ABERFFRAW
An uplifting walk across heathland and dunes to the beach
It is possible to visit the beach at Aberffraw by parking adjacent to the estuary and then taking a short stroll by the river. But if you are looking for a longer walk for yourself or the dogs, why not hike across the fabulous dunes? The dunes are a Special Area of Conservation and have been designated a Site of Special Scientific (SSSI). They support many interesting plants and insects, including some rarer species such as shore dock and petalwort (a rare kind of liverwort). The site also features one of the largest lyme-grass communities in Wales.
Duration: 90 minutes to the beach and back
Terrain: sandy paths
Starting Out
The walk begins next to the A4080 just before you reach the village of Aberffraw. There are several parking spaces available in laybys on the side of the road. Find a parking space and then pass through one of the gaps in the wall and onto the heathland. The dunes are crossed by a maze of paths. Don’t worry too much about which path to take at any point on your journey. Just remember that the beach is located directly in front of you when you pass through the wall and onto the heath. Keep heading roughly in that direction and you will get there in the end! I don’t think I have ever walked exactly the same route to the beach and it’s fun to explore the terrain.
Arriving at the beach
About half way to the beach you will need to cross a quiet country road. The ditch alongside the road can be waterlogged and even turn into a pond. This means you might have to jump to get over it. Alternatively, walk along the ditch until you find a place where you can easily step across. Once you have crossed the road, continue in the general direction of the beach and eventually you will climb up over the last row of dunes and find yourself greeted by the stunning sight of the bay and golden sand. There are fabulous views of the mountains on the mainland from the beach which is rarely busy.
The walk back
When you reach the beach, it is worth walking to the right until you arrive at the estuary. When the tide is in, or at least no more than halfway out, the water in the estuary is deep enough for dogs to swim in (see below) or for you to take a dip if you need to cool down. be careful not to swim too close to the mouth of the river as the currants are strong and can sweep you or your dogs out to sea in a matter of seconds. Many people have run into trouble there.
After sampling the water, you can retrace your steps along the beach and back over the dunes. Again, don’t worry too much about exactly which path to take, just walk roughly in the right direction and you will find your way back.
Directions
From the Woollen Mill, head towards Bangor on the A487 and then follow the signs to Holyhead. As soon as you have crossed the bridge onto Anglesey turn left and then left again on to the A4080 towards Dwyran and Newborough. Stay on this road until you see the sign for Aberffraw and turn left again. As you approach Abberffraw and are driving with the dunes to your left, look out for the parking places on the side of the road.
