Did you know that here in Wales we have our very own St Valentine’s Day? It’s Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen’s Day) on Sunday 25th January, so it’s the time of year when we get all romantic here at the Oakeley Arms.

And if you didn’t know the tale of Dwynwen, well, it’s not really a happy one…… She ran away from home after her father forbade her to marry her one true love, to a remote corner of Anglesey. Dwynwen became a nun at the tiny church that now bears her name and lived the rest of her days in solitude, devoted her life to her Christian faith and never had the misfortune of a broken heart again. Cheery huh!

But, the little island where she is said to have made her home is absolutely stunning, so we can see why she stayed there so long. If you fancy a little stroll on the Welsh Valentine’s Day, then there’s no better place to head than Llanddwyn Island itself. So why not follow our walk directions for a truly romantic ramble? And all just a short car journey from the Oakeley Arms Hotel.

Where:              Llanddwyn, Newborough, Anglesey.

Distance:          Approx 3 miles

Start:                Newborough Warren Forestry Commission Car Park – leave A55 J8A, go left on A5 then A4080 for Brynsiencyn to Newborough. Follow signs for “beach/traeth”, aiming for parking area at southernmost car park. Please note that there is a charge of £3 for entry. Postcode for sat nav is LL61 6SG (approx)

Grid Ref:           SH 405 633      Map:                 OS Explorer 263: Anglesey East

Directions:        1: From the car park head towards beach, then turn right along the sand. Aim for the rocky outcrop of Llanddwyn island ahead, and when you reach the island follow the obvious path on the left that will lead you around the circumference of the island.

2: At the southern end of the island, look south for views across to Snowdonia. On a clear day it’s possible to see the Carneddau, the Glyders and Snowdon.

3: Leave island and either return along beach or continue to follow yellow way-marker arrows for route through forest and back to car park.

4: There are also several other way-marked trails through the forest if you’d like to extend your walk. Follow the green arrows for the Newborough Geology Trail or the blue arrows for The Pines Trail. These are short and easy to follow trails.

*Access to Llanddwyn Island is tidal and on a very high tide it may not be possible to reach it. You can check tides for the Bangor locality at www.tidetimes.org.uk/bangor

**Please note that this information is for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather.