Explore Anglesey Series | Cemaes

Located on the shores of Anglesey’s dramatic north coast, the pretty harbour village of Cemaes is the most northerly village in Wales… lets explore Anglesey, Cemaes….

From its beginnings as an ancient fishing settlement, to a thriving nineteenth century port, this is a place – and a community of people – which has been shaped by the salt, wind and waves of the Irish Sea. 

Cemaes has a sheltered natural harbour, and two great beaches with golden sands, safe swimming and great rockpooling. The village sits on the North Anglesey Heritage Coast and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Traeth Mawr/ Little Beach, Cemaes

Whilst you Explore Anglesey, Cemaes has two fabulous beaches – Traeth Mawr (Big Beach) and Traeth Bach (Small Beach). Both offer safe bathing, golden sands, and lots of rock pooling opportunities for the children whilst exploring Cemaes, Anglesey.

The beach is cradled by a small promenade walk, with the Afon Wygyr (river) feeding into the sea on the west side of the beach. On the opposite side of the river is the harbour pier which is a popular place for crabbing. 

Cemaes is a great place to visit if you enjoy being out on the water, and sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are all popular round here. You can catch a boat trip to many destinations around the island, and you can book fishing trips here too.

Walking on the Anglesey Coastal Path

Sitting on one of the most dramatic sections of the Anglesey Coastal Path, Cemaes is the perfect place to explore if you enjoy walking on your holiday. 

The Anglesey Coast path runs through the village in both directions. The scenery to the west of the village is some of the most remote on the island, taking in the beautiful National Trust owned Nature Reserve at Cemlyn. 

To the east, the coastal path – which is challenging in sections – follows rocky clifftops with spectacular views. As it winds its way towards Amlwch, it takes in dramatic offshore stacks, Llanbadrig and St Patrick’s Church, the old brickworks at Port Wen, and the sheltered little cove at Porth Llechog / Bull Bay.

Porth Padrig / White Lady Bay

Head east for a couple of miles from Cemaes, and you’ll arrive at Porth Padrig / White Lady Bay.  This secluded pebbled cove is awash with Celtic legends. 

Park at the free car park near St Patrick’s church in Llanbadrig and follow the footpath down to the beach. You will find a beautiful crescent bay of sand and rocks framed by dramatic cliffs. 

There is a huge white quartzite stack in the middle of the bay. It is named after Ladi Wen, a Welsh folk legend ghost who allegedly haunts badly behaved children. 

The beach itself is named after St. Patrick, who is said to have crawled ashore here after being shipwrecked on Middle Mouse Island, visible around a mile offshore.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT NEAR CEMAES

Melin Llynon / Llynon Mill

Llynon Mill is the only working windmill in Wales. It produces stoneground wholemeal flour using organic wheat, and you can buy delicious breads and cakes from the mill’s tearoom and gift shop. The mill also produces its own gin using botanicals from the gardens around the mills. So many great reasons to visit!

Copper Kingdom and Parys Mountain

Copper has been mined at Parys Mountain since the Bronze Age and the Copper Kingdom Heritage Centre tells the story of what was once the biggest copper mine in the world. At Parys Mountain you can see the astonishingly beautiful industrial landscape it left behind. 

Eglwys Llanbadrig / The Church of St Patrick 

This beautiful little church is said to have been founded by Saint Patrick in 440 AD and is the oldest church in Wales. It sits on the windswept headland overlooking Middle Mouse Island, where St Patrick is said to have been shipwrecked. St Patrick’s Cave is still there, marked by a plaque up on the cliffs overlooking the spot, but the way to the cave itself is steep and dangerous, so not recommended with young children. Proceed with extreme caution.