The organizers could not have picked a more beautiful and historic location for the first annual Daffy Dipping event. Below we outline some of the natural and historic featues of Whitesands Bay. 

On February 26th a new chapter will be written in the history of this fascinating location. If you're in the area why not get along to Whitesands and participate in the first annual Daffy Dipping extravaganza. If chill swimming is not your thing just come and cheer them on!

Whitesands Bay is a beach located in the St Davids Peninsula in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is considered one of the best beaches in the country and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The beach is known for its wide stretch of golden sand, clear blue waters, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.

Whitesands Bay is also popular with surfers, as it provides excellent waves for both beginners and more experienced surfers. The beach has a large car park, public toilets, and a café that serves food and drinks throughout the day.

The area around Whitesands Bay is also home to a range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of sea birds. There are several walking trails in the area, including the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great way to explore the area's natural beauty.

CARN LLIDI

Carn Llidi is a prominent rocky outcrop located on the St Davids Peninsula in Pembrokeshire, Wales, near Whitesands Bay. It is a popular destination for hikers and walkers, offering spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and countryside.

The summit of Carn Llidi stands at 594 feet (181 meters) above sea level and can be accessed via several walking routes, including the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the St Davids Peninsula, the coast, and the offshore islands.

The area around Carn Llidi is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which is known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife. The hill is also home to a range of archaeological sites, including neolithic burial chambers, prehistoric enclosures and field systems, and an iron-age defensive wall. During World War II, a Chain Home Low early-warning radar station was located on Carn Llidi, and the remains of the concrete base and a Lewis gun pit can still be seen.

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a long-distance walking trail that follows the coastline of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales, UK. The trail is approximately 186 miles (299 km) long, running from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels in the north.

The path is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves to discover along the way. It is a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with the trail passing through a diverse range of landscapes, from wild, windswept headlands to peaceful wooded valleys.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot seals, dolphins, and a variety of bird species along the way. The path is well-signposted and maintained, with plenty of accommodation and amenities available for walkers, including campsites, B&Bs, and pubs serving food and drink.

The trail can be walked in sections, with many visitors choosing to tackle shorter sections of the path, while others complete the entire route over several days or weeks. There are also guided tours and baggage transfer services available for those who prefer a more supported walking experience.

RAMSEY ISLAND

Ramsey Island, also known as Ynys Dewi in Welsh, is a small island located off St David's Head in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales. It is around 1 kilometer off the northern side of St Brides Bay, and its area is about 259 hectares (640 acres). The name "Ramsey" is derived from Old Norse and means "Hrafn's island," while in Welsh, the island is named after Saint David, the patron saint of Wales.

The island has a diverse geology that consists of sedimentary, volcanic, and intrusive igneous rocks dating from the early Paleozoic era. The north part of the island is mostly mudstones of the Tetragraptus Mudstone Formation, while the south is dominated by a rhyolite intrusion. The island's coastal cliffs are formed by sedimentary rocks, including the Lingula Flags and sandstones and mudstones of the Ogof Hen Formation.

Ramsey Island has evidence of prehistoric cairns, field systems, and barrows, indicating human activity on the island dating back up to 5,000 years. There are also medieval sites on the island, such as a holy well and cemetery from the 9th century.

MEDIEVAL TRADING POST

In 2021 the Dyfed Archaeological Trust has excavated around 200 well-preserved bodies from the site of a medieval trading post with Ireland at Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire. The remains are from an early Christian community and have been buried in sand, providing a unique snapshot into life at the time. The Trust hopes to excavate as much of the chapel cemetery as possible due to fears coastal erosion could wash it away. Radiocarbon dating has shown the cemetery was in use from the 8th to 11th Centuries, and the excavations will be stored at the National Museum of Wales. Earlier digs had taken place at the St Patrick's Chapel site in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

SUBMERGED FOREST

During low tide, visitors to the beach can see the remains of an ancient forest, which has been preserved by the sand and sea for thousands of years. The forest is believed to have been part of an area of woodland that was once above sea level and may have extended out into the bay.

The remains of the trees are visible as stumps and are often covered in seaweed and other marine life. Scientists have been able to use the submerged forest to study past sea levels and climate change, as well as to learn more about the local environment and ecology.

The submerged forest can be accessed from Whitesands Bay during low tide, but visitors should be aware of the tides and take care when exploring the area. It is recommended to visit with a guide or tour, as the area can be dangerous and unpredictable.