The Wales Coast Path (WCP) is around 870 miles long, was launched in 2012, and was the first designated footpath in the world to cover the entire length of a country's coastline! Anglesey Coast Path is a 140 mile subset (figures vary) of the WCP and follows a route around the the island for Anglesey. It mostly follows the coastline but does drift inland now and again. This Venture is to complete the Anglesey section of the WCP in a series of out-and-back/circular day walks.
Summary
Anglesey had always been off my walking radar. It was only when a work colleague told me he was spending his family holiday there that my ears pricked up. ‘Why would you want to go to Anglesey when Snowdonia is closer and better?’ I asked. He smiled, that knowing smile of somebody who had some inside knowledge. I forgot about Anglesey for a year or two, well over a decade actually, and it was only when I was looking at my Trails map that I saw that there was a coastal path around Anglesey. It was around 140 miles long which made it a reasonable and feasible Venture. And if I started it and didn’t like it…well, there was Snowdonia just over the water. It was worth a punt.
My colleague’s smug smile was well judged. Anglesey’s coastline is a secret gem with a variety of terrain from high cliffs, to golden beaches and dunes, to pretty estuaries. It is also a sanctuary for wildlife. There are plenty of neolithic burial grounds, standing stones and historical sites for those interested in history. Engineers will enjoy the Menai and Britannia bridges, as well as the lighthouses and cobs. Given the merits of visiting the place, you’d expect the coastal path to be as busy as the toilet queue at the Great North Run. The opposite is true though. I did come across a few day walkers on the route, but the number of people I met who were doing the whole coastal path, I could count on one hand.
One day, I compared notes with a walker about the dramatic stretch between Bull Bay and Cemaes, and he described it as ‘...Cornwall without the people.’ I knew exactly what he meant. If you want a stunning long distance trail with a path mostly to yourself, then the Anglesey Coastal Path is for you. Although, if people ask you why you’d want to go to Anglesey, just give them a knowing smile and tap the side of your nose with your finger. We don’t want the place to get too busy.
Detail
Holyhead To Penrhos
Explores the eastern side of Holyhead. Visits interesting historic sites including: John McGregor Skinner's Monument, a Napoleonic Battery and the Holyhead Embankment. Varied views along the coast from the busy Holyhead docks to the serene surroundings of Penrhos Country Park.
Penrhos To Penrhyn
A coastal and riverside walk on the eastern side of Holyhead's bay. Crosses the impressive Stanley Embankment. Follows the Afon Alaw inland where there's lots of birdlife on the mudflats. Beach walking to Penrhyn offering good views across to Holyhead.
Penrhyn To Porth Y Dwfr
Two out-and-back Anglesey Coastal Path walks in one day. The first out-and-back starts at the dramatic Church Bay and heads south. Visits a junkyard in a very picturesque spot. Finishes at pretty Penrhyn before returning to Church Bay. The second out-and-back heads north along even more spectacular cliffs.
Porth Y Dwfr To Cemlyn Bay
Enjoyable tramp along the north coast of Anglsey to the spectacular shingle beach of Cemlyn Bay. The path meanders alongside high and low cliffs and pays a visit to the two White Ladies. Good view of the The Skerries and watch out for West Mouse. Take your binoculars if you want to do some birdspotting at Cemlyn Bay.
Cemlyn Bay To Cemaes
Shortish walk over easy ground between Cemlyn Bay and Cemaes. Fine views from the clifftop path, especially around Wylfa Head. Takes a tour of the outer perimeter of the Wylfa (ex) Nuclear Power Station. This is a lot more pleasant than it sounds with a lot of the trail through woodland. Start or end the day with a period of bird watching at Cemlyn Bay.
Cemaes To Bull Bay
A dramatic roller coaster route between Bull Bay and Cemaes. Great workout for your quadriceps. Unbeatable clifftop views. Visits the derelict buildings of the brickworks at Porth Wen and the clay works at Porth LLanlleiana. This walk should be on the bucket list of all walkers. A classic.
Bull Bay To Porth y Arber
Excellent walk that starts on the low cliffs of Bull Bay and makes its way to the lighthouse on the headland at Point Lynas. On the way it calls in at the twee harbour at Almwch. From the lighthouse the route heads southwards over higher cliffs on a wonderful path that provides superb views to the high mountains of Snowdonia. Returns to Bull Bay along the same route.
Porth y Arber To Traeth Bychan
An interesting mix of coastal and estuary walking. Visit the quaint town of Moelfre and learn about the tragedy of the Royal Charter. Fine views from a low clifftop path. Sandy beaches available as an optional distraction. Opportunity for a spot of birdwatching along the side of the estuary. Enjoyable and varied walk.
Traeth Bychan To Llandonna Beach
An interesting mix of coastal and estuary walking. Visit the quaint town of Moelfre and learn about the tragedy of the Royal Charter. Fine views from a low clifftop path. Sandy beaches available as an optional distraction. Opportunity for a spot of birdwatching along the side of the estuary. Enjoyable and varied walk.
