Walk 3040 - Church Bay & Mynydd y Garn, Anglesey

      
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This route visits the northwest coast of Anglesey. It includes a fine section of coastal path, a wander through unspoilt countryside and the bonus of short but rewarding climb to the summit of a rocky hill. The start is the village of Swtan reached by using lanes from the A5025 Valley to Cemaes road. There is a car park (Grid ref. SH301890) adjacent to the National Trust's fine thatched cottage in the village.

Exit the car park and turn left towards the sea turning right onto the signed footpath along the cliffs. Ignore all paths on your right and stay on this path as it wends its way along the cliffs. The current Explorer map shows the footpath as ending at the small stream Gwter Fudr. However a concessionary path now continues all the way round Carmel Head. On the day this walk was researched heacy seas and gale force winds made the clifftop route rather 'interesting' with large amounts of seawater despoited at regular intervals across the path!

Like any clifftop path there is plenty of ascent and descent although nothing too strenuous. At certain times of the year this is one of the finest parts of Britain to witness large concentrations of seabirds with the Auk family (including Puffins) being well represented. Reaching Llyn Fydlyn (Grid ref. 293916) it is time to turn inland although you may want to spend some time making a short detour to Carmel Head, which adds about a mile or so to the route.

From Llyn Fydlyn take the waymarked path inland to reach a small car park (Grid ref. 303915) and a lane. Turn right along the lane and walk south. The roads in this part of Anglesey are quiet and should be able to walk with little disturbance to the peace and quiet. Stay on the lane passing Orsedd Goch, a large farm on your right. Just after on the opposite side of the road look out for a wooden stile. It is not waymarked but is almost adjacent to the field boundary (Grid ref. 306904). Cross the stile and head across fields to reach a lane (Grid ref. 311911). Turn right past Waen-lydan on your right with the rocky outcrop and monument of Mynydd y Garn ahead to your left.

A concessionary path links the lane to the summit, which despite its modest height of 170 metres provides excellent views along the coast and over northwest Anglesey. Despite inclement weather during this visit, it was possible to appreciate the extensive panoramas that this hill provides. After taking in the view return to the lane and turn left downhill. The lane leads you past the church and back into Swtan and the start.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 262
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 114

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

E and S Thomas, Bangor - Gwynedd
Self Catering - 19.9 miles / 31.8 km away

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Bed & Breakfast - 26.3 miles / 42.1 km away

Plas Tan y Graig, Beddgelert - Gwynedd
Bed & Breakfast - 31.3 miles / 50.0 km away

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"