Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path: Moelfre to Pentraeth

The Anglesey Coastal Path is one of Wales’ most scenic long-distance trails, offering a stunning mix of rugged cliffs, sweeping sandy beaches, and quiet countryside. Stretching for about 130 miles (209.2 km) around the island of Anglesey, the path takes walkers on a full circuit of this jewel of North Wales. It winds through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, giving hikers the chance to spot diverse wildlife — from seabirds nesting on cliffs to seals basking on remote shores — while enjoying panoramic views across the Irish Sea and back towards Snowdonia’s mountains.

Though it’s possible to walk the entire route in one long adventure, many people choose to explore the path in sections, making it perfect for both seasoned hikers and casual walkers. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages (around 20 of them), ancient sites, lighthouses, and castles, each adding to the sense of history and character that makes Anglesey unique. Whether you’re after a multi-day trek or a peaceful afternoon ramble, the Anglesey Coastal Path delivers an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty with cultural richness. The official starting point is St Cybi’s Church in Holyhead.

This section of the Anglesey Coastal Path takes approximately five hours and takes you from Moelfre to Pentraeth. We did this as a linear ‘there and back’ walk and stopped at The Ship Inn before turning around and heading back.

Moelfre to Pentraeth route description

Stage 1 – Nant Bychan campsite to Penrhyn

Starting out from Nant Bychan campsite, with the farm house on your right side head through the farm gate in front of you. After following a short path go through the kissing gate, continue along the path for another short distance and go through a second kissing gate. Heading into a field keeping the hedge to your right. Go through another gate and head down the field towards a caravan park.

Passing through another gate onto the lane. Turn right and head up the road slightly past the cafe at Traeth Bychan. Turn left into the beach car park, cross over the car park to a flight of wooden stairs. At the top of the stairs go through the gate and bear left. Then follow the hedge to the end of the field and over to a wooden bridge and gate. Go straight across the third field to another kissing gate at the top of a set of wooden steps going down to the shingle beach at the back of Traeth Bychan.

Head across the beach and in the far right corner turn right up the steps, taking a left at the top. Follow the track past the Tan Dinas Holiday Lodge on your left, through a gate and turn left at a junction. Go past a couple of garages, through a gate and along a path. Head left, there is another caravan park, follow a stream on your right. At a split in the track, bear right up the hill, on the left there is a slipway heading into the sea. Keep left off the track along the field edge past a number of holiday chalets. Keep to the left-hand field boundary around the headland of Penrhyn.

Stage 2 – Penrhyn to The Ship Inn

Joining an enclosed path, go through a kissing gate, down and up a couple of flights of steps, over a couple of small footbridges, up a set of steps and past the back of Nyth y Wylan at Borthwen. Continue along the enclosed path, the path opens out for a short section. Pass a caravan park on your right. Continue straight ahead and onto rocks along the shore and keep right around and climb the steps to the main road. Walk along the seafront in Benllech, past the Wendon café and up the hill. After a short while turn left up a surfaced track, through a wheelchair accessible gate. Follow the well-defined path around the back of Traeth Benllech, weaving through woodland to approach St. David’s Caravan Park.

At a junction in the paths turn right (left leads onto Beach), and you’ll come out at the Caravan Park. Ignore a left turn (unless you want refreshments) and carry on past a folly on your right, following a path past a number of chalets on your left. You come out onto a track and carry straight on. Follow the path parallel to the tarmac drive for a short while before coming out onto it. Turn right, and then very shortly turn left down an enclosed track. Stay right at a gate and follow the track. Bear left past a white house on your right, heading towards the sea in front of you.

You’ll come out in a parking area behind the large stone house Seagarth. Bear right following the drive, leading onto a road along the seafront, cutting left past the benches through a grassy area. Go past the lane leading off to the right, through the car park and past the Old Boathouse Inn and a little further on is The Ship Inn. This is where we stopped for a couple of drinks and something to eat before retracing our steps back to Nant Bychan.

Where to eat and drink walking from Moelfre to Pentraeth

We ended our walk at The Ship Inn and naturally headed for the bar for some well needed refreshments as the sun had been relentless all day. Open daily from 12pm-10pm and welcoming muddy boots and muddy paws with stunning views. We recommend the Welsh Dragon Pie if you are stopping for food — although you might want to keep in mind the walk back still needs completing. The Sunday lunch menu is served from 12pm-4pm every Sunday with their usual daily menu available up until 8pm.

⚠️ Key cautions & warnings
Seasonal conditions
In wetter, colder, or stormy months, path conditions may deteriorate (boggy, muddy, slippery). Parts of the route may become hazardous in winter. If there is snow, ice or freezing conditions, extra gear and experience would be needed (though that is less likely on this part of Wales in most seasons).

Tide risk / being cut off
Some stretches of the route hug the shoreline or use beach paths, which can become impassable at or near high tide. You may be trapped or forced to backtrack if the water rises faster than anticipated. It’s important to check the local tide tables (for nearby ports) and time your walk so that those sections are done at or near low-tide.

Cliff edges, unstable ground & drop-offs
As with many coastal walks, cliffs and overhangs may be unstable, especially after storms or heavy rain. Avoid walking too close to the edge, and be extra cautious in windy conditions.

Wildlife, livestock & insects
The path passes through farmland or near grazing land in places. You may meet livestock (e.g. sheep). Keep dogs under control. Also, in warmer months, insects (midges, ticks) may be a nuisance — use repellents or appropriate clothing.

Coastal clicks: more images from Moelfre to Pentraeth