Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Liv Clarke

The North Wales coastal path named best in the UK with hidden gems along the way

With summer around the corner, it’s the best time of year to explore the incredible coastline we have right here in the UK. Only a few hours drive away from Greater Manchester, North Wales is known for its stunning coastline where you’ll find historic castles, sandy coves and even a village that could rival an Italian resort.

It’s also home to one of the best coastal walks in the UK. A stretch of the Anglesey Coastal Path has been recommended by Go Outdoors for Brits looking to head to the coast this summer.

The Isle of Anglesey boasts a 130-mile coastal path, which takes on average 12 days to complete. The route is handily divided up into manageable sections, and Go Outdoors selected the section from Holyhead to Trearddur Bay to feature on its list.

READ MORE:

They said: “Our favourite is the route from Holyhead to Trearddur Bay, arguably the prettiest section of the coastal path. This walk will take you up Holyhead mountain and leading to the fantastic photo opportunity that is South Stack Lighthouse. With areas of the walk owned by the RSPB, it’s a great walk for bird watchers or wildlife fans.”

A sign for the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path (North Wales Daily Post)

At just under nine miles long, the walk is considered moderate so it’s ideal to incorporate if you’re enjoying a holiday in North Wales. As well as gorgeous coastal scenery, there are lots of things to look out for on the way.

South Stack Lighthouse - Goleudy Ynys Lawd - is a must see while on the walk. It’s located on a small island off the coast which is reached by descending down the steep cliff side, with 400 steps to the bottom.

The South Stack Lighthouse can be reached by descending 400 steps (North Wales Daily Post)

The picturesque lighthouse was built in 1809 and is open to visitors during the spring and summer, although it can be closed at short notice due to the weather. Tours take you around the former lighthouse engine room and then up to the top of the lighthouse.

Naturally a walk along the coast wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the beach, and there’s one cove on this route you need to check out. A couple of miles north of Trearddur Bay is Porth Dafarch, a tiny sandy beach nestled between two rocky headlands.

The Sea Shanty Cafe, Trearddur Bay (Arthur C Harris / geograph.org.uk)

With crystal clear waters and golden sand, it’s a lovely spot for a refreshing dip or enjoy a picnic on the beach. Even if you don’t fancy a swim, there are gorgeous views of it from the surrounding cliffs.

Finally round off you walk in Trearddur Bay with a visit to the Sea Shanty Cafe, described as a ‘hidden gem’ on Tripadvisor. The dog-friendly cafe serves a range of tasty dishes, perfect for refuelling at the end of your walk. Be sure to try one of its incredible ice cream flavours, too.

For more of today's top stories, click here.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.