Rhosneigr (Anglesey): Circular Cycle Ride to
Cable Bay and Rhosneigr from Gwalchmai
Easy 18 mile ride mostly on remote lanes and without any climbs. There are some fine, open views of the coast and, on clear days, of the distant hills. Though there is a section on the A4080, this is usually far less busy than most A roads or even many B roads. Some of it could be avoided, but at the expense of missing some of the best views. At one point there is an optional off-road shortcut. The ride can also be started from the car park at Cable Bay.
Route: Gwalchmai - Cable Bay - Rhosneigr - Llanfaelog - Capel Gwyn - Engedi - Gwalchmai (an optional off-road short-cut after Rhosneigr is included)
Distance: 18 miles (17 miles with optional off-road shortcut)
Ascent: 200 metres. This part of Anglesey has no hills and while there are the usual moderate undulations there are no climbs
Start: Either of the 2 laybys on almost opposite sides of the A5 just south of Gwalchmai (Grid Ref: 398762 OS map 114 Anglesey 1:50000). The ride could also be started from the car park at Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell) Grid Ref: 333714. Follow the directions below from Cable Bay but at the final crossroads at Gwalchmai turn Right instead of Left.
The Ride
Go along lane situated between the two laybys on Western side of A5
After 2 miles keep straight ahead at cross roads: signposted Aberffraw 3 and eventually pass St Mary's Chapel of Ease on the left.
Turn next Right just after white cottage on Left: theoretically signposted Bryn Du but arm has been moved
Keep Right one third mile later i.e. don't go over railway
Turn Left over level crossing at Ty Groes station
{But if you really want to miss out nearly 2 miles of the A4080 (but also miss some of the best views) carry straight on through Bryn Du, Turn Left at the A4080 and then in less than half a mile Turn Right at large island signposted Rhosneigr to rejoin main route going past Maelog Lake Hotel}
Turn Right (after 2 miles) at A4080. Pause at car park to admire Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell)
Turn Left at large island signposted Rhosneigr
Turn second Left after passing Maelog Lake Hotel into Chelford Close
After 100m Turn Left and immediate Right into Ger-y-Mor
After passing Glan Neigr pub (good food!) Keep Straight Ahead along unmade track and passageway
Turn Left at road to go 300m along road and sea front to visit beach
Retrace steps and carry on along road
Turn Left at stop sign near clock memorial and go 200m to visit another beach
Retrace steps to clock and Turn Left
Continue through town and past golf course
{Optional cross-country short-cut: first and last sections are tarred but centre part is a rough track that can be muddy during or after wet weather. Turn Left after passing under railway and go down lane marked 'Unsuitable for Wide Vehicles'. When the short-cut ends at a crossroads Go Straight Ahead into lane opposite to rejoin main route}
Turn Left at T junction facing church
Turn 1st Left signposted Bryngwran 2½
Turn 2nd Right at crossroads where shortcut rejoins main route
Keep Left after a quarter of a mile
Turn Left at T junction
Turn Right at T junction
Turn Left by white house with post box (at Capel Gwyn). At one point lane has grass growing in middle
Turn Right at T junction
Straight across A4080 at crossroads at Engedi
After 1/10 mile Turn Left
After 1½ miles Keep Left and continue over A55 expressway
Keep Right after ruined windmill
Turn Left at crossroads and return to layby
Points of Interest
St Mary's Chapel of Ease: This lonely Grade One listed building, part of which dates back to the 12th century, stands isolated on the edge of a rural lane, and there are expansive views in all directions including Snowdonia. The chapel became redundant a few years ago but is still used for occasional services in the summer.
Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell) is so called because the underwater Atlantic telegraph came ashore here. It is a small, sheltered and sandy cove and in summer is popular with swimmers, surfers and canoeists. Some daring spirits jump from the steep rocky sides. Although the bay is by the side of the road one has in fact to enter the car park to see it. A very short stroll along the northern headland takes you to one of Anglesey's most important prehistoric sites, the Barcoliad-y-Gawres burial chamber. There are striking views in all directions from the top of the mound. Unfortunately a locked gate prevents one from visiting its underground passageways and chambers.
Rhosneigr has two scenic beaches and is popular with aqua-sport enthusiasts. On clear days the hills of Snowdonia and the Lleyn peninsula make an impressive skyline. There are nearer views of Holy Island and Holyhead mountain. Town beach has many distinctive rocky reefs and islets.