Beach walkers made a sad discovery along the coast near Barmouth.

The carcass of a rare species of whale washed up overnight on Tuesday, 28 January, on the beach.

It was later identified as a Cuvier’s beaked whale.

The carcass has been reported to Gwynedd Council.

The whale was discovered by Tina Triggs, who is a member of Cambrian Beach Guardians.

She said: “I came across the whale whilst walking the dogs at around 7am.

“It is very sad to come across any dead marine mammal, but especially so when it is so large and to find out that it is an unusual species for our waters.

“I would like to thank Barmouth harbourmaster Glyn Jones for responding so quickly to the report of the stranding.”

Barry Davies, Gwynedd Council’s maritime officer said: “The Cuvier’s Beaked Whale is a rare species in Welsh waters.

“The badly decomposed carcass which came ashore at Barmouth will be disposed as soon as experts have taken samples.”

The Cuvier’s Beaked Whale is one of the larger members of the beaked whale family. They are usually found in groups of two or alone.

Both males and females can reach up to seven metres in length and can weigh up to 3000 kilograms. According to Wales and Dolphin Conservation, the Cuvier’s beaked whale is mainly found in deep offshore waters such as the Atlantic and lives off a diet of jellyfish and crustaceans.