Further information on this walk

History and interest

• Rhoscolyn was formerly known as Llanwenfaen (the church of St. Gwenfaen). The name is said to derive from ‘The Moor (Rhos) of the Column (colyn)’, referring to a pillar erected by the Romans to mark their boundaries.
• St Gwenfaen’s Church was founded in 630AD and has a medieval doorway and 15th century font.
• Legend says that St Gwenfaen was chased from her cell by druids, and that she escaped by climbing the rock stack off Rhoscolyn Head. The tide came in and she was carried away by angels. Saints Bay takes its name from this incident.
• Also at Rhoscolyn Head there are rock arches called Bwa Du the black arch, and Bwa Gwyn, the white arch.
• St Gwenfaen’s Well, surrounded by medieval stone steps and seating, was used by pilgrims during the Middle Ages who believed in the water’s healing powers.
• Porth-y-Corwgl is of regional importance as one of the best-exposed geological faults on Anglesey.

Wildlife

The areas of heathland and scrub on the clifftops support populations of stonechat, whitethroat and wheatear. Other notable birdlife includes chough, peregrine falcon, cormorant, raven and kestrel.

Seals may be seen basking on the group of low rocky islands off the coast known as Ynysoedd Gwylanod (Seagull’s Islands).

Wildflowers in the area include celandines, violets and scurvy grass.

Public transport

The No. 23 bus stops in Rhoscolyn twice a day, from Monday to Saturday.

Refreshments

• Silver Bay Holiday Park offers a seasonal restaurant and beachfront café.
• A pub The White Eagle is located in Rhoscolyn and serves food.
• Rhoscolyn Chapel is an events venue that often has food and drink available.