9-Day Anglesey Coastal Path Explorer Itinerary

An easy first day along the rugged Holy Island coast. From St Cybi's Church the path heads south through the RSPB South Stack reserve, with its clifftop heathland, breeding seabirds and views of the offshore South Stack Lighthouse. The route then crosses the northern flanks of Holyhead Mountain past the former North Stack fog station, before descending to a string of small coves — Porth Namarch, Porth y Gwin and the sandy Porth Dafarch — with seasonal toilets. A final clifftop section past Penrhyn Mawr leads down into the popular resort of Trearddur Bay.

A varied day crossing from Holy Island to mainland Anglesey. The path passes Bwa Du, a striking natural sea arch, then the rocky coves of Porth y Garan and Twll Pidlin, where the sea funnels dramatically through a narrow fissure. After the golden sweep of Traeth Llydan the route turns inland on quiet country lanes to Four Mile Bridge, the small stone crossing that links the islands. Beyond, the trail follows the Afon Crigyll estuary and low dunes past RAF Valley, ending along the long sandy beach at Rhosneigr with its eateries and convenience stores.

The longest day on the route, but mostly gentle underfoot. From Rhosneigr the path passes Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay) with its prehistoric burial chamber, then the iconic 12th-century Church in the Sea at Porth Cwyfan, accessible only at low tide. The trail continues through Aberffraw village before tracing the river to expansive Traeth Mawr beach. After the Malltraeth estuary cob — excellent for birdwatching — the path skirts Llyn Parc Mawr and enters Newborough Forest, a red squirrel sanctuary, with a possible tidal detour to Llanddwyn Island and its lighthouse before reaching Dwyran.

A shoreline day along the sheltered Menai Strait with continuous views to Snowdonia. From Dwyran the path passes Foel Farm Park and Anglesey Sea Zoo before tracing the wooded shore to Aber Pwllfanogl. At Menai Bridge it climbs beneath the impressive stone arches of Telford's 1826 Suspension Bridge, with the imposing statue of Lord Nelson nearby and Britannia Bridge in view. The route then follows the strait through Llandegfan, climbs Allt Goch Bach for panoramic views, and descends along the seafront promenade into Beaumaris with its colourful Georgian townhouses, UNESCO World Heritage castle and Victorian pier.

From Beaumaris the trail traces the strait past Traeth Lleiniog, where Edward I landed his invasion force in 1282, and a former Victorian lifeboat station. The route rounds Penmon Point, marked by its black-and-white striped Trwyn Du lighthouse and views to Puffin Island and Snowdonia. From the Pilot House Café it climbs to the limestone commons of Mariandyrys Nature Reserve, rich in summer butterflies, before descending through woodland and old quarries to Llanddona Beach. The final stretch follows the western edge of the vast Red Wharf Bay, ending at Benllech's wide sandy beach with its eateries and shops.

A short but characterful start leads quickly to the picturesque fishing village of Moelfre, with its RNLI Seawatch Centre, Ann's Pantry café and views to the stone refuge tower on Ynys Dulas. Beyond, the path crosses the Afon Goch footbridge and skirts the bird-rich salt marshes of the Traeth Dulas estuary. After passing the historic Llys Dulas estate, the route reaches the dramatic natural arches and caves of Tyllau Duon (the "Black Holes"), then continues over undulating cliffs past Port Eilian, sheltered beneath Point Lynas lighthouse, to the historic copper-shipping harbour of Amlwch Port.

A short half-day perfect for a relaxed morning or to explore Amlwch's Copper Kingdom Centre before setting off. From the harbour the path rises along scenic cliff tops, passes through the small fishing village of Bull Bay (Porth Llechog) with its hotel and harbour, then traverses a particularly photogenic stretch of coast above the abandoned Victorian brickworks at Porth Wen, with their distinctive beehive kilns. The route continues over Craig Wen and skirts the dramatic narrow inlet of Porth Cynfor ("Hells Mouth"), before reaching Cemaes — a picturesque fishing village with pubs, a café and shop.

An outstanding stretch along the wild north coast. From Cemaes the path crosses the headland past the former Wylfa power station to the shingle bank at Cemlyn Bay, an internationally important tern colony reserve at its best between May and July. Continuing west, the route passes Hen Borth, where the remains of a 6,000-year-old petrified forest are revealed at low tide, then climbs to Trwyn y Gader headland with panoramic vistas. After the dramatic twin-beach inlet of Traeth Ynys y Fydlyn the path follows rugged clifftops down to Church Bay (Porth Swtan), with its thatched Swtan Folk Museum and seasonal café.

A satisfying final day back to Holyhead. From Church Bay the path crosses heather moorland and dramatic cliff tops where Atlantic grey seals are often spotted in the waters below, then passes the secluded swimming cove of Porth Trwyn. The route continues through gently undulating farmland to Penrhyn Bay's small shingle beach and rocky outcrops. After skirting the bird-rich Afon Alaw estuary, passing through Penrhos Nature Reserve and crossing Stanley Embankment, the trail follows Penrhos Beach back into Holyhead, completing the 209 km circuit at 13th-century St Cybi's Church.