Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island (Beach Car Park)
Anglesey
Starting from the beach car park at Newborough, this 8km circuit combines Corsican pine forest, sand dunes and the atmospheric tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn. The route heads through the plantation where the pine canopy creates a quiet, resinous corridor before breaking out onto wide dunes and a beach with Snowdonia's peaks often visible across the Menai Strait. Llanddwyn Island, accessible at most tides, has the ruins of a 16th-century church dedicated to St Dwynwen, Wales's patron saint of lovers, along with a disused lighthouse and the old pilots' cottages. The combination of forest, dune, beach and island makes this one of Anglesey's most varied walks.
This is an outstanding dog friendly walk that offers genuine variety in a single outing. The forest section provides shade and shelter with good scent from the pine floor, while the beach gives open running space and sea access. Off-lead potential is moderate: dogs can range freely on the quieter beach sections, but leads are advisable through the forest during busy periods and on Llanddwyn Island where other visitors concentrate. Livestock risk is low. The sand can be tiring on paws over longer stretches, so the forest return provides welcome relief. Beach car park charges apply. The whole walk feels like a proper coastal adventure, and the Llanddwyn Island section adds historical interest that elevates it beyond a standard beach walk.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, Picnic areas, BBQ areas
- Parking
- Multiple car parks (Airman's, Cwningar, Beach) - ample spaces
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island (Beach Car Park) dog friendly?
Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island is rated 9 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it one of the better walks in North Wales for dogs. The 8km circuit offers a genuinely varied outing , pine forest, sand dunes, open beach and a tidal island , so there's something to interest dogs at every stage. Livestock risk is low, which adds to the relaxed feel of the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island (Beach Car Park)?
Off-lead potential is moderate across the route. Dogs can range freely on the quieter beach sections, which offer plenty of open space and sea access, but leads are advisable through the forest during busier periods and on Llanddwyn Island itself, where visitors tend to concentrate. It's worth being guided by how busy the route is on the day.
What should I know before visiting Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island (Beach Car Park) with my dog?
Llanddwyn Island is tidal, so it's accessible at most tides but it's worth checking conditions before you head out. The sandy sections of the walk can be tiring on dogs' paws over longer stretches, though the forest return leg provides welcome relief underfoot. Beach car park charges apply, and there are toilets and picnic areas on site.
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