The isolated, sandy beach of Taeth yr Ora lies midway between the villages of Benllech and Amlwch on the north-east coast of Anglesey.
The cove can only be accessed by foot or boat, meaning few people venture to this remote spot. Sheltered by small headlands, it is a fantastic place for swimming, exploring or just relaxing on a sunny afternoon.
The easiest approach is to follow the coast path from the southern car park at Traeth Lligwy, where there is a small café. Along the way, look out to sea for seals, harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and seabirds, such as cormorants and guillemots. Meanwhile, yellowhammers, stonechats and whitethroats frequent the fields and bushes alongside the path.
1
Island beacon
From the car park, head north-west towards a coast-path signpost. Walk through the dunes to a small footbridge, emerging at another car park. Cross it to a sign warning about sinking sand at the northern end of Traeth Lligwy.
The waymarked coast path now climbs onto low cliffs, crossing a little footbridge at a gully before following a fairly level path. Beyond another bridge and a former lookout, you will arrive at a viewpoint on Trwyn Porth-y-môr, where you can gaze east to Great Orme near Llandudno. To the north, about a mile offshore, lies Ynys Dulas island. Its tower was built in 1821 as a beacon to warn of the hazardous rocks and also as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors. A fireplace with kindling was provided as well as drinking water, brandy and biscuits. The island is now home to a seal colony.
2
On to Ora
Continuing on the coast path, you will soon descend to cross the shingle shores of Porth y Môr. Ignore a kissing gate on the left and walk along the back of the beach to join a path alongside the fence. Go through the next kissing gate, then cross a field to a corner kissing gate that gives access to steps leading down to Traeth yr Ora.
3
Headland heights
After enjoying time on the beach, ascend steps to a bench. From here, you can take a worthwhile diversion on to the northern headland where you will be rewarded with views of Dulas Bay. Go through the nearby kissing gate, then pass more gates on the right and an information board about public access.
Walk anticlockwise around the headland to a stile near a pool. Take the little path down to your right, dropping through trees to Traeth Dulas, a peaceful, unspoilt landscape where the Afon Goch creeps through mudflats to the sea.
Return to the bench above Traeth yr Ora, then, instead of revisiting the beach, bear right to follow the coast path to a lane. Turn left, soon enjoying views of the coast as you walk downhill, ignoring a lane on the right, to Traeth Lligwy.
Map
Click on the OS map below to get an interactive version of the route.
Dorothy Hamilton enjoys watching wildlife and taking long walks in the countryside.
Read more by Dorothy here.
