Ty Lon Bach - Rhoscolyn flat (without kitchen)

Cosy & close to the coast, Ty Lon Bach is located within easy walking distance of the White Eagle pub, Rhoscolyn Beach & Silver Bay. Nestled in pretty countryside with lovely views, this rural getaway is great for walkers, water sports/wildlife enthusiasts and romantics after some sea air & serenity. With the Coastal Path passing nearby, and lots of other walks from the doorstep, it’s the perfect place to begin your Anglesey adventures! No kitchen but does include kettle, mini-fridge & toaster. Ty Lon Bach comprises a sitting room, double bedroom and bathroom. A private entrance takes you upstairs to the accommodation. You’ll find outdoor seating to the right of the front door as well as down the little steps by the parking area. The off-road parking is close to the front door. Ty Lon Bach is part of a larger property called Ty Lon where I live. I’m therefore usually available to help you with any questions or queries you might have during your stay. As Ty Lon Bach is attached to my house there might be a little noise transference. Incidentally, ‘Ty Lon’ translates as ‘House on the Lane’ - with ‘Ty Lon Bach’ meaning ‘Little House on the Lane’! Do be aware that this is a 3 room upstairs apartment without a kitchen. However, you’ll find a kettle, toaster and mini-fridge in the sitting room - but for more meal options you’ll need to get takeaways, BBQ or eat out! Our local pub, The White Eagle, serves a super variety of dishes and is only a 15 minute walk away - less than 5 by car! Nearby Trearddur Bay has more lovely eating-out options (including The Sea Shanty Cafe, The Seacroft, a Chinese takeaway and The Trearddur Bay Hotel) and is just a 15 minute drive from Rhoscolyn. Otherwise, why not grab some Fish & Chips from Enoch’s in Valley - or book a table at nearby Catch22? Have a look at the online guidebooks for more Anglesey eating-out ideas! Rhoscolyn Beach is only a 15-20 minute walk away from the flat and 5-10 from the pub. Although you’ll have your own entrance, parking spot and outdoor seating areas, please be aware that I have (friendly) pets, plus friends, neighbours and family visiting quite regularly. Rhoscolyn is a peaceful place, as is Ty Lon Bach. The stairs up to the flat from the front door are quite steep. There’s a banister but do take care. The fire extinguisher is at the top of the stairs and the thermostat for the heating is at the bottom. As there’s no kitchen you’ll need to do your washing up in the bathroom! Bedding & towels are provided but please bring your own beach towels. Loo paper, cleaning products - as well as tea, coffee & sugar are also provided - but do bring your own milk. Happy Holiday! The seating area by Ty Lon Bach’s front door - as well as the one down the steps by the parking area - are for you to use exclusively. All other outdoor areas are part of my own garden. However, a walk across the meadow to visit my chickens now & again is fine! I’m right next door if you need me but leave you to your own devices otherwise! My dog, Dash, and cat, Kitty, may wander by to say hello now and again, but both are very friendly! Please don’t disturb me after 6pm or before 9am unless it’s urgent. You can also use the Airbnb site to message me at any time - but do be aware my mobile only works upstairs - so there might be a delay in my responses. Also, please be aware that because of the pandemic I sadly won’t be shaking hands with anyone or accompanying you into the flat for the time being. Rhoscolyn comprises a scattered seaside community with its own gastro-pub, two beautiful beaches and loads of other lovely coves, bays and countryside areas to explore. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s very rural but only a 15-20 minute drive from the shops and amenities of nearby Trearddur Bay, Valley & Holyhead. You can even walk to Trearddur Bay (and onwards to Holyhead Mountain etc) across the headland via the Anglesey Coastal Path - which criss-crosses through Rhoscolyn - or head the other way to Silver Bay and/or Four-Mile-Bridge (and onwards to Valley) - taking in the shores of a designated SSSI tidal strait along the way. The variety is endless! Seriously, the choice of walks and coastal scenery around here is both awesome and awe inspiring! Whether it’s craggy cliffs and rocky bays you’re after - sandy beaches, moorland, dunes, woodland, meadow or marsh - come rain or shine - Rhoscolyn and the surrounding area is simply stunning. Nature-lovers, bird-watchers, adventurers, sporty-types, wild-swimmers, walkers, ramblers, artists and good-old-fashioned romantics will be in their element! Situated