Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘island’

A question often asked by visitors is which Anglesey beach would a local person recommend to make their stay on the island one to remember. There are in fact many outstanding beaches on this island in the Irish Sea off North Wales, boasting over 125 miles of exquisite coastline. And significantly many of them regularly win European Blue Flag and Resort Seaside Awards as well as Green Coast Beaches for water quality.

The most popular beaches of Anglesey are not necessarily the easiest to reach, yet the struggle to get there is well worth the effort. Take Llanddona beach on the east coast, a soft sandy expanse which sweeps in a north easterly arc and surrounded by high lush green hills and trees, yet the road is a narrow one and a challenge for the driver. A large quantity of silver coins was recently discovered on this beach, and more may be hidden, while there is a tale of the Witches of Llanddona which has fascinated people over the years.

Llanddwyn is an Anglesey beach situated on the south east corner of the island, approached through Newborough Forest, an impressive collection of conifers where some red squirrels still survive. When you reach the beach the vast expanse is breathtaking, whether you arrive here on a blustery winter day or in the heat of the mid summer sun. A nearby rocky island is home to an old white lighthouse and derelict church, where Demi Moore filmed scenes from her paranormal Half Light movie.

When visiting one of the beaches on Anglesey you may notice bright orange life rings attached to the ground, and these could mean the difference between life and death if someone is in serious difficulty in the water. Visitors should respect this important rescue equipment, and especially when you consider that in 2008 alone 38 people drowned off the island coast. If you see a life ring damaged you need to contact the local council immediately.

If you travel to the west of Anglesey at Church Bay there is an interesting Green flag beach, where the coastal path runs along high cliffs which surround this narrow cove popular with swimmers. Often you will see some kayaks gathering at the beach ready to begin a coastal exploration, or perhaps go further to the Skerries Rock lighthouse. On your way to Church Bay you will drive along a narrow country lane, decked with flowers, and on arrival you cant miss the Lobster Pot restaurant.

In the south west is Holy Island where you find the Port of Holyhead and two Blue Flag beaches at Porth Dafarch and Trearddur Bay. To celebrate the Millennium, a Celtic cross was erected in the marram grass at Trearddur. These two beach locations also have dog free zones operating between May and September, which is a facility asked for by a number of people.

If you want a heads-up for your Anglesey beach holiday then remember not to go out to sea in a large inflatable dinghy, particularly if the wind is blowing out to sea. Your best not to eat a heavy meal before swimming, and dont be afraid to ask the beach warden for advice on anything you are not sure about. Looking after your pets means not leaving them in parked cars in hot weather, and make sure you have plenty of cold non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration.

While some travel to the island for relaxing walks along the coastal path, others engage in high energy water sports like surfing, kayaking, swimming or coasteering, or just to relax on the sandy stretches and watch the lovely sunsets in the west. Whatever your reason, you can be sure that your Anglesey beach experience will be a memorable one for years to come.