Newborough: Discover Dunes, Forest and Trails

Newborough is a destination for anyone looking to combine dune landscapes, forest trails and wildlife watching. It is also home to Ynys Llanddwyn, a range of ways to explore on foot or by bike, and reminders of the area’s history. When planning your trip, it is worth looking at the individual routes: they vary considerably in duration, length and difficulty.

Dune landscapes and habitats

Newborough Warren is one of the largest and most beautiful dune areas in Great Britain. Together with Ynys Llanddwyn, it was designated Wales’s first coastal nature reserve in 1955. The National Nature Reserve includes the dunes and beach of Newborough Warren, the island, and large areas of salt marsh and coastal sand flats.

Birds and other animals find sheltered habitats in the Cefni Estuary and in the ponds behind the Pen Cob embankment. If you are interested in squirrels, Llyn Parc Mawr is one of the best places in Newborough to spot red squirrels. The geology is also remarkable: its accessible Precambrian bedrock makes Newborough one of the best places in Great Britain to study rocks of this age.

Walking trails to suit your time and ability

The Animal Discovery Trail is an easy route starting at the Beach car park. It is 1.1 miles (1.7 kilometres) long and takes 45 minutes to an hour. The Saint, Sand and Sea Trail also starts there. It is moderately difficult and covers 4.4 miles (7 kilometres); the stated walking time is three hours. It offers a family-friendly experience through forest and dunes and across the island. The different time estimates can help you choose a tour that fits the time you have available. Check trail conditions before setting out; for the island section of the Saint, Sand and Sea Trail, also check the tide conditions.

A shorter option is the accessible Lake View Trail: from the Llyn Parc Mawr car park, the 0.2-mile (0.3-kilometre) route leads to a viewpoint overlooking the hidden forest lake. There is also a path from Llanddwyn Beach through grassy hills to the nature reserve on Ynys Llanddwyn. The surrounding forest has an extensive network of walking trails. The Wales Coast Path also passes through Newborough.

Cycling and other trails

The signposted Corsica Bike Trail starts at the Beach car park and forms a 9.9-kilometre circular route with views of the estuary. Lon Las Cefni connects Newborough with Llangefni. For orienteering on foot, there are three permanent orienteering courses in Newborough Forest. They are suitable for beginners with map-reading skills as well as experienced orienteers. The bridleways in the forest start at the Pen Cob car park and partly follow the old postal route to Llanddwyn.

Island views and history

From Llanddwyn Beach, the view stretches to Eryri National Park, Caernarfon and the Llyn Peninsula. On Ynys Llanddwyn stand the ruins of an old church dedicated to Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales. Llys Rhosyr is another point of interest for history enthusiasts: its layout is almost completely preserved.

Accessible facilities

A beach wheelchair can be borrowed free of charge at the Beach car park. As loan arrangements may change, check the current terms before your visit. A Mobi-Mat next to the car park enables wheelchair users to cross the sand dunes and enjoy better views of the beach and coast.

Discover more destinations: Ty Croes, Llanfechell, Pentraeth, Rhosneigr, Bull Bay, Dwyran, Llanfaethlu, Llanerchymedd

For the overview of the wider area: Isle Of Anglesey.