on Holy Island - Anglesey’s little sister island - the Rhoscolyn area includes the most southerly settlement on the smaller of these two land masses. However, it also boasts two big sandy beaches, majestic cliffs, swooping headlands, miles of footpaths, woodland, wetland and marsh. From its highest points - particularly from the southern headland and from the end of Silver Bay - you can gaze across the water to the island of Anglesey (especially the Cymyran & Rhosneigr areas) - and beyond to the mountains of Snowdonia on mainland Wales. Remember, Rhoscolyn isn’t a village in the traditional sense because there are no shops - but there is a pub! More of which later. Busier in school holidays than not, there are undoubtedly a number of holiday homes here - however, there’s a healthy local community too - including a village school, Sunday services in St Gwenfaen’s Church, a number of fishermen working from the bay - plus a range of locally organised events; from coffee mornings & craft shows to charity runs & beach clear-ups. The White Eagle Pub Less than a 15 minute walk from Ty Lon Bach, this landmark pub serves as a local hub for visitors and Rhoscolyn residents alike. Renowned for its gorgeous setting - with sea and mountain views available from the front-bar and decking area - they have a beer-garden, welcome families & pets and offer a great menu; usually with lots of local produce. Booking a table in advance is recommended - especially during weekends and school holiday periods. Located close to the little junction near St Gwenfaen’s Church and the Village Hall (at the top of the lane that leads down to the beach) it’s perfect for some pre or apres sea! Incidentally, if you turn left after leaving Ty Lon’s driveway you’ll soon see a little metal kissing-gate and footpath sign on the left hand side of the lane here. It takes you cross-country onto the lane that leads down to Rhoscolyn beach. After about 15 minutes of crossing fields - then walking through someone’s garden (!) - you’ll come out about halfway between the pub and the beach. Perfect! If you come back via the lanes you’ll have done a loop. The whole circular walk takes less than an hour...depending on how many pints you have at the pub! Rhoscolyn Beach/Borth Wen We’re lucky enough to have two big sandy beaches in Rhoscolyn! The 'main' one - Rhoscolyn Beach/Borth Wen - is an absolute delight both at low tide and high. Backed by low sand dunes and shouldered by cliffs and rocks that tend to offer a bit of shelter from the worst of the weather - this makes it a reasonably safe bay to both play and paddle in. Great for swimming, sailing, boarding, kayaking - or whatever takes your fancy! Picnics, sandcastles, fishing and rock-pooling too! However, being only short distance from the popular pub at the top of the lane (and with the launching of boats allowed too) expect the lane down to the car park - as well as the actual (P&D) car park - to be busy during school holidays and on sunny days! As it’s single-track you’d better be good at reversing if you want to give it a go! Instead, why not park by St Gwenfaen’s Church and walk down to the beach from there? Or better still - take one of the footpaths that are easily accessible from Ty Lon Bach that’ll get you there without a vehicle! The waking guides and OS maps in the flat will show you exactly how - and I can tell you about them too. Rhoscolyn Beach isn’t even just one beach; head over (or along) the sea wall to the north of the main bay and you’ll find two more! Look out for seals and great views of the beacon in the furthest one! From here - following the Coastal Path - why not head uphill to the Coastguard Station - or “Lookout” - where the views are panoramic? You can now choose to head back to the village (coming out on the road by the St Gwenfaen’s Church if you follow the right footpaths) - but the official Coastal Path continues across the stunning headland, past St Gwenfaen’s Well, above rocky Porth Saint and onwards to Trearddur. With lots of other little coves and bays to explore along the way - as well as wonderful views across to Rhoscolyn Beacon (AKA The Pepper Pot), Anglesey and mainland Wales - however far you go, a headland walk is a must! NB It’s possible to get down to Porth Saint/Saint’s Bay - but do bear in mind that it’s rather a scramble! You can get onto the headland and link up with official Coastal Path via a number of other Rhoscolyn footpaths - not just from the beach. As mentioned above, there are at least two near St Gwenfaen’s church. The one that snakes around the cemetery wall then follows the lane to the right will get you to Porth