Where
is it? Close to
the village of Aberffraw, Anglesey
How long will it take ? : Approximately 2 to 3 hr
What's the attraction? : Great coastal views, a beach full of
sea life thats great for rock-pooling and an ancient church set on
an island
Essentials : Stout footwear. Appropriate clothing. OS map
and compass
Rating : Easy, suitable for all the family
Car Parking : Car parking bays on the outskirts of Aberffraw Free
when we visited in 2008
Facilities : Refreshments and toilets available at Llys Llywelyn
in Aberffraw. The pub in the village square, Y Goron, was closed down
by the "new reformationists" when we visited.
Lets Go !
The walk starts on the edge of the village of Aberffraw, on the west
coast of Anglesey.
Exit the car park and cross the Afon Ffraw via the
old hump backed bridge. Bear left along the northern bank of the river.
The map above shows the official track that wends its way between the
houses at one point, but at most times it is possible to walk toward
the headland along the river bank.
Before reaching the point, or headland, the track leaves the riverside
and veers right up a slight incline and crosses the headland on its way
toward Braich-lwyd.
There are two small beaches to cross soon after crossing the first headland
and I must admit that I made a wrong turn off the second beach. Instead
of continuing round the coast, as shown on the map above, I followed
a waymarker that took me inland missing some of the best views!
So ignore the first waymarker and carry on along the beach as shown
on the map. The path, part of the Anglesey Coastal Path, takes you past
Braich-lwyd to Porth Cwyfan with the old church
of St Cwyfan standing
on the walled island of Cribinau. (Porth Cwyfan is a fantastic beach
for rock-pooling).
Our trail takes us across the bay to the causeway that leads to the church
but be aware that the sea can cover the causeway at high tide. There are
few services held on the island and special arrangements have to be made
to enter the church on a passing visit. But the island is well worth
visiting and the church bench is a perfect place for a break and some
quiet contemplation.
On leaving the island the trail back-tracks across Porth Cwyfan sands
then follows the country lanes back to Aberffraw. There are several alternative
routes that will return to Aberffraw but I have included the lanes that
are bordered with bramble bushes ensuring a plentiful supply of blackberries
on an autumn walk.
