The 200km/125-mile Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path encircles Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh), the largest island in England and Wales. Almost the entire coastline is designated as an Area Of Natural Beauty, comprising a variety of fine coastal landscapes: beaches, dunes, coves, impressive rock formations, harbours and nature reserves. The walking is generally quite easy and every section can be walked as a linear route on an ad hoc basis using the island’s bus services. This walk is located on the south side of the island (the flattest section of the coastal path) and provides superb views across the narrow Menai Strait – which separates Anglesey from mainland Wales – to the mountains of Snowdonia. From the Menai Strait the route heads inland for a few miles before returning to the coast at Llanddwyn Beach: a magnificent sweep of beach, which leads to the island of the same name.
[1] From the car park (where there are some interesting information panels) follow the lane that heads east gently downhill towards Llanidan House. After 750m, turn right along the signed Coast Path (with its attractive waymark featuring a hovering tern). The route – which is well signposted and leads across fields to a road. Follow this along the coast, running alongside the Menai Strait.
The splendid views across the water to the mountains of Snowdonia more than compensate for the flatness of the terrain. Caernarfon Castle is also prominently in sight.
When the road ends, continue along the shoreline as signed.
[2] The Coast Path soon turns right inland (SH470642) and is again well waymarked; initially heading to Cae Mawr farm, then left along the drive and right on meeting a lane. (NB Ignore a first turning right, which is not the lane and not signposted or shown on the OS 1:50,000 map). Continue to follow the waymarks which lead you along footpaths and short stretches of tarmac to the banks of the River Braint and the stepping stones across it. Cross these and continue up to the main road (A4080). Turn left for a short section to a mini roundabout and go straight on to the car park at Llyn Rhos-ddu (and the ‘gafrod’ of marram grass sculpture).
[3] This section of the Coast Path now takes you through a National Nature Reserve: a mixture of dunes, conifer forest and huge expanses of beach leading to the delightful island of Llanddwyn. This is only an island at the highest of tides – check the tide tables beforehand so as not to get cut off.
(A) The reserve boasts one of the largest dunelands in Europe (information panels passed on the way provide further details).
The Coast Path follows the eastern edge of Newborough Forest to the beach, where you simply turn right and head towards the island.
The views along this sweeping expanse of sand – to Snowdonia and the hills of Lleyn – are magnificent.
[4] On reaching Llanddwyn Island there are more information panels, including a sketch map showing paths and points of interest, and an explanation about the association with Wales’ patron saint of lovers, St Dwynwen.
Having explored the island, head back along the beach a short distance, then leave the Coast Path (at SH394635) and follow a public footpath/track north-east through Newborough Forest up towards Newborough. On emerging from the forest, continue in the same direction to reach Newborough. Catch a bus on the A4080 main road back to the start.