Saint, the one to the left (basically a driveway through the Plas Estate) takes you up onto the headland and towards the Coastguard Station. Either way, you can then choose whether to head back round to Rhoscolyn Beach (and south towards Silver Bay if you wish) via the Coastal path - or to continue on it north to Trearddur. The footpaths all generally end up linking together anyway - so you can’t go too wrong! Silver Bay/Borth Arian/Treath Lydian Our second big beach is called either Silver Bay, Borth Arian or Traeth Lydian - depending on who you’re talking to - but generally, Silver Bay. It’s usually quieter than Rhoscolyn Beach because no one other than the residents of the nearby Silver Bay Holiday Village can drive there - meaning walking is the only option for everyone else! However, this is all adds to its secluded charm and its well worth the effort! You can either follow the Coastal Path south across the headland from Rhoscolyn Beach - or take one of a number of other walking routes that are easily accessible from from Ty Lon Bach. The headland walk from Rhoscolyn Beach to Silver Bay takes about 20-30 minutes - depending how many of the little coves you explore along the way. Shorter if you go straight across the headland - longer (but better) if you hug the coastline. From Silver Bay, you can either turn back when you’re ready - or continue along the Coastal Path back round into the Rhoscolyn lanes. About halfway across Silver Bay you’ll see a set of wooden steps leading up and over the dunes. This is a continuation of the Anglesey Coastal Path that takes you (cross-country) back into the Rhoscolyn lanes - even passing Ty Lon Bach along the way - then heading back to the roads/junctions that get you to the pub and main beach. You can obviously do this walk the other way around as well - heading from Ty Lon Bach to Silver Bay then round to Rhoscolyn Beach. From door to door it should take you about an hour and a half. To get to Silver Bay from Ty Lon, turn right at the end of Ty Lon’s driveway and follow the lane. At the first bend, instead of continuing on the lane to the Silver Bay Holiday Village, take the lane with the dead end sign instead. Next, follow this lane all the way to Silver Bay. At some point the lane turns into a farm- track and heads downhill a little - then crosses a field before heading back to the coast. Still backed by dunes, although this time larger, Silver Bay is a lot more open than her neighbour - meaning there’s often less shelter for water sports and whatnot - but it’s still a wonderful swimming and paddling spot on the right day - and a great place to head for a wild picnic. Those of you into canoeing or kayaking might even think about paddling between Rhoscolyn’s two big beaches - but only try it if you’re experienced. Whereas surfers and body-boarders tend to head to Rhosneigr - or Traeth Lligwy when the wind is blowing the other way (both on mainland Anglesey) - Silver Bay also attracts some when the weather’s right! Remember, if you fancy it you’ll need to carry your boards quite a distance! Also be aware that RAF Valley (although actually closer to Rhosneigr than Valley) is just across the tidal strait that separates Holy Island from Anglesey here. As Silver Bay is the last large big bay at this end of the island, one of the tidal straits’ two mouths is located right at the end of this section of coastline. Therefore, the distance (as the crow flies) isn’t actually that far to the RAF station across the water. As one of the UK’s main training bases for fighter-pilots this can obviously lead to some engine noise! Don’t panic though, they rarely fly at weekends (or in bad weather) and they almost always pass by in a flash. It’s also fascinating to watch them swoop and soar - with the Red Arrows being regular visitors to our skies as well! Indeed, the islands are so close at this the southern end of Silver Bay, that some people choose to swim between the two! However, as the currents and tides are so strong here - often pulling in both directions - only experienced sea-swimmers should attempt it; and even then only at slack water! Seriously, with the strait being relatively narrow and shallow - and with the open sea entering and exiting on both ends - the strength of the water on tide changes (especially on the two mouths ) can be truly powerful! The same goes for those thinking of paddling round from Rhoscolyn via Silver Bay and up the Cymyran Stait to Four-mile-Bridge. Yes, it’s doable in/on a small craft, but don’t attempt it unless you’re proficient and have checked the weather and tide situation carefully beforehand! Four-mile-Bridge/Pontrhydybont