Where
is it? The walk starts and finishes at Port Amlwch in Amlwch,
Anglesey.
How long will it take ? : 4.5 miles. Approximately 2.5 hr
What's the attraction? : Beautiful coastline views, an old church
at Llaneilian, and an historic harbour. And if you are very lucky you
may see pods of Dolphins.
Essentials : Stout footwear. As always it is advisable to
take an OS Map. But you can't really get lost on this short walk. Binoculars
to spot those elusive dolphins.
Rating : It is an easy walk with a few ups and downs but nothing
too difficult for a reasonably fit person. The ground is generally
good but with a few boggy patches.
Car Parking : Car Park at Port Amlwch.
Facilities : Pubs with meals, and Chip Shop at end of walk
in Port Amlwch. Toilets at the half way point near Point Lynas.
Lets Go !
Exit the Car Park by the gate at the north east corner of the Car Park.
There is an information board by the gate which explains the flora and
fauna that you might expect to see on the route.
The directions for the first part of the walk are simple, follow the
waymarked path, staying close to the coastline as far as the turning
point of the walk, the bay at Porth Eilian. Porth Eilian or to be exact
the Point Lynas Lighthouse is visible from all the highpoints along the
trail.
There is a rather drab looking house at the start of the walk, plain
grey pebbledash with render continuing up and over the slated
roof (an expensive renovation job for somebody in the future). Carry
on bearing right past the house and start the descent into a gully leading
to a small cove, the first of a few along the route. As is often
the case what goes down has then to go up, and the walk continues along
the grassy cliff side path crossing a number of small coves including
Porthyrychen until the larger headland before Porth Eilian. There are
grand views along the way of Point Lynas / Trwyn Eilian with its small
lighthouse. Point
Lynas is well known as a good viewing point for dolphins but I did not
see any on the day, nor did I see all the wildlife as indicated
on the information board but I did see some beautiful wild flowers, a
fulmar, oyster catchers and a pair of red beaked choughs. You will also
see quite a few marker buoys for lobster pots along the coast. I was
told by a fisherman from Amlwch that on a good day they might take 65
lobsters, but on a poor day they might only take 10 lobsters from 350
traps. The lobsters however then take the long journey to Spain as it
seems there is a better market for them over there.
As I said earlier the directions are easy for this walk, just follow
the way
markers. But as you get to the last field before the inlet
at Porth Eilian Beach the directions are a bit unclear. The track itself
disappears from view but bear left keeping to the coastline until the
path becomes clear again after crossing the field. This is a good viewpoint,
so it might be worth stopping for a break and looking out for those elusive
dolphins.
Continuing the walk the trail leads round the headland , back inland
through a small wooded area before ending on Porth Eilian Beach. It is
a beautiful secluded little beach but surprisingly there are a number
of houses, a road, and even a public convenience at the head of the
small bay.
From here you have the choice of returning via the coastal path or taking
the alternative route along the country lanes around the village of Llaneilian.
They are pleasant country lanes in a rural setting so I will describe
this return journey. Head up the hill, past the toilets, and follow the
road bearing right. At the first road junction bear right again and continue
on to the sharp left hand bend in the road. On the crown of
the bend you will see the lovely old church of Llaneilian, noticeable
for it's slated pyramidically shaped roof atop a white painted stone
tower. There are interesting carvings within the church but sadly as
with most country churches these days the church doors are locked except
for service days.
Continuing the walk follow the road around the bend, following signs
to Amlwch Port. Ignore any waymarkers as these will return you to the
coastal path. The landscape is a mixture of green fields
and, if you are lucky enough to walk in early summer, glorious meadow
flowers with a spattering of houses along the way.
After approx. 1000 yards bear right at the road junction. Continue for
another 1000 yards to Amlwch Port passing more houses and a few Welsh
Chapels. Bear right at the harbour square and take the top lane to the
car park. Or take the lower path to appreciate this splendid natural
harbour. An information board demonstrates how impressive and just how
busy this harbour was in bygone days.
And should you want to slake your
thirst after your walk there are still a number
of pubs by the harbour left over from those busy times.
