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.

The Dingle...

Now the leaves have all gone here's a little reminder of the summer that never was...

"The Dingle / Nant y Pandy Local Nature reserve is a 10 hectare (25 acre) wooded valley, rich in wildlife and history. It has recently been enhanced through community involvement, working in partnership, and by grant aid.

These enhancements include a wooden boardwalk that winds its way along the Cefni, which allows access to all to many parts of the reserve, three new bridges, sculptures, sculpted benches and picnic tables.

The sculptures include a huge dragonfly, giant seed pods and split oak timbers revealing the poem Nant y Pandy, by local poet Rolant o Fôn.

Parts of the woodland are dominated by sessile oak, ash and wild cherry, with a spectacular show of blue bells in spring. Other parts are mostly sycamore and the occasional ash tree with an abundance of ferns and mosses and woodland flowers, such as wood anemones. Coed Plas (behind Saint Cyngar's Church) was planted with sweet chestnut, beech and Scots pine, and has a carpet of wild daffodils in spring.

Frogs and newts live in the wetter areas, and adders and lizards in the drier woodland. There are many butterfly species, such as gatekeeper and the speckled wood, as well as moths. There are also dragonflies and damselflies, hoverflies, bees and wasps, beetles, slugs and snails, spiders, woodlice, and many other small creatures.

Birds are easy to see throughout the year; blue tits and great tits nest in the woods and moorhen in the water; wrens and grey wagtails are common small birds seen along the boardwalk; and larger birds, ravens, buzzards and herons fly overhead. A glimpse of a kingfisher may be seen as a flash of electric blue, or a dipper may be bobbing along the river. The tawny owl can be heard, and often seen, in the woodland at night.

Fish like the trout, roach and perch may be seen in Llyn Pwmp, and sea trout are occasional visitors, as are eels.

Mammals are much more elusive. The only sign of the fox may be the drift of its scent across a path. Bank vole and wood mice leave nibbled hazel nuts to show their presence. Eight of the sixteen species of bat found in Britain can be seen here at dusk."

Views from the Summit...

Yr Eifl was mentioned as a hill located on the Lleyn Peninsula in North Wales but after an uphill walk of more than an hour and a half this hill now felt and looked more like a mountain. With aching calves and bursting lungs we eventually reach the summit of Yr Eifl where there stands an iron age fort dating back over 2000 years. These Iron Age guys must have been a very fit race indeed.

Yr Eifl is the tallest of The Rivals, an overlooked yet exciting range of hills that make up the backbone of the Lleyn Peninsula. The trek shows the walker two different industrial and colonial ages of the local area, from the abandoned quarrying village of Porth-y-Nant to the most fascinating feature of the trek, the iron age fort of Tre'r Ceiri that is still evident and now preserved on the southern most Yr Eifl peak. This trek is ideal for those afternoons when the surrounding higher peaks of Snowdonia are unable to escape the murky clouds. Tre'r Ceiri is a hill fort dating back to the British Iron Age, being built around 100 B.C. It is one of the most spectacular of Wales' ancient monuments, located on a summit of Yr Eifl.

Was it worth it? Well take a look and decide for yourself. Views like this can only be achieved with some physical effort and determination. Would I do it again? Yes I would, but like running a marathon, it makes sense to train a little before heading out on such a challenge.

Paul Mattock

Another Day at the Office…

Now that I’ve invested in a brand new camera (A Nikon D3 for those of you interested) it was time for it to earn its keep. Having packed my new backpack with all my new gear I headed off to the cliff tops on Holyhead to make my way to Penhryn Mawr, a notorious formation of rocks at the end of a headland, where large standing waves and tidal races form as the sea rushes from South Stack to Porth Dafarch and back. This is a popular stretch of water where the more experience sea kayaker comes to play. To reach it by foot is a good 30 to 40 minute walk from the nearest car park with spectacular views across the Irish Sea.
However, when I reached to Penhryn Mawr there was absolutely nothing going on. It was as flat as a pancake and not a sea kayaker in sight. Still, it gave me an opportunity to get out and stretch my legs and to test my new gear.
This is often the way with photography; you can never guarantee that shot. Just like fishing, you cast your line and sit and wait. If you make a catch then all well and good. If not, then at least you’ve tried and hey, there’s always tomorrow!

Music by Mike Dowling.

New Year Starts Here...

After a round trip of over a thousand miles to visit family and friends for Christmas it was with some relief to arrive back on the island, but only to be confronted with some of the worst weather we’d seen in a long time. No golf, no kayaking, but when the winds died down a little and there was a break in the clouds on went the walking boots and the waterproofs and out we went onto the cliff tops of Holy Island overlooking the wild and raging Irish sea. The walk from Porth Dafarch along the cliff path all the way to South Stack is a good couple of hours, but a great way to stretch those tired and lazy limbs and to get all the fresh air you could hope to breath.
I think next Christmas we’ll be sending out the invites for everyone to come to us.

Out & About...

A break in the weather gives us a chance to get out and grab some shots. With Anglesey being an all-year-round destination for people looking to take a break, there are plenty of opportunities for pictures that can be sold onto libraries, tourist organisations etc. (It also gives us a chance to get out from in front that open fire and exercise our legs and lungs)
This particular location is a favourite of mine as it is a hidden cove where I can quietly launch my kayak into claim waters even when the wind is blowing hard. It also makes up part of the coastal path, which has grown and developed into a walk that covers the entire coastline of Anglesey. A challenge I've yet to undertake but is on my list of must do's... Each year there is a Walking Festival where, for a small fee, you can book guided walks which cover certain areas of special interests around the Island. This festival runs from the end of May into June. Check out their website: www.angleseywalkingfestival.com