Four-mile-Bridge is the closest village to Rhoscolyn and another nice place to walk to. Interestingly, the village spans the strait and is therefore located on both the Anglesey and Holy Island sides - with villagers living on both banks! Before the A5, and subsequently the A55 were built, this crossing was the only way from Anglesey onto Holy Island. The English name refers to its distance from Holyhead Port. The older Welsh name is more about the area being associated with a ford or bridge. There’s a pub/hotel in Four-mile-Bridge - The Anchorage Hotel - with wonderful views over the northern end of the tidal strait outside on sunny evenings. Expect a friendly local atmosphere and good pub-grub! Apart from that there’s a little hairdresser but not a lot else in terms of amenities! The most interesting way to get to Four-mile-Bridge on foot from Ty Lon Bach is as follows: turn right at the end of Ty Lon’s driveway and follow the lane. At the first bend, instead of continuing on the lane to the Silver Bay Holiday Village, take the track with the dead end sign instead. Now look out for the “permissive” footpath sign on the left just a little way up this track. There’s a little gate marking its entrance. Next, follow this footpath through woodland, wetland and over boardwalk - until it comes out on a road (one of the two that lead into Rhoscolyn). Turn right onto the road and keep walking towards Four-mile-Bridge. Next, look out for where two footpath signs stand opposite on either side of the road. Take the footpath/farm track on the right where you’ll see house plaques for Rhyd-y-Bont Farm & Rhyd-y-Bont Bach on the gatepost. Keep going along this track, passing one of the properties mentioned on the gatepost, all the way to the farm - where the footpath leaves the track and heads cross country to the banks of the Cymyran tidal strait - then left, all the way along its banks to Four-Mile-Bridge. NB The “permissive” part is to do with the fact that you’re only permitted to use this path between May and October. You can also walk to Valley from either side of the bridge at Four-mile-Bridge. Basically, once you’re on the Anglesey side, follow the footpath to the right immediately as the bridge ends - or keep going for a few minutes until you see a footpath sign on the left. Both will take you to Valley and both take in fascinating tidal wetlands areas along their routes. Wellies or walking boots recommended! If taking the footpath immediately left (after crossing the bridge onto Anglesey) you’ll eventually pass under the A55 expressway, cross a railway line, then come out on the causeway part of the A5 that links Valley on Anglesey to Holyhead on Holy Island; known locally as the Cob. However, if you follow the first footpath sign you come to on the right after crossing the bridge, you’ll end up in a little country park on the outskirts of Valley - but not before passing under the A55. These walks sounds awful; they aren’t! Yes, it gets a little “urban” towards the end in places - but both routes mainly follow the banks of the pretty tidal strait. The Cymyran Strait The strait in its entirety is generally known as the Cymyran or Holy Island Strait - with the body of water between the bridge at Four-mile-Bridge and the A5/A55 causeways often being referred to as the “Inland Sea” - and the northern end being called Bedmanarch Bay. Very different from the nearby cliffs and beaches of Rhoscolyn, Trearddur and the South Stack area, the whole stretch its just as fascinating and a brilliant place for birdwatching. It’s also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its profusion of important and/or rare bird life, wildlife, sea-life, seaweeds and other tidal-estuary plant species. Just as the Menai Strait separates mainland Wales from Anglesey, so too does the Cymyran Strait where Anglesey and Holy Island are concerned. Admittedly, not as deep, wide or dangerous as the Menai Strait, you still need to be careful in places while traversing it’s banks. Incidentally, although I’ve mentioned it’s possible (just - and only by experts) to get all the way around by small boat or kayak from Rhoscolyn/Silver Bay, up into the southern end of the Cymyran Strait and onwards to Four-Mile-Bridge, going under the stone bridge and beyond in a boat is another matter entirely. Yes, technically you can get under the bridge at Four-mile-Bridge in a canoe or similar, but boats can’t get any further than the southern side of the bridge because of the gap under it being too small. Plus, if you do want to experience the water on the other side of the bridge, unless you’re an expert, instead