with some shelter from south westerly winds.

For more than 1,500 years religion has played an important part in the life of this small seaside parish. It's even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the site of Britain's oldest seat of learning.

These days however the only pilgrims arriving are surfers who've come to worship the right hand point break running along the east side of the bay.

If you follow your nose through the town towards the beach signs (traeth) you'll discover a small beach approximately two miles away.

You can park right opposite the beach so it's perfect for a quick surf check and there's a shop/cafe on site too.

There are a various peaks dotted along on this beach which spring to life on the dropping tide, making this one of the more consistently good spots to surf in South East Wales but the point is what attracts most surfers here.

Long walling waves and cover ups are not unheard of here when conditions are right but the rip can be soul destroying as the tide turns. You'll literally find yourself paddling constantly just to try and stay on the peak.

The amazing cliffs at Llantwit Major

Image by Gale Foley

The point is best on large swells and holds waves up to around six feet in height. The beach can also be fairly sheltered in south westerly winds when other beaches along the coast are blown out or dead onshore.

There are plenty of rocks here as the beach is made up of large pebbles with some sand at low tide so take care. The point is definitely not suitable for learners as it's shallow and rocky .

At high tide the beach becomes too deep for surfing and the waves tend to switch off, unless there's a really big swell pushing up the Bristol Channel.

The beach used to have a reputation for localism and visiting surfers were not made very welcome but it's mellowed in recent years. Respect the surfers who live and surf here and you shouldn't have any problems surfing here.

The beach has a strong surfing tradition and board riders club - Channel Coast Surf Club, which has produced many great surfers over the years including former Welsh National Champion, Mark Vaughan and sponsored UK pro surfer, Nathan Philips.

If you're stuck without a car and feeling fit you can always catch a train to Llantwit Major from Cardiff and walk or cycle down to the beach.

Article written by Martin Aaron