Full Description
Much
of Anglesey's 125-mile coastline, including Holy Island/
Ynys Gybi, is outstandingly beautiful and has National Landscape status. Just a
short bridge crossing from the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) over the Menai
Strait/Afon Menai, eight of the ten superb walks in this guide are set on the
coast. Opportunities abound to explore some of the best stretches of the
Anglesey Coastal Path, from Bull Bay/Porthllechog, Amlwch, and Traeth Lligwy,
Moelfre, on Anglesey's north coast, to the
pine-backed sandy expanses of Traeth Llanddwyn, Newborough/Niwbwrch, and the
surf-loving vibe at Rhosneigr on the south coast of the island. You can admire
the longest harbour breakwater in Europe from the summit of Holyhead Mountain,
while on the opposite coast you can walk under the Menai
Suspension Bridge and watch the racing
tidal current in the strait from Church
Island.
Inland,
walks take you round the copper mine at Parys Mountain/Mynydd Parys, with the
remarkable colour of its incredible moonlike landscape, which contrasts
dramatically with the reed-fringed wetland boardwalks and tranquil forest paths
of Llyn Cefni.
You might spot a red squirrel on a forest feeder at
the beauty spot of Penrhos Coastal Park;
read about the Welsh patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen, on Ynys Llanddwyn; and
enjoy the fascinating history of Beaumaris
Castle
Contents
Bull
Bay
and Porth Wen
This walk explores the coast path to the
north of the small seaside village of Bull Bay.
It's a glorious stretch of coast, with heather-lined clifftops that provide
easy, enthralling walking. The focal point of the walk is a visit to the ruined
brickworks situated in neighbouring Porth Wen, though the whole walk is a
fabulous exploration of a wonderful part of the island.
Historic,
picturesquely set brickworks; clifftops and fabulous coast path
Parys
Mountain
The other-worldly colours and textures of Parys Mountain
(Mynydd Parys in Welsh) should be on every visitor's itinerary, and this walk,
which traces a relatively easy line around the works, is the perfect way to
enjoy the spectacular landscapes. It's a remote spot, with no facilities, but
the walking is fairly easy, on good, waymarked tracks, and it's close to the
small town of Amlwch,
which is well worth a visit before or after.
Copper
mine heritage; kaleidoscopic colours of the moonlike landscape
Moelfre
and Traeth Lligwy
Traeth Lligwy is a stunning golden- sand
beach on Anglesey's east coast, 1¼ miles north of the town of Moelfre. The two are linked by a fine stretch
of coast path that tracks above modest limestone cliffs as it arcs around an
imposing headland. The hills above the beach conceal the fascinating remains of
an ancient village and a 12th-century chapel.
Stunning
golden-sand beach; fine coast views; ancient site and chapel
Beaumaris
Beaumaris sits close to the easternmost point
of Anglesey and feels much more like a seaside resort than its neighbour, Menai Bridge.
The hub of the town is the castle - an impressive edifice that dominates the
town centre and makes a fascinating place to visit. This walk, the shortest and
easiest in this book, explores the bustling and architecturally interesting
streets, as well as the attractive promenade, rocky beaches, outdoor swimming
pool and pier.
Impressive
castle; pier, seawall promenade and Puffin
Island boat trip
Menai
Bridge
The town of Menai Bridge/Porthaethwy lies at
the narrowest section of the Menai Strait/Afon Menai and acts as a welcoming
gateway to the Isle of Anglesey. The shoreline is dotted with a number of small
islands that are home to a rich array of wildlife. The town is towered over by
the suspension bridge, after which it is named, and this walk leaves the busy
town to offer fine views of both the bridge and the racing waters of the
strait.
Iconic
suspension bridge; old islet chapel; town quay; quiet shore
Llyn
Cefni
This is one of only two walks in this book
that doesn't have a coastal element to it. The focal point though is still
water, only this time, the Cefni Reservoir - a broad, tree-lined lake just a
mile from the county town of Llangefni. It's a lovely walk that follows good
paths and tracks, and it's sheltered enough to make a pleasant outing when the
weather is too poor for the seaside.
Lake-fringe
shore path; wetland boardwalks; delightful woodland
Penrhos
Coastal Park
Although just a few miles from Holyhead and
the ferry port, located on Holy Island/Ynys Gybi, Penrhos Coastal
Park feels like an
entirely different world. Here you can enjoy one of the finest walks in Anglesey, combining beaches, history, views, nature and
stunning beech woodlands, all in just under three miles. For maximum enjoyment,
choose a good day and spend a few hours relaxing on the stunning private beach.
Holy
Island beauty spot; woods, red squirrels; fine beach, coast views
Holyhead
Mountain
Holyhead Mountain is the real jewel in the crown of Holy Island - a rugged and exposed headland that rises
720 feet above the ocean, offering amazing views and enthralling walking. It's
not without its natural or historical interest either, starting close to the
quarries that provided stone for Holyhead's port, and tracking above cliffs
that teem with birdlife. A word of caution though, this exploration of a
fabulous section of coastline does involve lots of climbing. Save it for a fine
day to savour the views.
An
energetic climb to the far-reaching views over Anglesey
Rhosneigr
Rhosneigr is a charming coastal village with
fine beaches, great pubs, restaurants and coffee shops. Its adjacent tranquil
coastal lake, Llyn Maelog, is the only waterbody in Wales to be designated as a
'village green'. The village has a fine stretch of coast path that continues
through some lovely sand dunes behind the beaches. Rhosneigr is a vibrant place
with a lively surf scene. This walk features beaches, coast path and a delightful
lakeside walkway.
Vibrant
surfing village; sandy beaches, dunes; peaceful lake circuit
Newborough
and Ynys Llanddwyn
Traeth Llanddwyn, or Newborough Sands as it
tends to get called in English, is without doubt one of the finest beaches on
Anglesey, or even in Wales.
These sweeping dune-backed sands sit at the southern end of the Menai Strait;
they have an amazingly remote feel and are large enough to offer solitude even
on a busy day. The western end of the beach is defined by a sandy peninsula -
Ynys Llanddwyn - and the walking is easy and delightful.
Outstanding
beach; tidal island adventure; tale of St Dwynwen
