St Cwyfan Extended

Description

Starting in Newborough the route takes you past the remains of Llys Rhosyr, then through Newborough forest until you reach the Malltraeth cob (or dyke). Built in 1811 the dyke reclaimed land along the banks of the Cefni river for agricultural use. The route continues along the top of the embankment to the village of Malltraeth.

The route follows the main road for about one mile until it turns off onto a quiet country lane running parallel to the Cefni estuary. The land around you here belongs to the Bodorgan Estate – historically one of the wealthy landowners of Anglesey. The lane eventually crosses Aberffraw dunes; one of the most extensive examples of mobile dune habitat in the UK. The dunes, along with Traeth Mawr beach and Llyn Coron lake (at the northeastern end of the dune system) have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific (SSSI).

Across the beautiful old stone bridge is the picturesque village of Aberffraw. This little village was the capital of the Kingdom of Gwynedd from c.860 AD until c.1170; and the most important political centre in medieval Wales. The village hosts a heritage centre dedicated to its heritage, along with tea rooms serving refreshments.

We continue our journey through the village and back towards the sea. As you descend towards to shoreline you’ll see why St Cwyfans church is so popular with photographers. On its day a truly magical spot that people never forget. The church was actually built on the mainland in the 12th Century, but coastal erosion gradually ate away the peninsula on which it stood. However, in 1893 a local architect, Harold Hughes, raised money to save the church by constructing the seawall which protects it.

The extended route takes you back towards Newborough past Llyn Coron – a beautiful little lake used by fly fishermen.

Map

Points of Interest

Gallery