The Right To Roam...

After a fantastic sea kayaking trip out off Malltraeth on Sunday morning I decided to explore the same coastline by foot. However, there was one small problem that had to be overcome, an old rusty sign stuck in the middle of a field which read, ' no trespassing.' Of course, if we were in Scotland this wouldn't be a problem as the 'right to roam' is statutory law, but here in Wales and England it's a little different. Needless to say, it didn't stop me, but I would advise anyone out walking, to think twice before venturing onto private land.
The area I wanted to explore is part of the Bodorgan Estate and is called Cwningar Trefri. I accessed it by crossing the Sand dunes at Aberffraw and by climbing up onto the headland at the far end of the beach. ( This being were I encounted the sign.) All I really wanted to see was the kind of coastline I'd find if I decided to paddle further out from Malltraeth with the intention of completing the journey at Abberfraw. And having made the effort to check it out, I think it will be a trip worth doing. With spectacular views across Caernarfon Bay and some beautiful sandy beaches to explore along the way, it could be a great day spent on the water. Let's hope it happens. I'll keep you posted.

Mother of Wales...

They don't call Anglesey, the Mother of Wales, for no good reason. Many, many years ago, Anglesey produced much of the wheat for the whole of Wales. The climate and large areas of flatland made it perfect for growing crops. Nowadays most of the land on Anglesey has been taken over for sheep rearing, but in the last few years there's been a noticeable increase in crop growing, mainly for the bio-fuel market.However, it's the coastline that holds the greatest attraction for me. Each of the four sides of Anglesey offer a different terrain to explore and enjoy. And of course, for any seafarer - and I count myself amongst this group, being a great fan of sea kayaking - one couldn't ask for a more varied and fascinating coast to explore.
I Love it!

The Sun Has Got His Hat On...

At long last, the sun has arrived and we can get down to the serious business of relaxing. And there's no finer place to do that than here on Anglesey. No matter where you drive, at some point you'll arrive at the coast and it's a safe bet that you'll find something of interest. Whether it's a coastal path to explore or a sandy beach to play on or some rock pools along the base of some cliffs to investigate.One, out of the way, place we love to visit is Porth Trefadog. With views across the sea towards Holyhead mountain and plenty of little nooks and crannies to set up a picnic to just while away the hours.We owe it to ourselves to take time out, and when the sun shines there's no better place than here.

My Anglesey...

Here are some recent images taken within a fifteen minute stroll along the clifftops between Trearddur Bay and Porth y Post. This is what I love about this place, wherever you look there will be a picture to be taken, a picture to be made. This is my back garden, my backyard, my home.

How many lives has this lifebelt saved? How many times has it been thrown in vain. Like a solider on guard, it stands to attention, ready and waiting to serve and to save. day after day, night after night it waits and waits and waits...

My favourite path, but to where?

Burial mound at Porth Trecastell...

"Of prime importance at Barclodiad y Gawres is the unexceptional decoration on the massive stones forming the burial chamber. Here can be seen zig zags, chevrons and spirals, similar to the decoration found in the tombs of the Boyne Valley in Ireland, emphasizing the close associations across the Irish Sea. There is only one other example of this Neolithic ( stone age ) art form known in Wales (Bryn Celli Ddu). Such decoration is equally rare in England and Scotland and Barclodiad y Gawres is unquestionably the finest example in Britian. Unfortunately, the decorated stones have become increasingly vulnerable to graffiti and vandalism so it is with regret that Cadw is currently unable to allow unsupervised access into the chamber. Contact: 0845 0103300"

Even though you can't get access to the inner chamber, this burial mound is still well worth a visit. The views from on top are fantastic and the beach and bay are beautiful. If you like a bit of surfing then, with a southerly wind blowing on shore, you can expect some great waves to play in with no hidden dangers lurking on the seabed. A great place to picnic and lots to explore. And if you like to do a little walking you can make your way along the seashore to Rhosneigr and grab a coffee and a bite to eat.( Allow a good hour each way) You can find Porth Trecastell ( better known as Cable Bay ) along the A4080 road between Rhosneigr and Abberfraw.