Ynys Llanddwyn

Tŵr Bach lighthouse with Snowdonia in background

Ynys Llanddwyn or Llanddwyn Island is a small tidal island off the west coast of Anglesey (Welsh: Ynys Môn) northwest Wales. The nearest town is Newborough.

Geology and geography

The island is of geological interest with pillow lava, jasper formations and aeolian sand deposits.

The island forms part of the National Nature Reserve of Newborough Warren which includes the extensive and floristically rich sand dune system.

Ynys Llanddwyn is a tidal island; it remains attached to the mainland at all but the highest tides. It provides views of Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula.

Saint Dwynwen

The island is very rich in legends, and in particular the association with Dwynwen. The name Llanddwyn means "The church of St. Dwynwen". Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making her the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine. Her Saint's day is 25 January and is often celebrated by the Welsh with cards and flowers. The remains of St Dwynwen's Church can be found.

Footpaths

There are more than 10 miles of footpaths crossing Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Warren, including the Anglesey Coastal Path, and it is a very popular place to visit. The island provides a worth-while goal after the mile-long walk along the beach from the nearest car park. Ynys Llanddwyn, with the neighbouring beach, has been awarded Blue Flag beach status in recognition of the cleanliness of the sea and the beaches.

Lighthouse

Tŵr Mawr lighthouse marks the western entrance to the Menai Strait.

Time line

Ynys Llanddwyn in film

Photos of Llanddwyn

References

Hague, D., B., Lighthouses of Wales Their Architecture and Archaeology (Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, edited by Hughes, S., 1994) ISBN 1-871184-08-8

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Llanddwyn.

Coordinates: 53°08′31″N 4°24′29″W / 53.142°N 4.408°W / 53.142; -4.408

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 9/21/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.