Almost deserted sandy beach in North Wales celebrated as a 'hidden gem' for unspoilt beauty
The only beach in North Wales with green flag status is also amongst the most deserted. Traeth Llydan is among the most beautiful of the region's beaches with golden sand and grassy dunes backed by a small pine forest.
Also called Silver Bay, after the nearby holiday village, Traeth Llydan sits in a horseshoe bay on the southern side of Anglesey's Holy Island. Ideal for rock pooling, thanks to the rock formations that bracket the bay, it's renowned for spectacular sunsets and an air of seclusion.
In the distance is a small castellated tower, a former bathing house on the Bodior Estate. In some respects the beach at Rhoscolyn is the smaller twin of famous Traeth Llanddwyn near Newborough - but without the bustle.
One fan is comedian Jason Manford, who last summer spent time on the 'cracking' beach with his children while staying at friends. Posting sunset photos online on a 'beautiful Welsh evening', his only gripe was the 'bloody cold' water.
Less wimpy visitors love the gently sloping beach as it's ideal for swimming, kayaking and sailing. Facilities are rudimentary but dogs are allowed on the beach at all times.
Traeth Llydan's exclusivity is down to its lack of permitted vehicle access. Although there is a good-sized car park nearby, this is reserved for guests at the holiday park. Moreover, security guards take a dim view of anyone trying to walk through the facility.
Instead, most people park at Borth Wen, the next cove along, and walk along the Anglesey coastal path. It's a bit of a trek – up to an hour – but the 'amazing' views across to Eryri make up for it. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
(Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki)
If parking at Borth Wen, you'll need to arrive early – its beach can get busy. An alternative is to walk and cycle the lanes around Silver Bay Holiday Park and pick up a footpath through pine woods to the beach. The wooden steps down to the sand make for a dramatic entrance.
'Beautiful beach,' said one visitor in a review. 'Not unlike one abroad. Hot, soft sand and glistening water.' Another said: 'An absolutely beautiful beach unspoiled by tourism.'
By comment consent, the beach is "never busy" and caravanning guests are 'lucky to have it" on their doorstep. Another visitor said: 'One of the prettiest bays I have come across for ages. Clean, clear water that is lovely to swim in and not too deep.'
It's possible to have the beach to yourself, soaking up the tranquility. However the sound of lapping waves can be interrupted by a noisy neighbour: RAF Valley airport lies across Cymyran Strait and, depending on your perspective, the roar of jet planes will either be an irritation or a point of interest.
(Image: Google)
In May Traeth Llydan retained its Green Coast Award in this year's Keep Wales Tidy Wales Coast Awards. It was among 13 beaches in Wales to collect the award, and the only one in the north of the country.
Green Coast status is conferred on the 'hidden gems' of the Welsh coastline - those that boast "unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality and high standards of environmental education". Organisers say these beaches are 'exceptional places to enjoy stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and diversity'.
Keep Wales Tidy noted: 'Silver Bay is a beautiful, remote beach facing south into Cymyran Bay. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday
"The beach is wide and sandy with rocky outcrops to clamber over and plenty of opportunities for rock pooling. It is also popular for sailing, surfing and canoeing.'
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