Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Forest.

Start. Newborough Forest car park.

Route. Newborough Forest car park - Llanddwyn Beach - Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) - Newborough Forest - Newborough Forest car park.

Notes. Llanddwyn is named after St Dwynwen (the Welsh equivalent to St Valentine) who is said to have lived on the island in the 5th century, this legend attracted pilgrims through the centuries. Today it is a place of peace and tranquility, of legends and folk law, of beautiful views. Visitors to the island will find two crosses, the ruins of a small 16th century church, 19th century beacon tower now with a modern light and a windmill shaped lighthouse built in 1845, decommissioned in 1975. A neat row of cottages overlook Llanddwyn Bay, built in the mid 19th century for pilots who guided shipping through the Menai Strait. To the south of the cottages a small harbour, the cannon in front of the cottages was used to summon the crew of the lifeboat between 1840 and 1903, altogether a fascinating place.

But first we have the pleasure of a stroll down an award winning beach, I was a bit concerned, the tide was rising and the island gets cut off at high water. From the car park signs guided us to the beach which we slowly wandered along, Sue has a penchant for beach pebbles so wandering along beaches takes an eternity, even with the tide rising she refused to be rushed.

We accessed the island with time to spare, our visit was fleeting, with one eye on the rising tide and the other on the various antiquities we had a quick look around, soaked up the views before heading back to the mainland. From the edge of the beach a track entered Newborough Forest, we entered blue arrows then guided us between telegraph pole straight trees. Contrary to common thought this forest was not planted for profit but to stop the encroaching sand dunes overwhelming the village of Newborough quite a way up the hill. The forest is well managed consequently a delight to walk through.

With way marked paths under foot we casually wandered back to the car park. Oh, after another pebble hunting visit to the beach we made a promise to return next time we visit Anglesey.

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Llanddwyn Beach with views to the Welsh mainland.

Across Caernarfon Bay the buildings and wind turbines at Caernarfon Airport.

Reaching into the bay Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island).

Backing Llanddwyn Beach the dunes and pine trees of Newborough Forest.

The sandy arch of Llanddwyn Beach seen from Llanddwyn Neck.

Penrhos Beach also seen from Llanddwyn Neck.

Visitors to the island will find two crosses, the ruins of a small 16th century church, 19th century beacon tower now with a modern light and a windmill shaped lighthouse built in 1845, plus....

.... a Celtic cross erected in 1903....

.... the cannon was used to summon the crew of the lifeboat between 1840 and 1903....

....a neat row of cottages, built in the mid 19th century for pilots who guided shipping through the Menai Strait.

Viewing Twr Bach (Little Tower) and small harbour.

Twr Mawr (Big Tower), windmill shaped lighthouse built in 1845, decommissioned in 1975.

Trwyn Ffynnon-y-Sais backed by Malltraeth Bay.

Views towards the mouth of the Afon Cefni (River Cefni) over Malltraeth Bay.

Mist rising from the mouth of Afon Cefni usually caused when moist air suddenly cools.

Views towards Newborough Warren.

Strolling between the tree cover in Newborough Forest.

Ever played spot the dog, this is spot the squirrel, it was there when I took the photo, promise.

Looking to Ynys Llanddwyn from the dunes of Newborough Warren.

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