Wales

Cemlyn shingle ridge walk

A wide-angle shot of a person walking along the shoreline at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey. The bay sweeps around in a curve, and the sea is gently lapping the shore. — A visitor walking at Cemlyn Bay | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Discover a trail along the shingle ridge and watch a host of water birds on the lagoon at Cemlyn National Nature Reserve. This circular trail will take you across a causeway and along country lanes at Cemlyn Bay. It's perfect for walkers and wildlife spotters. Dogs are welcome to join you as well.

Near to

Cemlyn

Start point

Bryn Aber car park, grid ref: SH329936

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Duration1 hour

Dog friendly***

*Coastal and inland trail on shingle beach and tarmac lanes with slopes. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Loose shingle slopes with kissing gates and a bridge. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs welcome on leads at all times. For further information, please see Facilities section.

Flooding

Bryn Aber car park and the bridge leading across to Esgair Gemlyn are liable to flooding. Please check for high tide times before your visit.

Address
Bryn Aber car park, Cemlyn, Anglesey, Wales, LL67 0DY.
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Station at Holyhead 12 miles (19km).
See Traveline Cymru for train services
By bus
Amlwch to Holyhead route stops at Tregele (45 minute walk).
See Traveline Cymru for bus services
Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 566 goes close by.
See Sustrans for further information about cycle routes.
By road
A5025 from Valley, follow signs to Cemlyn National Nature Reserve in Tregele (opposite Douglas Inn). On approach to Cemlyn National Nature Reserve take the second turning to the right then turn right again, after farm buildings, past Bryn Aber walled garden to the car park. Post code LL67 0DY.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Bryn Aber car park, grid ref: SH329936
Stage 1
Go out of the car park and turn left, over the bridge and onto the shingle ridge. The ridge, known as Esgair Gemlyn, was formed by the process of longshore drift.
Stage 2
Walk along the ridge towards the eastern car park. To your right is the Cemlyn National Nature Reserve, an internationally important seabird colony. Access to the top of the shingle ridge is limited when the terns are nesting, this area is patrolled by North Wales Wildlife Trust Wardens.
Sandwich tern colony | © National Trust Images / Ian Ward
Stage 3
When you get to the car park at the eastern end of the ridge, turn right and walk down the lane past Tyddyn Sydney farm.
Stage 4
At the road junction, bear right and walk along the lane past the National Trust farm at Plas Cemlyn.
Stage 5
Turn right at the road junction and follow the lane back over the causeway and past Bryn Aber, back to the car park.
End point
Bryn Aber car park, grid ref: SH329936
Trail map
Trail map for shingle ridge walk, Cemlyn | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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