Walk the hidden corners of Plas Newydd
Enjoy the stunning views over the Menai Strait, the Faenol and Snowdonia as you walk around the beautiful grounds of Plas Newydd. (Plas Newydd is pay-for-entry; National Trust members go free.)
Map
Start:
Plas Newydd, grid ref: SH521696
1
Start your walk from the reception area and follow the path that leads down towards the house. When you turn the corner that's just after the wooden shelter, the path opens up breathtaking views of the house, Faenol and Snowdonia.
Plas Newydd from Repton Clump
It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, there's a good chance you'll catch a glimpse of a stunning view at Plas Newydd. The view at section 1 of the walk stretches over from Anglesey to the Menai Strait and beyond to Snowdonia. It was this view that inspired Rex Whistler with his largest painting, which hangs in the dining room of the house.
2
Once you're at the courtyard, follow the path that goes around to the front of the house, and walk along the top of the sloped lawn. Look out for the Marquess of Anglesey's column, which you'll see in the distance. You'll pass the terraced garden on your left. The present Marquess revived the formal Italian garden created by his father in the 1920s. To reveal the hidden glory of the terraced garden, wander up the steps.
3
Once you've passed the terraced garden take the path that's on your right. This will lead you down to the walkway that goes past the cannons which the current Lord and Lady Anglesey received as a wedding gift.
4
Continue onwards until you get to a fork in the path. Stay to the right-hand side of the path, which goes slightly uphill.
5
Take the path on the left-hand side and continue forward. As you follow this path there are benches where you can sit and soak up the views, and take some impressive photographs. Look out on your right for the Camellia Dell, which was once a quarry.
Take a break
Sit on one of the benches to take in the atmosphere of the garden at Plas Newydd. You might even want to pause and get the bird book out to see what's flying past on the Menai Strait. Or save this for the bird hide that you'll come across later on, built by our wardens.
6
When you come to a woodland area, walk straight on and eventually you'll arrive at a bird hide. Here, continue along the path, which takes you uphill via some natural woodland steps. At the top of the hill is a bench from which you can view Llanedwen Church. The Marquess and his family regularly used this church. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels - they're back at Plas Newydd.
7
Continue along the path, which will eventually lead you out of the woodland and onto a tarmac path. Cross this path and follow the signs for the arboretum, which is on your left.
The arboretum
It's hard to imagine that this well-developed arboretum was originally laid out as an orchard during the Second World War. By the late 1970s the orchard had reached the end of its natural life. It was replanted as an Australasian garden, filled with trees, including eucalyptus and southern beech, and aromatic plants. You'll find some perfectly arranged trees near the exit: our cathedral made out of eucalyptus trees.
8
Follow the path, which takes you back to the reception area. Here, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved drink and slice of freshly made cake at Whistler's Restaurant.
End:
Plas Newydd, grid ref: SH521696
