Llanddwyn Island
Llanddwyn Island, what a place this is. Located on the stunning south coast of Anglesey, a rocky volcanic outcrop surrounded by the most stunning scenery. Moreover, the island is also steeped in history and folklore of ages past.
To the east are the mountains of the Snowdonian range, to the south the rocky Hills of the Lynn Peninsula. West is the vast expanse of Malltraeth Bay with its long sandy beach, to the north the Pine forest of Newborough (Home to red Squirrels). Best views on Anglesey and dare I say, top 5 in the UK?
Access to the island is easy, just walk onto it. It is a tidal island so can become cutoff on bigger high tide, only for an hour or so. In summer it’s shoes and socks off as you wade through the clear water, winter it’s wellies or arrive as the tide recedes.
Oh, and the rocks you see before walking onto the island? These were formed around 500 million years ago by Lava erupting from the sea bed!
As you make you way across the island, keep an eye out for the wild ponies, their grazing helps manage the local fauna. Some can be quite inquisitive and will even come and check you out.
As you walk towards the end, you will soon come across the ruins of the old church / chapel. St Dwynwen’s Church to be exact, the Patron Saint of Lovers. There are several variations of the legend but all end the same, she was cured of her love burden. It was a pilgrimage site during the middle ages and became quite wealthy from it.
As you approach the end of the island you will find the old pilots cottages, the rnli of old. Take a peek inside the windows, one is a museum. If you are lucky you may spot a lizard or two on the wall outside, basking in the sun.
There is an old lighthouse on the end signalling the start of the Menai Strait. A similar but smaller building is guidance for the pilots cove.
The sea around the island is a Mecca for wildlife, above and below the waterline. Seals can be seen quite regular around the island, dolphins or harbour porpoise frequent the area too.
If you plan on hitting the beaches there are many little coves, either sandy or shingle. There is always one or two that are sheltered from any winds.
It takes around 40 minutes to get to the end of the island from the nearest parking spot, thats walking at a decent pace.. The national trust car park at Newborough forest has toilets, showers and usually an ice cream or burger van. It’s a short drive from Newborough through the Red Squirrel Pine forest.
If there is one place you have to visit on Anglesey, this is it. You will definitely be back again, the pictures just don’t do it justice.
Parking at cost can be found here LL61 6SG
