Bardsey

Key Facts

• Location: North Wales
• Size: 179 hectares
• Terrain: Rugged hill walking, easy paths
• Access: Bardsey Island Boats (Call Colin on 07971 769 895) leave from Porth Meudwy
• Height gain: 233 metres
• Map: OS Explorer 253
• Starting point: Bardsey Quay. Lat/Long 52.754440 -4.793590; GR SH 11571 21086
• Accommodation/food:

  Self-catering cottages through Bardsey Island Trust https://www.bardsey.org/book. Tea and coffee is usually available at Tŷ Pellaf between 11am and 1pm. A toilet is available for visitors in the Plas Bach yard

• Island Summary:

  Thought to be the mythical Isle of Avalon and the final resting place of both King Arthur and Merlin there is a soul and spirit here that goes back thousands of years. Known as the legendary island of 20,000 saints Bardsey’s underground population may outnumber its living – unless the 300 sheep, 200 seals, 26 welsh cattle, several pods of Risso’s dolphins, 40 puffins, 40,000 Manx Shearwater and the roots of Britain’s rarest apple tree are included.

• Look out for:
  • Caves, gullies, geos and stacks
  • Places of pilgrimage abd spiritual retreat
  • Spotting whales and dolphins
  • Ruins and ancient remains
• Route description:

  This is a coastal circuit on an easy to follow path that includes an ascent of its 167 metre mountain, Mynydd Enlli. The route passes the sites of many of the islands myths, legends and ruins with plenty of opportunities to spot dolphins and other wildlife along the way. It crosses the narrow isthmus to explore the deep inlets and gullies of the south before returning to the quay.

• Getting there:

  Bardsey Island Boats (Call Colin on 07971 769 895) leave from Porth Meudwy SAT NAV LL53 8DA; OS GRID REFERENCE – SH163255. From the car park follow the signs for a 10 minute walk to the boat.