A dog enjoys some time on the brach during a dog friendly walk in Anglesey

From Forest Tracks to Clifftop Trails: Dog Friendly Walks in Anglesey

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Written by Sam Wright

January 15, 2026

Anglesey is one of the best places in Wales for dog friendly walking. The island offers a rare mix of dramatic coastline, quiet beaches, open farmland and low hills, all connected by well maintained paths and sections of the Anglesey Coastal Path. Compared to the mainland, walks here tend to feel more open and less crowded, making it ideal for exploring with a dog.

Below are some of the best dog friendly walks in Anglesey, carefully selected to give clear, reliable distances and a mix of coastal, inland and elevated routes.


Newborough Forest to Llanddwyn Beach Loop

Newborough Forest Track – Photo Credit: MrC 

This classic Anglesey walk combines shaded forest tracks with wide open beach walking. Starting from Newborough Forest car parks, the route winds through pine woodland before emerging onto Llanddwyn Beach, with sweeping views towards Snowdonia across the Menai Strait.

While there are seasonal dog restrictions on parts of the beach during the summer, large areas remain accessible year round. The loop format makes it easy to follow and varied underfoot without being demanding.

  • Distance: 4.5 miles | 7.2 km
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Terrain: Forest tracks, sand, dunes
  • Good for: Variety, off lead sections, iconic scenery

Holyhead Mountain Circular Walk

Trig Point on Holyhead Mountain – Photo Credit: steven ruffles 

Holyhead Mountain may not be high by Welsh standards, but it delivers some of the most impressive views on the island. This circular route climbs steadily from the outskirts of Holyhead, following clear paths to the summit ridge.

The terrain is rocky in places and exposed to wind, but the payoff is wide open views across the Irish Sea and back towards the Llŷn Peninsula. A short, rewarding walk that still feels adventurous.

  • Distance: 2.6 miles | 4.2 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Terrain: Rocky paths, open hillside
  • Good for: Short hikes, panoramic views

South Stack Clifftop Walk

South Stack Lighthouse – Photo Credit: Oliver Mills

This clifftop walk above South Stack Lighthouse is one of the most dramatic coastal routes on Anglesey. The path follows the coastline above steep cliffs, offering constant sea views and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.

There are steep drops in places, so dogs should be kept under close control or on a lead. Despite its relatively short length, this walk packs in a huge amount of scenery.

  • Distance: 3.1 miles | 5 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Terrain: Coastal path, steps, uneven ground
  • Good for: Wild coastline, seabirds, big skies

Parys Mountain Heritage Trail

Parys Mountain Windmill and Trig Point – Photo Credit: Mat Fascione 

Parys Mountain offers a completely different landscape to the rest of the island. The former copper mine has left behind striking red and orange rock formations, shallow valleys and historic mining remains.

The heritage trail follows well defined paths around the mountain, making this an easy but fascinating walk. It is especially good in quieter weather when the colours of the rock really stand out.

  • Distance: 2.2 miles | 3.5 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Terrain: Gravel paths, open moorland
  • Good for: Something different, history and colour

Red Wharf Bay Coastal Loop

Red Wharf Bay – Photo Credit: David Dixon 

Red Wharf Bay is one of the largest bays in Wales and feels vast at low tide. This loop combines beach walking with estuary paths and quiet farmland, giving plenty of space and variety without technical terrain.

The route is flat and relaxed, making it ideal for steady walks or dogs that prefer gentler ground. Timing the walk around low tide allows for long stretches of sand underfoot.

  • Distance: 4 miles | 6.4 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Terrain: Sand, estuary paths
  • Good for: Long beach walks, relaxed pace

Mynydd Bodafon Summit Walk

Trig Point at Mynydd Bodafon Summit – Photo Credit: Kevin Williams 

Mynydd Bodafon is the highest point on Anglesey, but this walk is more about views than exertion. Starting from nearby lanes, the route climbs gently through farmland and grassy paths to reach open ground near the summit.

On a clear day, you can see across the island and out to sea in multiple directions. This is a peaceful walk that suits dogs of all abilities.

  • Distance: 3 miles | 4.8 km
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Terrain: Grass paths, farmland
  • Good for: Gentle climbs, wide views

Church Bay to Llanlleiana Coastal Path

Church Bay (Porth Swtan) – Photo Credit: Mike Peel 

This quieter section of the north coast offers rugged scenery without the crowds. Starting from Church Bay, the coastal path heads east towards Llanlleiana, following clifftop trails with constant sea views.

The terrain is uneven in places, but the route feels remote and rewarding. It is a good option if you want a coastal walk that feels wild without being overly long.

