Walking

Walking world

A different angle of Anglesey

The 15-mile stretch from Pentraeth to Beaumaris – comprising some incredible Welsh wildlife, a lighthouse, ancient priory, and two castles – makes the perfect autumn walk.

Curated by Natural Resources Wales’ Deiniol Tegid, this itinerary is yet another collaboration between Wales Coast Path and Cadw – marking the celebration of the Coast Path’s ten-year anniversary by inviting visitors to explore Welsh history and nature in all its glory.

Described by Wales Coast Path Office, Gruff Owen, as “a route which incorporates a little bit of everything that’s great about Anglesey”, this idyllic walk also offers a slightly shorter, 12-mile option for those wanting to take a pause – stopping at the small, quaint village of Llangoed.

And, even though this particular journey is one that can be enjoyed all year round, it truly comes into its own as the leaves change and crunch underfoot when autumn takes hold.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack a flask, wear plenty of warm clothing — and get ready for miles upon miles of sandy beaches, coastal scenery and epic Welsh history.

Things you need to know

J Amenities and Parking: Toilets can be found in Llanddona and Beaumaris, with car parking available in Pentraeth and Beaumaris J Food and Drink: Both a pub and shop are available in Pentraeth. In Llangoed, you’ll find a convenience store to replenish supplies, and plenty of cafés, pubs, and shops can be found in Beaumaris J Transport: Direct buses from Beaumaris to

Pentraeth don’t run regularly, so plan ahead just to be sure. Most services change in

Porthaethwy / Menai Bridge, taking around about an hour. Another popular option involves parking at the end of the route, before getting a bus to the start, to save time waiting for buses after completing the walk

THE ROUTE

After parking in Pentraeth and walking down Brick Street, your journey starts by crossing the bridge and turning right to reach the Wales Coast Path. There, you’ll be greeted by one of Anglesey’s largest bays: Traeth Coch / Red Wharf.

Be sure to check tide times when planning your walk, as this part is prone to becoming submerged at high tide. To get started, turn right along the track and follow it around the edge of the water. You’ll find yourself upon the boardwalk – which runs parallel

to the beautiful Llanddona beach – after which you’ll climb the steps at the beach’s far end. Leaving the sand, you’ll then head off through fields and lanes.

With the sight of Ynys Seiriol / Puffin Island in the distance, now

is the time to get your camera out, as the path takes you inland for a mile or so towards Trwyn Dy at Penmon Point. Here, you’ll find

the area’s iconic lighthouse. A sight for sore eyes – and worthy of a social media post or two! The Pilot House café is the perfect spot to

rest and recuperate, before following the road away from Penmon Point for a mile or so until you reach Penmon Priory.

Next, you’ll follow the road for a mile and a half to Lleiniog, detouring inland to the ruins of Norman-built motte and bailey castle, Castell Aberlleiniog. From here, you’ll explore a wonderful woodland nature preserve, before reaching the village of Llangoed.

Back on the coast, a tidal section awaits – with the shoreline’s crumbling cliffs providing breathtaking views across the sea towards the Carneddau mountains in northern Eryri / Snowdonia. Saving the best until last, you’ll soon reach Beaumaris Castle: an exceptionally well-preserved fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A fortress of near-perfect symmetry, this unfinished masterpiece

was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales. Nowadays the Castle welcomes visitors from across Wales and beyond to marvel at its medieval stone walls and explore centuries of historic tales. n

With Christmas on the horizon, it’s never too early to start thinking about buying presents for those on your annual gift list – or start writing your own wish-list! With senior membership costing £42 and adult membership £53 a year, a Cadw membership represents a gift with a deeper meaning; your loved one gets to enjoy Wales’ past, while safeguarding its future.

Because, as sites across Wales like Beaumaris Castle continue to shape and improve the lives of Welsh people, the Castles themselves need care and protection too. Without the contribution and support of our valued members – who enjoy the cultural, educational, and wellbeing benefits of unlimited access to over 130 historic sites – that care and protection simply wouldn’t be possible.

That’s because Cadw members, who see the inherent value in preserving the living link to our unique histories, help make Wales’ historic places something for us all to be proud of – something for us all to keep.

Help safeguard our heritage for the future: become a Cadw member at cadw.gov.wales today.

A WORD OF CAUTION

Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.