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... we had a pleasant week here. Moments from the beach, good sand plus stream and rocky bits to poke around in, generally deserted and never what you would call busy. Beach shelves gently, good for paddling, swimming, body-boarding. Pleasing walks along the coast in both directions. Top ice cream places in New Quay and Aberaeron. Dolphins! Actual bottle-nosed dolphins, swimming around in the sea.

To get there, travel due west from Birmingham, then turn left when you hit the coast. We avoid annoying hours of I'm bored/I've got no room/I'm feeling sick/He's on my side and generally are-we-there-yet-ness by travelling in two parties. Party A, Bean, Hal-baby, and I, took the train to Aberystwyth, where we wandered around a bit and had chips and ice cream. Party B, Natalie and Dogger, drove. They picked us up for the final half an hour or so's drive. I'd recommend it.