Visit Anglesey

Tag: Coastal Path

  • Holyhead Maritime Museum

    Holyhead Maritime Museum

    Holyhead Maritime Museum sits above Newry beach with views across the Marina and breakwater. Moreover there is ample free parking on the main road and near by carparks.

    A look back in time at Holyhead and the surrounding areas maritime history. Ship wrecks, tales of adventure and daring rescues. There is much to see and learn on the site even though its not the biggest of places, there is a WW2 air raid shelter outside too. Inside the main building it is full of models and information boards, see what Holyhead was like over 100 years ago. There is an imense history in the area, from Holyhead being a Dutch Naval Base to Woolly mammoths!

    The images shows an old canon that is located outside of Holyhead maritime museum
    Canon

    Further more the Museum building itself dates back to 1858, it is the oldest lifeboat station in Wales. Inside the air raid shelter is an exhibition giving the details of Holyheads involvement in both World War 1 and 2.

    The image show the Harbourfront Bistro, it is a restaurant attached to Holyhead Maritime museum
    Harbourfront Bistro and Newry Beach

    There are plenty of others attractions near by to keep you busy for the day, whilst at the Museum check out the Harbourfront Bistro for great food and views. You can laze away the day as the ferry’s come and go.

    The Museum is open from Easter 10am – 4pm, Tueday to Sunday including bank holidays.

    You can find Holyhead Maritime Museum at The Old Lifeboat Station, Newry Beach, Holyhead, LL65 1YD

    For more information on this fantastic museum please visit http://www.holyheadmaritimemuseum.co.uk/

  • Llanbadrig Church

    Llanbadrig Church

    Llanbadrig Church is a 5th Century building. Wideley known to have been built by St Patrick after he survived a ship wreck in the sea below the church. Moreover sits atop of the cliffs overlooking the Irish sea. The location is absolutely stunning with the Anglesey coastal path passing between the outer wall and the steep cliffs to the rear of the church. That’s 3 reasons to visit, all rolled into one great location.

    A picture of the rear of Llanbadrig Church, taken from inside the cemetery grounds.
    Llanbadrig Church

    Llanbadrig is the Welsh name for the “Church of St Patrick. It is reputed to possibly be the oldest church site in Wales. Building started on the current stone structure in the 4th century. The Dalai Lama visited the church and its claimed he said “it is the most peaceful spot on earth”

    A picture of Llanbadrig Church and Cemetery taken from a small hill overlooking the grounds
    Llanbadrig Church Cemetery

    The cemetery is on different levels of elevation following the contour of the hill with headstones dating to around the 17th century. Moreover several may date back further however the writing is unclear on some, the location next to the sea encourages corrosion. During renovations in 1884 workers came across the Ichthus Stone behind the old plaster inside the Llanbadrig Church.

    The Ichthus has carvings with the symbol of the Palm tree and fish, like many other early christian artifacts. The stone is similar to the ones that are in the catacombs of Rome. Due to this people thought it came from abroad however the department of geology confirmed it’s originally from Anglesey. The construction of the stone occurred in the 10th century according the archaeologists

    Limited parking is available at the front of the property with around 10 car spaces. Access is from the A5025 via a single track road with limited passing points. There is the Bay View Hotel and Restaurant at the start of the track. Ideal if you fancy a bite to eat or somewhere close to stay.

    May and September between 10am and 12pm or 2pm to 4pm, there may be a church steward present. This will allow you to look round this fascinating little church, drop a little donation in the box (if you can) to help support with its up keep. Llanbadrig Church is well worth checking out as its another one of Anglesey’s hidden gems.

    Tip – get there early to get a parking spot!

    You can find Llanbadrig Church at Cemaes Bay LL67 0LH

    The closest toilets are in Cemaes on the main road LL67 0HH or the beach car park LL67 0ND

  • Anglesey Seals

    Anglesey Seals

    Atlantic Grey Seals are a regular sight in the Irish Sea around Anglesey, moreover there are multiple little colonies around the island. The island provides the perfect habitat for them with an abundance of food. Rocky coves and secluded inlets and islands allow them to live and breed in relative piece.

    Picture of two seals playing on the beach
    Playful Seals

    There are several hotspots around Anglesey where you can watch them as they laze around on the rocks and beaches. The Anglesey Coastal path will bring you into close proximity to where the seals live, they can be seen from any section the path in their search for food. Moreover Summer or winter they are on the island year round, they can literally popup at any time.

    The seals generally start to give birth to their pups in September through to December. The pups are born fluffy and yellow like baby chickens! If you come across them do not touch or disturb them as they maybe abandoned by their mothers. Try to keep dogs on leads as well as maintaining your distance to avoid distressing them. They are great to watch as they congregate in vast numbers during the breeding season.

    Several companies around Anglesey offer cruises, which allow you to see all manner of wildlife. The companies operating from Beaumaris have trips up to Puffin Island, a known hot spot and breeding ground for the seals.

    What will you see?

  • Porth Wen Brickworks

    Porth Wen Brickworks

    Porth Wen Brickworks was a Victorian brick manufacturing facility producing fire bricks made from quartzite. These special bricks were used to line steel furnaces all over. Built in the mid 19th century and producing bricks up until 1914, it opened again briefly from 1924 – 1949.

