Newborough Beach

NEWBOROUGH

The walk that has it all (almost)

Taking you through stunning Newborough Forest, across moorland and along the fabulous Newborough Beach, this walk really has it all – except hills! You won’t have to tackle any steep climbs or difficult terrain along the way and the scenery is stunning throughout the year. The beach is always quiet as it as some distance from any parking areas and dogs can run around freely with no livestock to worry about. You may encounter cyclists and horses in the forest but this route is never particularly busy. The beach is north of LLanddwyn which is the beach that is often mistakenly referred to as Newborough. Llanddwyn gets very busy due to the adjacent car park. Newborough is quieter and considerably more dramatic.

Duration: 3 hours but longer if you linger on the beach.

Terrain: Woodland paths, sandy trails and the beach

Newborough beach

A walk in the forest

To begin the walk, drive through Newborough village and continue on the A4080 until you reach a forested area with car parks either side of the road. The Malltraeth car park to your left is the best option but spaces are limited. In the summer, especially at the weekend, you will need to arrive by 9am to find a space. There are two trails into the forest and both aee accessed from the rear of the parking area. take the one to your right which is adjacent to the enclosure for horses. Follow the trail through the trees and over a series of boardwalks. You will eventually join the main track through Newborough Forest. Turn right and follow the track until you reach a right turn indicated as a bridal path. Turn right here and follow the trail until you reach the edge of the forest. Continue straight on through a gap in the hedgerow and then turn left and follow the path along the edge of the forest.

Continue on this path until it turns sharply to the left. You should turn right towards the estuary. The trail becomes sandy and then the moorland gradually becomes dunes as you get closer to the water. Eventually, you will find yourself on the beach at the mouth of the estuary.

Newborough Forest
Newborough Beach

Onto the beach

Once you have stepped onto the beach, turn left and walk around the mouth of the estuary onto stunning Newborough Beach. This is backed by wonderful dunes that provide the perfect havens for a picnic. You can walk all the way to Llanddywn Island and out to the lighthouse, if you wish. Newborough is the perfect beach for dogs, especially dogs that enjoy a swim or a paddle. About halfway along the beach, you can see the remains of a shipwreck pocking up out of the sand, but only when the tide is out. When you reach Llanddwyn Island, please be aware that dogs are not permitted to walk on LLanddwyn Beach which lies beyond the rocky peninsula, between May and September.

Newborough Beach delivers dramatic vistas and boasts a rugged quality that you don’t find at the more commercial destinations. There are no facilities here but the scenery and the lack of people makes this beach a must-visit.

The return

Once you have enjoyed your time on the beach and/or visited the lighthouse, retrace your steps back to the car park. There is much to see throughout the year including wonderful views, interesting flora and amazing wildlife. Newborough Woods are home to red squirrels while the adjacent moorland is a great place to spot insects and butterflies. You never know what you will see!  If you wish to extend your walk and the tide is low, you can walk along the estuary until you join the road, instead of walking back through the forest. If you take this route, turn right when you reach the main road and this will take you back to the parking area.

Moorland at Newborough
Newborough Forest

Directions

From the Woollen Mill, take the A487 towards Caernarfon and Bangor. Shortly before you reach Bangor, follow the signs for Hollyhead and cross the Menai Straits. After you have crossed the bridge, take the first exit to the left which takes you to the A5. Then, turn left onto the A4080 and follow this road until you reach Newborough (Niwbwrch). Continue on this road until you arrive at the forest. The Malltreath parking area is on the left. There is no charge for parking here.