Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island form an extensive nature reserve, with forest, ecologically important sand-dunes and wide-open beaches. The 'island' is barely disconnected from the mainland and has ancient lighthouses, stone crosses and a free museum housed in an old pilot's cottage, making it an idyllic and fascinating place to visit.

The island is said to have been the home of a religious community founded by Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Legend has it that she fell in love with a local prince, but the marriage was not to be (different reasons are given in different variations of the story). She prayed to be cured of her love and God appeared to her and gave her a potion to drink. This doused her ardour but also turned the prince into a statue of ice. After further prayer, God then granted her three wishes. Her first wish was to return the prince to human form, her second to be given the power to grant the wishes of true lovers and her third was never to be inflicted with marriage and love again.

Whatever the truth or otherwise of the legends, the island has a captivating atmosphere. There are superb views of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula.

Please note that the island is off-limits to dogs. Dogs are welcome in the forest at all times of the year and during the summer months on some parts of the main beach (east / left side from car park).

There is a toll (£3 in 2007) to drive into the forest so please take plenty of loose change with you to enter in case no attendant is present (note Caroline's comment).

Please also note that the nearby sand-dunes can be dangerous, especially at high tide.

Wales - Anglesey - Coast

View a road map to the starting point of this walk.