    There are a few spaces to park your car but not many, basically grass verges. The best option is to park at Llanbadrig Church and walking across the coastal path. This will take a lot longer than the grass verges closer to the brickworks.

    The path down to the brickworks is under a tunnel of bramble and trees which adds to the wonder. As you come to the end of path be mindful as there is significant drop at the bottom. The path ends at the top of a roofless 3 storey building, the back of which uses the rock under foot as part the rear wall. Its not too dangerous to navigate. However if you have children or an energetic dog with you its definitely something to be aware of.

    The site still has its buildings in various states of disrepair. The tide has made its way into one of the buildings removing part of the foundations. In general the site can be seen for what it is with various bits of non operational machinery in places.

    The kilns are in good condition, two of which are accessible. The old dock is still visible however the tides constant decay is gradually wearing away at the wall, one section has already gone.

    The views around the bay are stunning, there is a natural stone arch at the properties edge. The brickworks have an almost other worldly feel about them, the remoteness of the location helps add to this.

    A great walk with some amazing views to take in, particularly if coming via the church path. An almost wondrous place you don’t want to miss, it’s one of Angleseys hidden gems.

    You can park close the Porth Wen Brickworks, there is maybe enough room for 4 cars. Pull in on the grass verge at the start of the pathway. The closest post code is Amlwch LL68 9LH.

    You can fish into the bay too from the stone walls. It really is a great place, scenery, photography, fishing, walking, there is something for tastes. Have a look, you won’t regret it.

  • Sea Fishing Anglesey

    Sea fishing Anglesey is fantastic, it offers literally some of the best sea fishing in the UK. With a 130 mile of pristine coastline there is something for everyone. Deep water rock fishing venues to storm beaches, day or night, Anglesey is home to a great abundance of fish species. Fantastic views wherever you decide to fish with a chance of seeing seals and Porpoises on a fairly regular basis.

    All disciplines of sea fishing are catered for, moreover whatever the weather there is always a sheltered spot to avoid the wind. Whether you enjoy fishing on the bottom or enjoy a bit LRF, there are spots all over the island. Some are well know such as Mackerel Rock, Penmon Point and the famous Holyhead Breakwater reaching 1.7 miles into the sea. Others spots are closely guarded secrets, take a walk along the coastal path and you will find them dotted around.

    Anglesey is also one of the few places around the UK that you can target Tope from the shore! Huss and various species of Ray, some big ones too can be found all around the island.

    Congor Eel are also abundant around the rocky sections of Angleseys coastline. Moreover its great for targeting mini species including the colourful Corkwing Wrasse to the strange looking Scorpion fish.

    If you fancy a trip out sea fishing in the depths there are several charter boats around the Island. Further out you can catch the bigger fish among the wrecks, shark fishing the Holyhead Deeps with fish upto 79lb! is very popular. Beaumaris, Holyhead and Amlwch have charter boats operating daily, weather dependent.

    One thing is for sure, when sea fishing Anglesey it can always throw up a surprise or two. Spider crabs, Lobster and even Octopus are fairly regular shore catches in summer.

    Check out www.turnerstackle.co.uk for places you can fish and directions to get there. Its also covers other parts of North Wales and the North West.

    What will you catch?

  • Red Squirrels

    Red Squirrels

    Anglesey is home to a healthy population of around 700 Red Squirrels, moreover there are ongoing efforts to increase this population. One of the hotspots to see the Red Squirrels is in the forested area of Newborough on the south east coast of Anglesey. The second hotspot is on the north east coast in the woodland at Pentraeth. They also frequent the wooded areas on the banks of the Menai along the east coast. In terms of population spread they are in most of Anglesey’s larger wooded areas.

    The picture shows a Red Squirrel on a tree in Penrhos coastal park
    Red Squirrel at Penrhos Coastal Park

    Penrhos Coastal Park is another good place to view Red Squirrels, there are many pathways to take through the wooded sections. Some of these have feeding stations that serve a dual purpose. Both birds and the Squirrels use the feeders making them easier to spot. They are also more used to visitors walking around here and so are less skittish, makes getting a few picture easier too.

    There are numerous paths through these stunningly beautiful areas. Some of these are also along the 125 miles of the Anglesey coastal path. If you are quiet enough you will see their bushy tail disappearing around the back of trees. Keeping dogs on leads will help you spot them as they are fast and have great senses. They will quickly hide if they see dogs coming, mostly lying on top of branches or staying still high in the trees.

    The grey squirrel population is believed to have been eradicated from Anglesey, furthermore there have been no sighting since 2013. The neighboring county of Gwynedd is also undergoing its own cull of grey squirrels. The Menai and Britannia bridges help to keep the grey squirrels from recolonising the island. Grey Squirrels are not native to the British Isles. Moreover they are invasive species from North America, Grey Squirrels are much larger so can out compete the smaller reds. Likewise they also carry a virus they are immune to but is fatal to our native Red Squirrels.

    In terms of wildlife Anglesey is a very diverse location given its relatively small Size. Red Squirrels are definitely one of the little Jewels in its crown, absolutely lovely little creatures. Get out and explore Anglesey today!