Only 850 miles to go

2012 is going to be a pretty big year for walkers. Because it will see the official opening of the world’s first national coastal path.

Yes, that’s right. A path that runs right round the coastline of an entire country. Wales, as it happens.

And since Wales is surrounded on three sides by sea, that means quite a journey - and quite a challenge. It means 850 miles of glorious unbroken coastal scenery and no fewer than 125 miles of the new All-Wales Coastal Path is on Anglesey.

Our very own Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path was launched back in 2006. It goes all the way around the island and 95% of it is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While it’s great to see the rest of the country joining in with us at last, we should probably issue a word of warning.

Don’t go thinking that, because Anglesey has a reputation for being fairly flat, our lovely circuit will be the easy bit. Walk its entire length and you will have ascended nearly 4,174 metres, or 13,694 feet in old money.

That’s the equivalent of walking up Snowdon. Three-and-a-half times. Perhaps it would be better to start off with Anglesey’s coastal path and then see how you feel about the rest of the Wales.

It should take you about 12 days at a decent pace. Or if you’re not feeling quite that energetic you can just stroll the odd mostly flat bit (do try to avoid Holyhead Mountain).

Or you could try one of the many and varied shorter walks that link with the coastal path. Circular walks and linear walks. Heritage walks, wildlife walks and “geo trails” – Anglesey is world-famous for its rocks.

Wherever you explore, prepared to be amazed. Don and Mary Verbick of Minnesota have travelled all over the United States and Europe. But they walked our coastal path as guests of Anglesey Walking Holidays – and Mary hasn’t stopped talking about it since.

“Our time in Anglesey was truly a series of marvellous events,” she says. “We walked along sea cliffs, sandy shores, rocky shores, woodlands, dunes, marshes, mountains, grasslands – I am sure I am forgetting something! I loved the diversity of plants, the birds, the dramatic scenery, the fluffy sheep, the endless sky, the wind, the rain, the sunshine, the sound of the ocean – everything.”

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Organised walking groups and guided walks

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to organised walking groups and events on Anglesey. Please search our events listings under ‘walks and tours’ for further information.

Download 'Sŵn y Môr', the magazine for the Isle of Anglesey AONB and Coastal Path.

useful information

Anglesey Walking Holidays

Isle of Anglesey County Council - AONB

Ynys Môn Ramblers

Celticos

For a list of public toilets on the island, please see Isle of Anglesey County Council - public toilets

A list of the toilets available through the Community Toilet Grant Scheme is also available

Anglesey Wildlife Walks

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