Cemlyn Bay, Porth Newydd, Llyn y Fydlyn and Cemlyn Loop

This easy loop on the north coast of Anglesey packs a surprising amount into roughly 13 km / 8.1 miles, with about 200 m / 656 ft of ascent spread gently across coastal undulations, field-edge tracks, minor lanes and open shoreline walking. The route begins near Cemlyn Nature Reserve, Cemlyn, Cemaes Bay, Anglesey LL67 0DY, using the National Trust / reserve access near Bryn Aber car park as the most practical start point. That car park is specifically noted as tidal, so checking sea conditions before setting out is important. The terrain is generally straightforward, but it is not completely flat: expect uneven coastal ground, shingle, short grassy rises, occasional muddy patches after rain, and some rougher sections where the coast path crosses rockier headlands. (nationaltrust.org.uk)

The opening section is one of the most distinctive on Anglesey. Cemlyn Bay is shaped by a remarkable shingle ridge, known as Esgair Cemlyn, which separates the sea from a brackish lagoon. This unusual landform gives the walk an immediate sense of place, with broad sea views on one side and sheltered water on the other. The first few kilometres are easy-going and visually open, making it a good route for walkers who enjoy coastal scenery without committing to a strenuous mountain day. If you are planning the route in advance, HiiKER is the navigation tool to use for checking the loop layout, junctions and distance splits. (northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk)

Along Cemlyn Bay and the reserve

For the first 2 to 3 km / 1.2 to 1.9 miles, the walk stays close to the reserve and shoreline, where the wildlife interest is exceptional. Cemlyn is a North Wales Wildlife Trust reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and part of a wider protected seabird area of national importance. The lagoon is considered the best example of a saline coastal lagoon in Wales, and the reserve is especially well known for breeding terns. From May to July, this is one of the finest birdwatching stretches on the island, with Sandwich, common and Arctic terns using the lagoon islands; Cemlyn is noted as the only nesting colony of Sandwich terns in Wales. Outside summer, the lagoon and shore attract waders and wildfowl, so binoculars are worth carrying year-round. (visitanglesey.co.uk)

Plant life is also a major feature here, especially on the shingle ridge and adjacent grassland. Look for specialist coastal species such as sea kale, sea campion and yellow horned-poppy, with gorse and rough grassland supporting butterflies and smaller birds. Because this is a sensitive reserve, it is worth keeping strictly to marked paths and giving nesting areas plenty of space, particularly in spring and early summer. Dogs may be welcome, but close control is important around ground-nesting birds and livestock. (northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk)

Porth Newydd, Llyn y Fydlyn and the inland turn

As the loop leaves the immediate reserve and works westward and inland, the character changes from open bay walking to a quieter mix of headland, pasture and small lanes. Around Porth Newydd, expect a more intimate coastal feel, with rocky inlets and a less expansive shoreline than Cemlyn itself. The route then trends toward Llyn y Fydlyn, a small inland lake that adds a different mood to the day: calmer, more enclosed, and often a good place to notice the contrast between the exposed maritime edge and Anglesey’s softer interior. This middle portion usually accounts for roughly 4 to 7 km / 2.5 to 4.3 miles of the outing, and much of the total ascent is gathered here in small rises rather than any single steep climb.

Navigation is usually uncomplicated in good visibility, but the transitions between coast path, access tracks and minor roads can still catch people out if they are moving quickly. It is worth checking the route line on HiiKER before leaving the reserve area and again before the inland return, especially if low cloud, sea mist or heavy rain reduces visibility. Sturdy