of attempting the risky task of going through the small gap under, I’d suggest carrying your kayak/canoe over the bridge and relaunching on the other side. If I told you this was where the emergency services and expert volunteer groups practice dangerous rescue scenarios, hopefully you’ll get the picture! The body of water on the northern side of the stone bridge at Four-mile Bridge - between it and the causeway beyond (which is also know as the Cob or the Stanley Embankment) - is popular with windsurfers, kite surfers and paddlers too - but, as I’ve mentioned, they usually launch from the banks on that side. Being separated from the sea proper at its most northern end by the A5/A55 embankments - means it’s doubly impossible to sail all the way around Holy Island, and (again) very tricky to kayak or canoe it. However, this makes the Inland Sea area (the bit between the bridge & causeways) more like a lake than a tidal strait - but sea water from both ends does enter and exit it under the stone bridge and the causeways - only in a narrow and restricted way! It’s also shallow with no chance of getting pulled out to sea - so it’s a really good place to practice water sports safely! The area beyond the causeways- i.e. the most northerly end of the entire Cymyran Strait - i.e. the area on the other side of the embankments/causeways - is called Beddmanarch Bay. The best way to experience this part is to visit the Penrhos Coastal park on the outskirts of Holyhead (on the Holy Island side) - or head up the Anglesey side from Valley. Both are covered by the official Anglesey Coastal Path and both are fascinating. Valley/Y Fali/Dyffryn (and the Stanly Embankment) The best place to eat out in Valley is Catch22. Yes, Valley isn’t the most interesting of villages, but this restaurant is great. It’s also run by Rhoscolyn locals! The next option is Enoch’s Fish & Chips - by far the best chippy around! Other than that you’ll find a couple of convenience stores, a Post Office, a good butchers, a cute gallery and gift shop (The Bay Tree Gallery), a cafe, takeaways, petrol stations, 2 garages, hairdressers and barbers, a hardware store called Stermat and a florist etc. A well as hardware, Stermat also sells logs, homeware and plants etc. The walk from Valley up the western coast of Anglesey gives you super views back across the water to Holy Island and takes in a river estuary (with otters) too. Flat to begin with, as you head towards Church Bay the land rises as the cliffs begin. All part of the official Coastal Path, it’s better in summer because of how wet it becomes in certain sections over the winter! From Valley you can also head across the Cob (the A5 causeway/Stanley Embankment) that links Anglesey to Holy Island. Remember, other than the bridge at Four-mile-Bridge, this is the only other road link between the two islands. Again, part of the official Coastal Path, follow the pedestrian/cycle route that runs parallel to the A5 over the causeway. Once on the Holy Island side you’ll soon come across the Penrhos Coastal Park to the right; it edges the north-eastern edge of the Cymyran Strait (also known as Bedmanarch Bay) and looks across the water to the western shores of Anglesey. You’ll find magical woodland areas to explore too - crisscrossed with footpaths & cycle tracks and full of follies! From here it’s easy to continue on towards Holyhead proper. Incidentally, the design & construction of the A5 causeway over the Cymyran Strait (also know as the Cob or Stanley Embarkment) was designed and overseen by Thomas Telford. Work began in 1822 and was completed completed a year later. The English name, Valley, apparently came about after the workers started calling their temporary settlement after the nearby hole left by the removal of rubble used in it’s construction! After work ended, the temporary hamlet developed into a medium-sized village and the nickname stuck! In the 1840s, the embankment was chosen to carry the North Wales Coast Line to the Port of Holyhead (rather than build an entirely new crossing). To allay concerns that passing trains might startle horse drawn traffic using the road, a stone dividing wall was built between the road and the railway line - which can still be seen today! The railway lines are still there - continuing the important job of getting people to Holyhead and its Port (then onwards to Dublin) - but now there’s a newer road route as well - part of the A55 Expressway - that runs behind the wall; parallel to the first causeway and the rail line. It was built to lessen the impact of vehicles (including a lots of freight lorries) on Holyhead town and the villages