The secret islands in Wales you really should visit once lockdown ends
WHILE we all know that Wales is blessed with a glorious coastline, we have some brilliant hidden islands too.
And although we are unable to get outdoors and explore them at the moment, there’s nothing to stop us finding out more about them and even planning a trip or two for the future.
The hidden islands are uncovered in a book – Islandeering: Adventures Around The Edge of Britain’s Hidden Islands, by Lisa Drewe.
And while there are some you may have heard of but never visited, others are lesser known but just as magical.
From clifftop nature reserves to remote offshore idylls, there’s plenty to explore once the coronavirus lockdown rules are lifted. (Just remember that when the time comes for us to head outside and explore once more, you should always check the weather forecast and the tide times before you set out.)
YNYS GIFFTAN – CARDIGAN BAY
Lying at the head of the long Dwyryd Estuary, one of the most unspoilt places in Cardigan Bay, Ynys Gifftan is surrounded by vast tidal sands, salt marshes, and the mountains of Snowdonia.
The old stone farmhouse and outbuilding, which stand as a reminder that this island was once farmed, are almost hidden in a wilderness of lush green bracken, gorse, and elder.
The area is also rich in wildlife and you may spot otters as well as seasonal wildfowl, egrets and herons.
Go for: Secret swims in the warm emerald pools. Heavenly picnic spots on the rocks
Getting there: Take the A496 from Harlech, turning left at the Ship Aground pub in Talsarnau, and follow signs to the station. Trains run from Porthmadog and Harlech.
YNYS LOCHTYN – CEREDIGION
On the coast of Cardigan Bay, access to this tidal island is not for the faint-hearted.
The only access from the headland is a precipitous path, often with loose stones underfoot, that drops down the sea cliffs.
Once on the rocks below, the route then continues through a sea cave and onto a large ledge, then up a grassy path onto the island itself.
On the plus side, though, it probably does mean you’ll have this superb adventure all to yourself.
Go for: Spectacular cliffs only visible from the island. Scrambling on rock ledges and exploring sea caves. Watching the dolphins of Cardigan Bay.
Getting there: Via Brynhoffnant, about halfway between Aberaeron and Aberteifi on the A487, turn off onto the B4334 to Llangrannog.
CEI BALLAST – GWYNEDD
This man-made island near Porthmadog was formed around 200 years ago and boasts salt marshes, samphire beds, and cockle-filled sands.
The southern tip of the island has a superb tidal pool – an incredible place to swim when the sun on the surrounding sandbanks has warmed the water.
Now overgrown with brambles and hawthorn, this estuary island is a haven for wildlife and the sound is of woodland birdsong instead of the cries of seabirds.
Go for: Exploring rocks brought by ships from across the globe. Diving into deep, warm pools. Sampling locally brewed Purple Moose beer at Harbour station.
Getting there: Take a train to Porthmadog station, from which it’s a short walk at low tide.
SULLY – VALE OF GLAMORGAN
Uninhabited and just 450 metres long, Sully is popular with people visiting the Vale of Glamorgan who enjoy exploring the rock pools of the causeway or visiting the wreck of a Victorian ship.
Once a haven for pirates and now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, dangerous tides have seen many run into trouble while attempting to explore the island.
Go for: Seabed walks on an island with a huge tidal range. Fabulous sculptures and rock layers in the cliffs. Exploring the rock pools of the causeway. Magnificent views of the Bristol Channel islands.
Getting there: From Sully village on the B4267, between Penarth and Barry, head towards Swanbridge and the Captain’s Wife public house.
LLANDDWYN – ANGLESEY
A stunning island in all seasons, this rocky peninsula south of Anglesey boasts a freshwater well, the ruins of a 16th-century church dedicated to St Dwynwen – the Welsh patron saint of lovers – an old lighthouse and some of the oldest volcanic rocks in Wales.
There are good beaches and secluded coves for swimming, as well as plenty of opportunities to snorkel for crab and lobster amid the kelp bed.
Kite and board surfing are also possible on wilder days.
Go for: Incredible views of forest, beach, and mountains. Fabulous wild swims.
Getting there: Off the A4080, one kilometre south of Newborough village.
AND A FEW YOU MAY HAVE VISITED...
Lisa Drewe also name-checks in her new book a few Welsh islands that are much more widely known.
BARDSEY ISLAND – GWYNEDD
Lying just off the Llŷn Peninsula, this is a National Nature Reserve, arrival at which is usually heralded by the eerie wails of a hundred or so seals jostling for position on their favourite beach next to the quay.
Its east cliffs are home to peregrines, razorbills, around 20,000 pairs of Manx shearwater, and puffins.
Getting there: Bardsey Island Boats (07971 769895) from Porth Meudwy, LL53 8DA. 10-minute walk to the boat. Follow signs from the car park.
RAMSEY ISLAND – PEMBROKESHIRE
Immediately off St David’s Head in Pembrokeshire and owned by the
RSPB, Ramsey is famed for its wildlife.
Atlantic grey seals, bottlenose dolphins and all manner of bird life abounds, while red deer can also be seen on the heathland toward Ramsey’s southern end.
Getting there: By boat from St Justinian’s Lifeboat Station.
Normally, crossings at 10am and noon, returning at 4pm (between April 1 or Easter, whichever is earlier, to October 31) via Thousand Island Expeditions (01437 721721; www. thousandislands.co.uk).
SKOMER – PEMBROKESHIRE
Only a kilometre off the coast of Pembrokeshire, this is an island of exposed headlands, dramatic sea stacks and sheltered bays that is famed for its extraordinary wildlife.
It is the seasonal home to half the world’s population of Manx shearwater and the largest colony of Atlantic puffins in southern Britain.
Getting there: Boats normally daily (except Mon) April-October from Martin’s Haven (weather permitting – 01646 636600 for updates).
WORMS HEAD – GOWER
The most westerly point of the Gower Peninsula, it was the first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK and it’s joined to the mainland by a rocky causeway.
Getting there: Follow the B4247 to Rhossili car park. There’s a regular bus services from Swansea to Rhossili.
FLAT HOLM – BRISTOL CHANNEL
From a distance, as you head off from Cardiff Bay into the Bristol Channel, this limestone island appears to have few landmarks apart from the white lighthouse that dominates its shoreline.
But a closer view reveals rock outcrops, caves, and rock beaches, as well as many intriguing historic sites such as an old Victorian barracks surrounded by the extremely rare and protected purple-headed wild leek.
Getting there: By RIB normally operated by two companies from Mermaid Quay – Bay Island Voyages ( www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk ) and Cardiff Sea Safari( www.cardiffseasafaris.co.uk ) Islandeering: Adventures Around The Edge of Britain’s Hidden Islands by Lisa Drewe is from Wild Things Publishing, priced £16.99