Coastwalk , Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path

Llanfaethlu → Holyhead

Distance: 14.4 miles
Ascent: 146 metres
Duration: 5 hours 5 minutes

From one island to another
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Parking at Llanfaethlu this morning we noticed the that Coffee House has been roped in for another duty: it is hosting the Polling Station for today's referendum.

Most of today's walk has been on tarmac, but we were still glad to be wearing boots: where we had to head inland to round the Afon Alaw the path strayed onto the edge of the marshy estuary.

The mile of walking between Llanfachraeth and Llanynghenedl was the most treacherous of the week as no pavement is provided to separate pedestrians from other road users on the busy A5025.

At Valley we left Anglesey on the Stanley Embankment to cross to Holy Island. The mile-long embankment was built by Telford as part of his Road to Holyhead so consequently has one of his milestones at the eastern end.

The ferries of Holyhead have been visible all day, emphasising that the town's main purpose hasn't changed since Telford's time. And indeed, the dock and railway station seem pleasant, but you don't have to look very far to see there is little by way of alternative employment for people in the town.

We finished at the official start and end of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path — a disappointingly nondescript plaque on the wall beside St Cybi's church in the town centre. One can only hope that similar energies to those which were found to revitalise the dock area can be invested in the rest of the community.