Visit Anglesey

Tag: walking

  • Penrhos Coastal Park

    Penrhos Coastal Park

    Penrhos coastal park is located just outside of Holyhead and has a bit of everything. The park is a jack of all trades but actually comes close to mastering them all. History, sea, and wildlife are blended into one fantastic park to visit. The park covers an area of around 200 acres too so there’s plenty of room.

    First off there is ample parking and its free too which is an added bonus. Moreover its super easy to find as it’s just off the Cob. That’s the A5 Stanley Embankment which is the original road to Holy island before the A55 was built.

    We were not sure where to start with this one as it has plenty of things to take in so here we go.

    Red Squirrels

    What’s not to love? There are enough of these rarer squirrels to makes the trip alone. You may see them as you walk through the wooded paths. Better still there are a few “feeding stations” where they have become used to getting easy food. The squirrels have become a little more used to people watching them. No sudden movements or barking dogs and they will happily let you watch them.

    Walking and Cycling

    Penrhos Coastal park is a great place for walking, jogging and Cycling. There are loads of paths around the site. Further more it’s part of the Anglesey coastal path and national cycle route 8 to Holyhead. At low tide there are sections of the beach which you can also use.

    Private Beach

    What a cracker, Private beach is also known as the hidden or secret beach. It can only be reached by walking through Penrhos Coastal Park. It’s backed soft sand and is quite extensive at low tide. Moreover the views are decent too with views of the breakwater and Anglesey. You may also spot the ferrys as they come and go from Holyhead Port.

    Pet Cemetery

    This one might not be for everyone but its in the woods and you will probably stumble upon it. It’s Penrhos most quirkier feature with some stones dating back to the 70’s. It’s definitely pretty enough with Bluebells growing among the stones and it’s still in use to date.

    Fishing

    Sea anglers will target the fish that come in with the flowing tide. Some will use lures and fish around the Stanley Embankment others bottom fish. Different species caught in this area including more elusive Garfish and smoothhounds. This is as well as Bass, Dabs, Whiting and dogfish that are numerous in the area.

    If your feeling peckish or fancy a drink there is a burger van on the carpark. You also have the option of a sit down meal at the cafe next to the entrance.

    The address for the coastal park is:

    42 Stanley Avenue, Valley, Holyhead LL65 2JE

    There are toilets on the main car park.

  • Newborough Forest Warren

    Newborough Forest Warren

    Newborough Forest is a large pine forest on the south coast of Anglesey, home to the rare Red Squirrel. The forest starts as a back drop to the beaches of Newborough and Malltraeth, rising from the sea and heading inland. The forest is managed by Natural Reources Wales.

    Newborough forest is in an area that is simply stunning, the forest is a way to get away from it all. Miles of paths meander through the trees, at times you may not come across another soul. It’s one of the largest forests in Wales, the only one with a large number of rare Red Squirrels too.

    Newborough has lots of meandering paths, its not just great for walking but other activities too. The opportunities for getting out and exploring on your bike are awesome, the path ways are well maintained. Moreover it’s also quite popular with horse riding enthusiasts, it has more that enough room for everyone.

    There is a large car park complete with toilets and usually an Ice cream van. £5 for the full day, this is payable at the entrance via Newborough village.

    A great place to get out and explore with beaches and Llanddwyn Island close by moreover a chance to see rare Red Squirrels.

    Parking at a cost can be found at LL61 6SG

  • Llanddwyn Island

    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 

  • Breakwater Country Park

    Breakwater Country Park

    Holyhead Breakwater Park sits at the foot of Holy Mountain, walking, history and wildlife.

    The breakwater Park highlights the industrial heritage of the area. The remain of the chimney clearly visible, up close the Kilns from the old brick works are in decent condition given their age. The mountain to the rear shows sign of its quarrying past. There were 11 active quarries at one point, the stone of which was used to build Holyhead Breakwater.

    A picture of the children's play area at the breakwater country park in Holyhead

    Today the park is suited for leisurely walks with access to the mountain and surrounding countryside. There is plenty of wildlife around on whichever paths you choose to take, rabbits, butterfly’s, rare Chough’s or even the fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine Falcon call this place home.

