The Cwmbran PS annual 5 day Fotoforay took place from May 10th – 14th with a trip to North Wales with our primary interest in visiting sites on Anglesey. Six members made the trip – Jill and Peter Young, Sue Anslow, Bea von der Haar, Nigel Goode and Kevin Doyle. Based in Caernarfon for convenience we crossed daily over to Anglesey via Robert Stephenson’s historic Britannia Bridge.
On the journey north (in the Trans Bus, thanks Sue) we stopped at Trawsfynydd Lake for coffee and a photography session and on arrival at the Premier Inn at Caernarfon we were treated to a lovely sunset over the Menai Strait and the local Marina. A promising start to what would turn out to be a very good few days.
DAY 1
Church Island – the location of a small 15th century church (St Tysilio’s) on an island in the Menai strait offering views of both the Menai and Britannia bridges and a delightful location in its own right.
Penmon Point – An iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse with views across to Puffin Island and the Great Orme at Llandudno.
Red Wharf Bay – A delightful location further up the coast from Penmon, Red Wharf is a small sheltered bay with plenty of opportunity for wildlife and coastal photography. A number of smaller boats use the bay as a safe anchorage.
The Dingle (Llangefni) – A small nature reserve in the centre of Llangefni which hosts a population of Red Squirrels. The squirrels were captive bred prior to release into the reserve and respond well to presence of humans (and photographers!).
DAY 2
Newborough Forest and Twr Mawr Lighthouse – Newborough is a large conifer forest supporting a healthy population of Red Squirrels (if you can find them!) and is a significant night roost for a large number of Ravens. There is a broad sweeping beach that leads to the lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island. Also of note are the large stone crosses, one Celtic (St Dwynwen’s), the other a standard cross, and the remains of an ancient church. Both crosses stand in excess of 8 metres. The area is also a haven for sea birds such as Oystercatchers.
Eglwys Cwyfan (Aberffraw) – This a a Grade II listed church built in the 12th Century dedicated to Saint Kevin (who else!). Located on the small tidal island of Cribinau and is known as the Eglwys fach y môr (little church in the sea). It still hosts services during the summer months (June, July, August).
South Stack Lighthouse – This dominant lighthouse is near Holyhead and is a prime location for bird life, both land and sea. One of the primary attractions is the colony of Choughs that inhabit the area and are a magnet for bird photographers as this is a UK red list bird.
DAY 3
Plas Newydd – A large country house set in woodlands on the north bank of the Menai Strait, it has its origins in the late 15th century and is the seat of the Marquess of Anglesey. The family maintain an apartment on the upper floor of the house although the house is now owned by the National Trust. The current Marquess lives elsewhere on the island. And for those of you who might visit the Covent Garden area of London, there is a pub there called The Marquess of Anglesey!
Beaumaris – Our final stop on our final day. A town at the south-east corner of Anglesey it boasts a fine castle and great views across the Menai Strait. The storm clouds sweeping across the island provided a final dramatic conclusion to our tour.
We had a great week, plenty of laughs, good company, a few beers and hopefully some great images. And we survived Anglesey’s ‘evil lanes’!
