10 memorable places to scatter ashes in Wales
Wales is packed full of stunning coastline, rugged mountains and crisscrossed with rivers and bodies of water. There is certainly no shortage of beautiful places to lay a loved one to rest. If you’re thinking about scattering a loved one’s ashes in Wales, read on to learn more about how to do this and where you should consider.
Where can you scatter ashes in Wales?
Yes, you can scatter ashes in most places in Wales, provided you have the landowner’s permission. Unless you are scattering ashes on private land that is heavily used by the public, you are unlikely to come up against any objections.
Since many of the places on this list are remote areas, you should have no problems finding a quiet moment to say goodbye without disturbing those around you.
Do you need permission to scatter ashes in Wales?
You do need to ask permission from the landowner if you would like to scatter ashes on private land. It is also common courtesy to make sure that scattering the ashes does not disrupt anyone around you, damage the land, or leave anything behind that is not biodegradable.
Some people like to scatter flowers at the same time. This should be fine, provided they do not have any plastic packaging. When you have finished scattering the ashes, they should not be easily visible. Leaving all of the ashes in one spot can damage plant life. If you are scattering the ashes in water, a biodegradable water urn is recommended.
Is it ok to split ashes?
Yes, there is no reason you cannot split the ashes if you wish. There are no religious or moral reasons to keep the ashes together. In general, if a religion permits cremation, then there will be no restrictions on what you do with the ashes.
Some people choose to keep some, scatter some, and add some to a special keepsake. For example, you can turn ashes into a ring.
Top 10 places to scatter ashes in Wales
Looking for inspiration to scatter a loved one’s ashes? We have a few suggestions for the most beautiful and memorable places in Wales that will provide the perfect spot to find closure.
Tenby
This beautiful harbour town offers a little bit of everything, from pensive harbour views to stretches of stunning coastline. You won’t struggle to find a spot to scatter the ashes of a loved one in Tenby. Since this is easily accessible by road, it’s also the perfect spot if any of your mourning party have limited mobility.
Gower Peninsula
This spot in southwest Wales offers tranquillity and seclusion in equal measure, but it is still conveniently located close to Swansea and Port Talbot. On this stretch of coastline, you’ll find miles and miles of sandy beaches with coastal paths that offer plenty of places to say a quiet goodbye. Three Cliffs Bay is one of the highlights of this stunning region.
The River Wye
This happens to be the fourth-longest river in the UK. It starts in Plynlimon and makes its way down to the Severn estuary, passing through the Wye Valley, which is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wintour’s Leap offers stunning sunset views across the Lancaut peninsular.
Portmeirion Village
This stunning village was designed in the style of an Italian village and offers winding roads sprawled across a hillside perched alongside the estuary of the River Dwyryd. Portmerion is a popular destination year-round, but you should still be able to find a quiet moment to say goodbye. You’ll also have somewhere beautiful to return to year after year to honour the memory of your loved one.
Brecon Beacons
This mountain range in South Wales offers vast rugged landscapes and cloud-topped peaks. The highest point is Pen y Fan, but you don’t have to scale the summit to find a beautiful place to scatter ashes. In terms of accessibility, there are numerous car parks throughout the national park and there are plenty of more gentle ambles to enjoy. For the adventurous, more challenging hikes will allow you to find a tranquil spot.
Llyn y Fan Fach
This lake in South Wales is located 1660 ft above sea level at the north of the ridge of the Carmarthen Fans. The glacial lake is a popular hiking route that will allow you to take in stunning views. You could scatter ashes in the lake, or choose a spot on the route into the valley for a memorable goodbye.
Barafundle Bay
This secluded beach in Pembrokeshire is surrounded by dunes and pine forests. The nearest car park is around half a mile away, which might not make it the ideal choice for less mobile members of your group. Since the beach is only accessible on foot, it tends to be less populated than more accessible beaches. Arrive first thing in the morning and you are likely to have the place to yourself.
Snowdonia National Park
Located in the Northwest of Wales, this area of mountains and glacial landforms is also home to Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. There are plenty of walking routes to explore and you are sure to be able to find a quiet spot to scatter ashes in peace. There are over 100 lakes to explore, so if you are thinking about scattering the ashes in water, you will have plenty of choices.
Rhossili Bay
This vast expanse of sandy coastline stretches for three miles and is popular with walkers all year round. This place is popular all year round, but the sheer size of the beach means that you are likely to be able to find a secluded spot to say goodbye. Sunsets are particularly stunning in this location.
Abereiddy and the blue lagoon
Located on the northwest coast of Wales, this rugged stretch of coastline offers an incredible black sand beach and a mysterious blue lagoon set in a slate quarry. There are plenty of coastal walks to enjoy, or the more adventurous might take a kayak out to sea to scatter the ashes in complete tranquillity.