A visitor to Porthmadog has complained about the number of cars being allowed to park on Black Rock Sands, saying it “completely wrecks the feel of the beach”.

Dave Taylor, from Penrhyncoch, was walking from Criccieth to Porthmadog on Monday, 29 July, when he was struck by the vast stretch of sand occupied by vehicles.

He said: “I have walked from Criccieth to Porthmadog about eight times now but never in August and so was just shocked at the sheer number of cars and how far they were allowed to travel along the beach.”

He said that he observed cars parked over a “huge area”, around two miles in length and extending to around five rows of cars.

Controlled by Gwynedd Council, parking has been permitted on the sand at Black Rock Sands during the summer for decades – but driving on the beach is subject to speed limits and cars must be parked in designated areas.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Parking a vehicle on the beach at Morfa Bychan has been permitted for generations. The council actively manages the beach and aims to ensure that vehicles comply with Council regulations.

“Morfa Bychan is the only beach in Gwynedd whereby access is permitted with a vehicle.”