Trip to N Wales / Anglesey

Blackdogjnr · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 11:06 AM

Hiya,

Thinking of a trip to North Wales or Anglesey at some point.
Anyone have any advice as to the best places for nature?
What is the best time of year to go?
Any suggestions of affordable accommodation?

I remember going when I was a small boy and loved it, so would like to have a few days there as an adult now that I have my own car, waterproofs and a decent pair of bins

I'd like to see Dippers and Red Kites mainly... plus any coastal gems...

Thanks

BDJ

Badger Watching Man · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 08:06 PM

I'm envious - I love Anglesey. I'd spend weeks there if I could.

There are a few nature reserves around the island, but personally I'd say have a look at Newborough for its red squirrels and ravens and Aberffraw for ravens, choughs and seals. Check out the dune systems for adders and lizards too. South Stack and Puffin Island are good for seabirds too.

Failing that, there's a load of historical sites or you can just sit on the beach and take in the scenery.

Blackdogjnr · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 02:44 PM

Excellent, thanks for the reply!
I'll definitely be adding those things to my to-do list

treecreeper · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 02:52 PM

If you go to Llandudno you've got the Great Orme to explore. Full of botanical rarities but you'll have to ask someone else about the birds. if you tire of the Orme Snowdonia is right behind you.

rogpow · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackdogjnr

Hiya,
Thinking of a trip to North Wales or Anglesey at some point.
Anyone have any advice as to the best places for nature?
I'd like to see Dippers
BDJ

Most of the rivers in Snowdonia should hold dippers. I've seen them on the Afon Ogwen just upstream from Bethesda, the Afon Aber near Aber Falls, the Afon Seiont just outside Caernarfon, and the Afon Llugwy in the centre of Betwys-y-Coed.

NicolaB · #6 (**permalink**) 15-06-2009, 11:20 AM

If you can get the opportunity, try and get a trip to Bardsey Island..loads of Seals, Manx Shearwaters at night, and Chough nesting on the cliff. There are also a fair few seabirds there as well, I saw puffin there

alisonthompson · #7 (**permalink**) 19-06-2009, 01:10 PM

I would second the recommendation about South Stack and also add Cemlyn Bay, where you can see the Sandwich Tern colony.

We went to both places last week and really enjoyed it, glorious scenery and loads of birds.

Ali

diggleken · #8 (**permalink**) 19-06-2009, 05:23 PM

love Cemlyn bay! Add Newborough warren too whilst on Anglesey.
Just to add, if you do wildflowers, go to Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia, some great walks up to it, mountain birds, and lots of interesting flowers -look for the real rarity there, Snowdon Lily, on high cold wet rock outcrops. June.
Cheers
Ken

James M · #9 (**permalink**) 19-06-2009, 06:11 PM

Another recommendation for Cemlyn Bay! When I went there a few years back it was teeming, managed to see 4 species of Terns.

ChrisJB · #10 (**permalink**) 19-06-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicolaB

If you can get the opportunity, try and get a trip to Bardsey Island..loads of Seals, Manx Shearwaters at night, and Chough nesting on the cliff. There are also a fair few seabirds there as well, I saw puffin there

Seconded, it's a wonderful place. Also on Anglesey try Fedr Fawr, past Beaumaris, good for black guillemots and orchids, including lesser butterfly. Splendid coastal scenery too.

Regards, Chris