Llandonna Beach To Beaumaris
One of the few sections on the Anglesey Coast Path that can easily be made into a circular route, rather than having to do an out-and-back. Starts with a high-level walk along the top of the cliffs from Llandonna Beach to the lighthouse at Trwyn Du. Heads south and visits the exquisite Penmon priory and dovcot. A walk along a stoney beach (assuming the tide is out) to the twee town of Beaumaris. Returns to Llandonna Beach with a delightful cross country route along quiet country lanes and across fields.
Beaumaris To Britannia Bridge
A route that contains quite a bit of pavement and tarmac plodding and so could be reserved for a rainy day. Make sure that it isn't misty though since there are excellent views of the Snowdonia mountain range. Starts at beautiful Beaumaris (actually 'beautiful marsh') hosting the largest castle built by Edward I. Follows the Menai Strait travelling under the magnificent Menai Bridge. Calls in at the magical Church Island before reaching the finishing line (for the Anglesey Coastal Path) or the turnaround point for the day, close to the Britannia Bridge.
Britannia Bridge To Bynsiencyn
A walk that visits Robert Stephenson's spectacular Britannia Bridge that spans the Menai Strait. Call 'Ahoy' to Lord Nelson as he stands on a plinth looking out for French frigates. Good views across the water to the mountains of Snowdonia. Squeeze yourself into the main chamber of Bryn Cella Ddu, a Neolithic burial mound. A mixture of coastal walking and field hopping.
Bynsiencyn To Pen-lon
A marvellous walk along the southern part of the Menai Strait. Spectacular views across the strait to Caernarfon Castle and the hills of Snowdonia. Exciting traverse of giant stepping stones. The walk does involved some field hopping, with some of them quite muddy. Plenty of birdlife along the way.
Pen-lon To Maltraeth Sands
A forest and beach combo that includes a visit (tides permitting) to the magical Llanddwyn Island. Spectacular views of Snowdonia across the Menai Strait. Pleasant forest walking through Newborough Forest and its abundant birdlife. Have a paddle in Lake Leech.
Malltraeth Sands To Malltraeth
A very short walk (courtesy of Storm Noa) from Newborough Forest to Malltraeth across the Malltraeth Cob. The driving rain was so hard that I couldn't even focus on the information board about the Cob. I'm sure there are good views when the weather is good.
Malltraeth To Aberffraw
Starts encouragingly at the pretty village of Aberffraw. Explores Abberffraw Sands and its dunes. Moves away from the coast and provides options of field-hopping or single track road walking. The turnaround point is rainy Malltreath with its massive cob.
Aberffraw To Tywyn Fferam
Exceptional walk along the coast from Tywyn Fferam to Aberffraw. Numerous pretty bays. Visit a Neolithic burial ground at Barclodiad y Gawres and the island church of St Cwyfan. Headphones are useful as you pass the Trac Mon motor racing circuit. Practise your Welsh at Aberffraw.
Tywyn Fferam To Carnau
An opportunity to test your navigation skills in RSPB Valley (section can be avoided by parking at Carnau). Good views of RAF Valley. Opportunity to get close to planes taking off (at Carnau). Lovely beach and dune walking. Visits the pleasant Rhosneigr.
Carnau To Four Mile Bridge
A pleasant walk along the estuary that separates Holy Island from the main island of Anglesey. Good views across the estuary. Circling aircraft, practising their landing techniques may provide entertainment. Start (or end) your day (at the Carnau carpark) by having a close-up view of aircraft taking off...'fingers in your ears' is my recommendation...amazing experience.
Penrhos ToTraeth Llydan
A walk that feels like a nature trail with footpaths through woodlands, marshes and along the coast. Plenty of wildlife about to keep you entertained. Visits the impressive Stanley Embankment and Four Miles Bridges barrages that form Y Lasinwen (the Inland Sea). A walk that is a lot better than it looks on the OS map.
Traeth Llydan To Trearddur
Follows the picturesque section of coastline between Trearrdur and Traeth Llydan. Dramatic clifftop walking with a wide variety of cliffs, coves and beaches. Watch surfers and swimmers brave the cold sea at Trearddur Bay. An excellent coastal walk.
Trearddur To South Stack
An exceptional walk along the coast from the RSPB site at South Stack to the pretty town of Trearddur. Remarkable cliff views near South Stack and pretty bays around Trearrdur. Throughout there is a magnificent panorama of the Snowdonia hills on the mainland. Finish the day with a trip to the RPSB Visitor Centre and the nearby Iron Age settlement.
South Stack To Holyhead
A superb walk that follows the coastline west of Holyhead. It includes visits to: RSPB South Stack (and Ellins viewing tower), South Stack Lighthouse, the summit of Holyhead Mountain, North Stack, the second longest breakwater in the world, and the remains of an Iron Age village...oh, and amazing views. A walk that has just about everything.