MWNT

Mwnt is a stretch of coastline, a beach, a hill, a church.  A few miles north of Cardigan on the Wales Coast Path, there is a sheltered sandy cove, popular with families and one of the best places in Ceredigion to spot dolphins, porpoises and seals.  There are easy steps to the beach, a café and toilets at the top and a National Trust car park (pay and display).  Overlooking the beach is the remains of an old lime kiln, but the main feature is the hill, Foel y Mwnt, that towers over the area and which gives it its name: mwnt means ‘mount’.  There are great views over Cardigan Bay from the top, if you have the legs and head to clamber up it.

In the shelter of the hill is the tiny whitewashed Church of the Holy Cross.  It could be named for a cross that once stood on Foel y Mwnt and there may well have been a church on the site since early Christian times.  The present building dates from the 14th century, when it served pilgrims travelling to St Davids or Strata Florida, as well as local sailors.  It has a 13th century font made of stone from the Preseli Hills.

As a final note, Mwnt was raided by Flemings in 1155.  A bloody battle ensued, in which the invaders came off worse.  The event is still commemorated.