Back to On road Routes Off road Routes
Cycling in Anglesey
Cycle Ride from Beaumaris
Coast & Straits
A classic ride with a variety of sea views in the south east corner of Anglesey
Route: Beaumaris - Llanddona (optional descent to beach) - Mariandrwys - Penmon point - Beaumaris. OS 50,000 map No. 114. The ride is the same as the county's signed Telor ride apart from the visit to Llanddona beach. (Photos of the Ride)
Distance: 18 miles (17 miles avoiding Llanddona beach)
Ascent: Mostly easy if you choose to take the shortcut avoiding the beach at Llanddona. The ascent to Llanddona village is very gradual and so hardly noticeable. The dramatic 150 m. descent to the beach reaches a 1 in 3 gradient but has truly breathtaking views. If you are not sure of your brakes or nerves it may be better to walk down the steepest section. Certainly walking here is recommended for children. The 140 m. climb up from the beach reaches 1 in 4 and again many cyclists may choose to walk at least part of the way.
Start: The sea front car park (seasonal payment) at Beaumaris Grid Ref: 607760
The ride
Facing the sea front at Beaumaris go left following traffic flow markings
Turn Left at B5109 opposite castle
Go along the main shopping street passing the Bulkeley Hotel on left
Turn Right into Church Street (the B5109 on map)
Turn Right after half a mile at sign for golf course (Henllys Hall)
After two thirds of a mile the road bends Right - ignore golf entrance on your left (You have been gently climbing till now and just after the bend it is worth pausing a moment to admire the striking view of the Menai Straits and mountains)
Turn Left at junction after 1¼ miles and head towards a church
Turn Right at T junction and pass white cottages
Ignore a right turn and head towards distant tall mast
Turn Left at fork following Telor cycle ride sign
Turn Left at T junction signposted Llanddona (However if you wish to take the shortcut avoiding the beach Turn Right and then after a mile Turn Right again to rejoin the full route)
Turn Right at Owain Glyndwr pub signposted Traeth / Beach
Keep Right by the 35% gradient sign
Keep Left at the church to reach the beach
Cycle half a mile along the beach to reach a refreshment cabin & toilets and then retrace route back to church
Turn Left at church
Turn Left at T junction after rather more than a mile
The hill facing you is Bwrd Arthur (Arthur's Table) and the short path to the summit can be reached through a kissing gate at the next bend: the views are panoramic on a clear day
Turn Left after 1½ miles into lane marked Unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles
Turn Left at T junction (following Telor cycle sign)
Ignore a left and then a right turn but follow the signs for Penmon & Telor route
Keep Right following sign for Penmon Point
Turn Left at T junction on bend following signs for Penmon Point and Telor route
When you reach the church it is worth pausing to visit the church, priory, dovecote and wishing well (see points of interest)
Carry on past church to the road head and beach at Penmon Point opposite Puffin Island
Retrace your route past the church
Turn Left at the junction on a bend
Turn Left at crossroads on to B5109 signposted Beaumaris 1¾ and return to starting point
Points of Interest
At various points on the ride there are fine views of coast and mountain.
Beaumaris is a gem. Looking seawards on your extreme left the Great Orme rises like a sea serpent (Orme is a Viking word for serpent) followed by the full range of Snowdonia's mountains just across the Menai Straits. The town has quaint streets of unspoilt cottage terraces and the broad open sea front has a distinct Regency feel. The partly moated castle has a charm quite different from Edward I's other more brutal fortresses. There is an early Victorian prison and unusual Regency courthouse that can be visited, as well as a toy museum.
Llanddona beach is expansive in the direction of Red Wharf Bay and has an attractive headland in the opposite direction.
Penmon:
The Church is usually open and well worth a visit. It dates from 1140 and one section has Romanesque arches and there are pre-Norman crosses.
A medieval Monastery adjoins the church
The Dovecote is 400 years old. It has countless nesting holes and a central pillar on which a revolving ladder were precariously perched for retrieving the eggs.
An ancient wishing well associated with St. Seiriol is nearby
Penmon Point at the south east tip of the island and immediately opposite Puffin Island has a feeling of remoteness despite its popularity as a beauty spot. There is a seasonal café.
Back to On road Routes Off road Routes