Day 9: Bangor to Beaumaris

We woke up to a dry tent this morning for the first time as there was quite a breeze blowing. Every other morning it has been still with lots of dew, so the tent is always wet when we pack it away.

We reached a milestone today when we crossed the large suspension bridge over the Menai Straight onto the Isle of Anglesey. Anglesey is the name given to the island by the Vikings in the tenth century. The island should more accurately be called by its Welsh name which is Ynys Môn – ‘island of the cow’ after the cattle form of a Celtic deity. Môn was seen as the spiritual home of the Druids of these Celtic religions, particularly once they were driven out of the rest of Britain.

Menai Suspension Bridge 

After crossing the 34 m high suspension bridge designed by Thomas Telford, we came back around via a stone circle under the bridge and walked along the outskirts of the town of Menai Bridge before making our way along narrow country lanes and a couple of paddocks until we looked down on town of Beaumaris.

Plant growth on rock wall

Narrow country lane

View of Beaumaris

Beaumaris was once the principal port in North Wales, its name (‘beautiful marshes’) was that given to Edward I’s castle by its French builders, having originally been Porth y Wygyr. Beaumaris Castle was started in 1295 however building work stopped after 35 years. The castle was never completed due to its late construction in the conquest of Wales, it remains one of the country’s best preserved castles.

Beaumaris Castle with moat

Entrance to Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle ruins

Nesting seagulls on Beaumaris Castle

On the ramparts - Beaumaris Castle

We had hoped to go on a boat trip to visit Puffin Island this afternoon, however the wind was too strong, so the trip was cancelled which was a shame. We looked at going on the trip tomorrow and finding another night’s accommodation in Beaumaris however being the weekend the town was full. So no choice but to hike the 25 km to Benllech tomorrow as scheduled!

A taste of home in Beaumaris