the A5 passes through. Although built on a second causeway, in essence the two roads and the railway line cross the strait side by side. The Stanley Embankment is named after a prominent local family who allowed it to cross onto land that belonged to them on the Holy Island side. Trearddur Bay/Bae Trearddur The nearby seaside resort of Trearddur Bay - less than an hour’s walk away - is great for those after a little more bustle. Although it only takes 10-15 minutes to drive there, the coastal walk, with its sweep of grassy coastline indented with rocky coves, is definitely the best way to arrive! Trearddur also has a number of beautiful beaches to enjoy, including Trearddur Bay itself - as well as the smaller bays of Porth Diana, Porth Castel, Porth-y-Post and Porth Dafarch! Renowned for its Sailing Club, expect to see regattas throughout the summer! It’s usually busier than Rhoscolyn, with Three P&D car parks, a number of caravan and camping sites close by, a hairdressers and a Post Office (in the Spa shop) - and often has that traditional seaside village feel; it’s certainly worth a visit! We suggest The Sea Shanty Cafe, The Black Seal Bistro or The Seacroft for Trearddur eating out ideas - but there are more to choose from. The Black Seal has the best views - the Sea Shanty has an ice cream parlour attached! There’s also a Chinese Takeaway and two or three little convenience/beach shops for those after a lazy night in or a bucket & spade! The Trearddur Bay Hotel and Holyhead Golf Club (on the outskirts of the village) also welcome non members/residents to their restaurants/bars/course. You’ll find an RNLI shop next door to The Black Seal Bistro, as well as the actual lifeboat launching site - plus ice-cream & refreshment vans during busy periods. Paddle Board hire etc available from The Spa Shop (as are ready mixed takeaway cocktails!) - and you’ll find other water sports/boat hire services about the place during school holidays too. There’s also a scuba-dive/beach shop on Ravens Point Road (not far from The Seacroft & Porth Diana) that sometimes sells ice-lollies, but again, it’s only open in peak season. Holyhead/Caergybi Holyhead offers a wider range of services & amenities, including the ferry port and neighbouring train station - as well as a leisure centre, arts centre, small cinema, loads of supermarkets (Tesco, Morrison’s, Asda, Aldi & Lidl), generic clothes/homeware stores, petrol stations, fast-food outlets, garages, a Santander branch, a small Co-op, Boots the Chemist...and the like. The harbour front & marina area - which include the world’s second longest breakwater (or sea wall) - as well as the arts centre & community cinema are good places to visit where you’ll get to experience the hustle & bustle of a busy port and seafaring town. Make sure you try the Harbourfront Bistro for some fabulous Marina views; right next door to Holyhead’s little volunteer-run maritime museum. The Marina, just along the seafront from the Bistro, also has a restaurant, small convenience store with cafe, a yacht shop & chandlers. The yacht shop sells boating clothing and accessories from all the big names. Other lovely places to visit on Holy Island include Holyhead Mountain and the nearby South Stack Lighthouse & RSPB Reserve - as well as the Penrhos Coastal Park and Holyhead’s Breakwater County Park. The official Coastal Path takes in all three areas but there are loads of other footpaths to follow too. Ty Lon Bach is a 3 room upstairs apartment without a kitchen. There is a kettle, toaster and mini-fridge in the sitting room but for more meal options you’ll need to eat out! Our local pub, The White Eagle, serves a super variety of dishes and is less than a 15 minute walk away - 5 by car! Nearby Trearddur Bay has more eating-out options and is just a 15 minute drive from Rhoscolyn. Have a look at the online guidebooks for more ideas! Ty Lon Bach is attached to my house, Ty Lon. Although you’ll have your own entrance, parking spot and outdoor seating areas, please be aware that I live on site, have (friendly) pets - plus friends, neighbours and family visiting quite regularly. Rhoscolyn is a peaceful place, as is Ty Lon Bach - but you will see people in the outdoor areas from time to time. The stairs up to the flat from the front door are quite steep. There’s a banister but do take care. As there’s no kitchen you’ll need to do your washing up in the bathroom! Bedding, towels and other essentials are provided. Please remember to strip the bed before departing. WiFi is generally good, but occasionally it trips out. Please let me know if this happens so that I can reboot it for you.