  • Distance: 3.8 miles | 6.1 km
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Terrain: Clifftop paths, rough ground
  • Good for: Quiet coastline, sense of remoteness

Malltraeth Estuary Circular Walk

Malltraeth Bay – Photo Credit: John H Darch 

Malltraeth Estuary offers a calmer, inland style walk compared to Anglesey’s exposed coast. The circular route follows embankments and tracks around the estuary, with wide views across salt marsh and water.

This walk is flat and accessible, making it a good choice in windier weather or for dogs that prefer predictable terrain.

  • Distance: 4.3 miles | 6.9 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Terrain: Embankments, gravel tracks
  • Good for: Sheltered walks, birdlife

Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Anglesey

Explore these walks in detail using our handy map below, simply click the pins to reveal more information and directions to the nearest car park.

This quieter section of Anglesey’s north coast follows clifftop paths east from Church Bay towards Llanlleiana. The route feels remote in places, with rugged terrain and uninterrupted sea views.

It’s a rewarding coastal walk for those looking to avoid busier sections of the island, particularly outside peak season.

  • Distance: 3.8 miles | 6.1 km

  • Type: Out and back

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Terrain: Clifftop paths, rough ground

Mynydd Bodafon is the highest point on Anglesey, but the climb is gentle and accessible. The route follows grassy tracks and farmland before opening onto the summit area.

Despite its modest height, the views stretch widely across the island on clear days, making this a rewarding short walk.

  • Distance: 3.0 miles | 4.8 km

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Terrain: Grass paths, farmland

Red Wharf Bay is one of the largest bays in Wales and feels especially vast at low tide. This loop combines beach walking with estuary paths and quiet lanes back inland.

It’s a relaxed, flat walk that works well for steady days out, with plenty of space for dogs to roam when conditions are right.

  • Distance: 4.0 miles | 6.4 km

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Terrain: Sand, estuary paths

Parys Mountain offers a completely different landscape to most of Anglesey. Former copper mining has left behind striking colours, shallow valleys and exposed rock that feel almost otherworldly.

The heritage trail loops around the mountain on clear paths, making this an easy but fascinating walk that rewards curiosity rather than speed.

  • Distance: 2.2 miles | 3.5 km

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Terrain: Gravel paths, open moorland

This dramatic clifftop route above South Stack Lighthouse is one of the most striking coastal walks on Anglesey. The path hugs the edge of the island, with constant sea views and frequent wildlife sightings.

Although relatively short, the scenery is intense throughout, making it a rewarding walk in any season.

  • Distance: 3.1 miles | 5.0 km

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Terrain: Coastal paths, steps, uneven ground

Holyhead Mountain may be modest in height, but it delivers some of the best views on Anglesey. This circular route climbs steadily on well established paths before looping back across open hillside.

The walk feels exposed and rugged, especially near the summit, and is ideal for dogs used to rocky ground and open terrain.

  • Distance: 2.6 miles | 4.2 km

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Terrain: Rocky paths, open hillside

This is a calmer, birdier side of Anglesey where the estuary does most of the talking. You’ll be walking with big skies, changing tides, and long views that make the whole route feel open and airy.

The Cob itself is a simple, satisfying stretch with loads of interest if you like spotting waders and watching the light move across the mudflats. It’s an excellent option when you want something flatter but still properly outdoorsy.

  • Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km)

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Terrain: Riverside paths, embankment, flat tracks

  • Dog notes: Leads recommended around birds and livestock fields

Newborough Forest is one of those places where you can dial the day up or down. Start under the pines, follow sandy trails towards the coast, then let the landscape open into dunes and wide beach views.

Keep going and you hit Ynys Llanddwyn, a brilliant little edge of the island that feels properly wild when the wind is up. It’s an ideal Anglesey walk for dogs who love sand, sniffing through woodland, and big coastal horizons.

  • Distance: 6.2 miles (10.0 km)

  • Type: Circular

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Terrain: Forest tracks, sand, dune paths

  • Dog notes: Keep close near wildlife and around other walkers

Find dog friendly locations across the UK using our Wildpack Map, use it to help find your next adventure.


Visiting Anglesey with Your Dog

  • Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions, particularly during summer months, so always check local signage.
  • Coastal paths can be exposed to wind, even on calm days inland.
  • Livestock is common on inland routes, so leads may be required at times.
  • Tide times matter for beach walks like Red Wharf Bay, especially if you want maximum sand access.

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Final Thoughts

Anglesey is one of the most dog friendly destinations in Wales, offering reliable paths, open landscapes and a strong mix of coastal and inland walking. Whether you want dramatic clifftops, peaceful estuaries or wide sandy bays, the island has plenty to offer for dogs and their humans alike.

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