The Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Mon, is separated from mainland Snowdonia by the woodland-edged, tidal Menai Strait. The Wales Coast Path follows the Anglesey Coastal Path along the Strait past rocky islands to the last of Edward I’s ‘Iron Ring’ of castles at Beaumaris.

Beyond Penmon Prior, Penmon lighthouse and Puffin Island, the path rounds the headland to enter massive Red Wharf Bay. Past Moelfre and the sandy beaches at Traeth Lligwy and Traeth Dulas, the coast traces low cliffs to Point Lynas lighthouse and Amlwch Port.

Anglesey’s north coast is characterised by high cliffs and rocky bays punctuated with tiny historic churches, sea arches and offshore skerries.

Next comes Holyhead Island with its Irish ferry port, harbour, tiny church, South Stack lighthouse and RSPB reserve. The path then traces the west coast past Rhosneigr and St Cwyfan’s island chapel to the beach and dune system at Aberffraw.

Skirting the vast Malltraeth Sands, the route runs on through Newborough Forest to beautiful Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Warren to meet the Menai Strait once more. The final stretch crosses stepping stones on the Afon Braint to run past the Sea Zoo, the Neolithic burial chamber at Bryn Celli Ddu, and Plas Newydd mansion back to the twin bridges across the Strait.

Best bits of the Isle of Anglesey

Britannia Bridge and Menai Suspension Bridge, tidal Menai Strait, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrn-drobwyllllantysiliogogogoch, Beaumaris Castle, Penmon Priory and dovecot, St Seriol’s well, Trwyn Du lighthouse and Puffin Island, Red Wharf Bay, Ship Inn, Moelfre statue and lifeboat station, sandy beaches at Traeth Lligwy and Traeth Dulas, red squirrels in Dulas Estate woods, Ynys Dulas and Point Lynas lighthouse, Amlwch Port and ‘Sail Loft Visitor Centre and Cafe’, Bull Bay, Porth Wen old brickworks and sea arch, Cemaes, tiny church of Llanbadrig, Cemlyn Bay tern colony, Carmel Head, Holyhead Island and harbour, St Cybi’s Church, Holyhead Mountain, South Stack lighthouse, Ellin’s Tower and RSPB Reserve, Bwa Gwyn sea arch, Four-mile Bridge, Porth Cwyfan island church, Abeffraw beach and dunes, Newborough Forest and Llandwyn Island, Afon Braint stepping stones, Sea Zoo, Bryn Celli Ddu Neolithic burial chamber, Plas Newydd National Trust house.