Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Warren

Just off the coast of the Southwest tip of Anglesey, at the Caernarfon end of the Menai Straits stands Ynys Llanddwyn or Llanddwyn Island. The scene of many shipwrecks it lies in wait on stormy nights to trap unwary vessels in the tide race that can sweep through the Straits at anything up to ten knots. See it on a peaceful summers day and it looks absolutely heavenly, but it can be a killer!
It's not really an island of course, being cut off from the rest of Anglesey only at high tides but the rocks that compose it are very ancient indeed, being pre-Cambrian and therefore part of the original outcrop that formed parts of North Wales. On the point is a disused lighthouse, some old cottages used by the Caernarfon Pilots and the remains of the old lifeboat station. The first lifeboat was kept outside for years, but it was never launched due to the fact that it was always full of wind-blown sand! Nearby is an old naval cannon used to summon the lifeboat crew.
The ruined 16th century church of St.Deinwin stands on a rise. She was the Welsh version of St. Valentine. The shrine of St.Deinwin was a pilgrimage place for lovers. You might like to try it! Place a handkerchief in the spring water of Llanddwyn Island and an eel will appear. To those who can interpret it's movements it will tell if your lover is true to you! She is remembered by a Latin cross near the old lighthouse, a Celtic cross nearby remembers the victims of shipwrecks, but both are modern.
Close by is the village of Newborough and Newborough Warren. Newborough takes after its name, for it was here that Edward 1st relocated (or dumped, depending on who wrote the history!) the villagers of Llanfaes when he started to build Beaumaris Castle in the late 13th century. For many years the villagers made their living from rabbit catching and making ropes and mats from the marram grass on Newborough Warren, which is one of the largest stretches of sand dunes in the country. You can roam for miles over the Warren and the surrounding beaches, with some spectacular views down the Lleyn Peninsular and The Rivals.

If you don't mind walking then the best way to visit Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Warren is to take the A4080 from Menai Bridge through Brynciencyn to Newborough. Turn left in the village and follow the road through to the forest where there are car-parking facilities. But be warned, it's a bit of a walk from here. Another way is to carry straight on at the little roundabout just past the Anglesey Model Village and follow the track down to the shore. Either way, it's very sandy so be sure to take some stout footwear.