The 4 mile stretch of coast faces southwest and the prevailing winds. The beach is backed by steep clay cliffs with a rocky headland at each end - namely Cilan Headland on the eastern side and the slopes of Rhiw mountain on other. The cliffs suffer badly from erosion, especially on the western side. The bay has entrapped many vessels causing shipwrecks.

Sources include:
Historic Admiralty Chart 1412-A7, RCAHMW Digital Collections sourced from UK Hydrographic Office (published 1842)

Maritime Officer, RCAHMW, October 2011.