01. About the Path
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is a long distance circular footpath that follows most of the island’s coastline and is now about 140 miles long (225 km). It is part of the longer Wales Coast Path which is 1,400 km (870 miles).
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path falls within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that covers 95% of the coast. It passes through landscape that includes a mixture of farmland, coastal heath, dunes, salt-marsh, foreshore, cliffs and a few small pockets of woodland; this includes a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and regions of Special Scientific Interest (SSI).
The Isle of Anglesey itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Geomôn geological site. Walking The Path, you will traverse many different rocks from the oldest in the world, the Precambrian to more recent ones and you will see various rock formations.
The Path is marked throughout its length with the circular, blue tern logo.
The Route
This website describes the Path in a clockwise direction starting at St Cybi's Church, Holyhead. The first part of the Path is down Market St., Holyhead and then across the harbour to the station. It may help to read the Path Directions (02) and look at the 'Anglesey Gold' map on the 0.3. Detailed Maps page.
The Path is continually evolving and there have been changes to the quoted length since it was inaugurated in 2006. In addition, there are a number of alternatives to allow for tidal limitations and a number of additional detours to viewpoints.
We have walked the Path and measured the distances and ascents by high resolution GPS, from this we created the 'Anglesey Gold' map. Distances between places were also noted and these are on the Path Maps (04) page. You may see other quoted distances for the Path but 140 miles is the length of the primary path including Llanddwyn Island, an optional but special part of the coast. When changes to the Path take place, it is likely that some routes marked on certain OS maps and some guide books may become out of date. However, we aim to keep the route shown in our “Anglesey Gold” map (03) and described in our detailed route directions up to date.
Leading to Market St.
Path Description
Latest information about the Path and any warnings can be found on the Path Maps (04) page. Please be aware that in the winter, parts of the Path can get very muddy and may be dangerous.
Detailed route directions can be read on the previous page (02) ,and can also be read on a smart phone. At each sub-section in the table there is a link (map) to a google map.We attempt to keep these directions up to date as the Path continually evolves and changes occur. Directions for individual sections are on the Path maps page (04).
On the Path Maps (04) page there are individual descriptions of each section of the Path with links to maps, clockwise directions and some descriptions of places and features en route These can all be downloaded and printed out. There are also links to tide predictions for the nearest port of each section. On the Detailed maps page (03) you can now find an interactive google map that allows you to see Path in great detail. This map, when opened will appear on your area of 'My Maps' if you have a google account.
The More Info with links (11) page has many links to varied and useful information for those planning walks, such as bus timetables, toilet facilities, accommodation and campsites. There are also links to companies that will arrange holidays and walks for you. Here as well are links to the important tide tables.
Wales Coast Path waymarkers . Those with red backgrounds show alternative routes ,usually inland.
These new markers are currently being installed (Sept 2020)
Getting to the Start
To reach Anglesey, follow the A55 Expressway along the North Wales coast and cross the Britannia Bridge. Journey time from Manchester 2 hr (100 miles / 160 km), from Birmingham 3 hr (150 miles / 241 km).
From the Britannia Bridge, it takes a further 25 minutes (20 miles / 32 km) along the A55 to reach Holyhead, where the official start point is located. However, the Path can be accessed from many points. You could start at the Menai Suspension Bridge where the Wales Coast Path links to the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
Fact File
Total height gain: 4,985m / 16,354ft
Length: 140 miles / 225km
Average no. of days to complete: 12
Towns/villages directly on the path: 20
Official start point: St Cybi's Church, Holyhead (Grid ref. SH247826)
Location Plaques
The Friends of The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path have installed plaques on signposts along the entire Coastal Path. These are in colours that match the sketch maps produced by the Council: purple, orange, red, yellow, green and brown. The plaques show an incremental number in the bottom right, the O.S. Grid Reference and the place name. The purpose of the plaques is to aid the emergency services when rescuing walkers on the path and they instruct one to dial 999 for the Coastguard. The details on every plaque can be found on the Detailed Maps (03) page.
This article in both Welsh and English explains the names of welsh places used on the plaques.
Map shows the colours of the six pairs of sections used on grid reference plaques and the section maps
Cyclists and Horse Riders
Cycling is not permitted on the Coastal Path except for the road sections and Newborough Forest. As with cyclists, horse-riders can take advantage of the road sections and the beaches but may not use the Path. In Newborough Forest horse riding is allowed through a permit system.