    Stick to the coastal path for even more stunning scenery with all of the above but with a chance to see marine animals too. Seals call this section of rocky coastline home and are seen quite regular, Bottlenose Dolphins and Harbour Porpoise can be seen at times passing by. They truly are a magical sight and awe inspiring for all that see them.

    Closer to the parking area which is pay and display there is a good cafe, with a childrens play park. I have tried and tested the £4.99 breakfast which was spot on. There is a good size fishing pond if you fancy relaxing the day away, it is well looked after. The cafe is close and toilets are a 2 minute walk away. There is also a water fountain you can drink from or fill up your water bottles. A rarity these days.

    The Breakwater Park has a bit of something for everyone.

    You can find it here, Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead, LL65 1YG

    For further information on Parc Gwledig Morglawdd Caergybi, Breakwater Country Park, please visit https://www.anglesey.gov.uk/en/Residents/Countryside/Holyhead-Breakwater-Country-Park.aspx

    The closest toilets are at the country park and are open year round LL65 1YG.

  • Holyhead Breakwater

    Holyhead Breakwater

    Holyhead Breakwater is located on Holy island which is part of Anglesey in Wales. The Breakwater is the longest in the UK, its 1.7 miles in length. The breakwater protects the harbour and the docking ferries from the prevailing westerly winds.

    There are two paths along the Holyhead breakwater, the upper and lower. Moreover there are steps at sections should you wish the have a closer look at either. The upper section is solid stone and pretty much flat, there is no hand / safety rail on the inside along the entire length. The outer side has a wall for safety, the views out to sea are spectacular. You can see the Skerries in the distance and the ferries coming in and out of the bay. It also ideal for cycling and should speed up your journey to the end, its quite a wide path so has plenty of room.

    The lower section is loose and compacted gravel it is still fine to walk and cycle on. It is also considerably wider than the upper path, again there is no fencing on the water side. Something to be aware of if you have younger children with you.

    Holyhead Breakwater is also a Mecca for fisherman, there are loads of species, big and small. Charter boats also run from the marina, these go out fishing over the numerous wrecks and reefs in the area.

    The walk back is just as stunning with great views of the sea front and in particular, Holyhead Mountain making a great backdrop.

    If you take a look down the inward side of the breakwater during summer you can sometimes see fish. Moreover seals are often seen swimming in the marina.

    There is ample free parking at the start of the breakwater as access to cars is no longer allowed.

    It’s definitely worth the walk, exercise, fresh air a stunning views. Why not?

    Holyhead Breakwater can be found here,

    https://goo.gl/maps/8jg4ShmhEm72

    Holyhead LL65 1YF

  • Bryn Celli Ddu

    Bryn Celli Ddu

    Bryn Celli Ddu is a Neolithic Burial chamber on the eastern coast of Anglesey. One of only a handful of similar sites still visible today. At 5000 years old there are only 2 others remaining on Anglesey, the others are in Ireland.

    Bryn Celli Ddu or “The Mound in the Dark Grove” sits on top of an old henge monument. It is probably the most well known of all the neolithic sites in the area. The first official exploration was in 1865, it was then excavated by experts of the time in 1928. The mound is clearly seen, access is available by the north entrance. The inner ditch still has it original stones and is around 21 metres in diameter.

    During the excavation human bones were found, some of which had been burned. These were in the passage of the tomb rather than the central chamber. A few artifacts were found such as a stone bead, flint arrow head, and like Barclodiad y Gawres limpet shells. Also a decorative stone, a replica of which has been recreated at the site.

    An interesting fact about Bryn Celli Ddu is its the only mound left of its type that aligns perfectly with the summer solstice. As the sun rises the light from the dawn sun fills the chamber with light, how cool is that!

    The image shows the burial mound of Bryn Celli Ddu and its south facing entrance.
    Bryn Celli Ddu

    There is a car park close by that is clearly marked, it is only a 5 or 10 minute walk from here to visit the site. It definitely makes you think about what used to happen in the area all those millennia ago.

    You can find Bryn Celli Did at Llanddaniel Fab, Llanfair LL61 6EQ

    The image shows the information board and mock burial chamber on the car park for Bry Celli Ddu.

    For further information on Bryn Celli Ddu please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryn_Celli_Ddu

    The closest public toilets are by the library in Menai Bridge and are open year round LL59 5AS.