Rockpooling
Wales is currently still under lockdown but in better times, Penmon Point is one of our favourite family destinations for a spot of rock-pooling. Best done on a calm day when the tide is going out, exposing the rocks by the shore and the rockpools tucked between them.
It’s advisable to wear decent footwear for a trip to Penmon Point. The rocks are rocky and sharp and they can be slippery with seaweed, so a degree of caution is advised. Not a place for buggies and errant toddlers or those not so clever on their feet. But the rockpools are varied in size and there’s plenty of sea life to spot, fish out and decant temporarily into buckets. Or you can just sit on the rocks and soak in the view. The setting is magical. Right down by the point’s edge with the sea surfing back and forth, waves splashing with a hiss over the rocks.
On the rare occasion that we are child-free, Penmon Point is also a lovely place to enjoy a peaceful blowy walk along the coast. From here you can pick up the Anglesey coastal path and turn your walk into a longer hike. Soak up the stunning views, watch sea birds dive for fish and look out over Puffin Island and beyond.
And when the rock-pooling is declared over and your walk comes to an end, refreshments are a must The Pilot House Cafe is a good stop off for a hot drink or an ice cream or even a Welsh cream tea.
Iconic
Penmon Point sits at the south-east tip of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) and it is easy to see why it is a great place for a rockpooling trip. It’s edgy location offers unsurpassed 180 degree views. You can see up the east coast of Anglesey, over to Puffin Island and the Orme and down the Menai Straits towards Beaumaris. On a very clear day you might even spot the Isle of Man.
The point is tipped by the iconic black and white striped Trwyn Du lighthouse. Built in 1843, along with the Red Buoy Perch Rock marker, together the two signpost the northern entrance to the Menai Straits. If you stop and listen, you can hear the dong of the lighhouse’s fog bell. This is a constant, sounding every 30 seconds.
Penmon Point
Little Escape by Joshua Paul Gardener
Penmon Priory
On the way to Penmon Point, you will pass Penmon Priory. This is also a fascinating and beautiful place to explore. The toll charge (see below) covers access to its late Elizabethan dovecot, C13th Priory and St Seiriol’s Well which dates from the C6th.
If you venture into St Seiriol’s Church, the oldest parts of which date from 1140, take a look at the two tenth century stone crosses which now stand inside. They are simple but beautiful, representing over 1000 years of Christian worship at Penmon.
Not only the fog bell tolls at Penmon
The road up to the point from Penmon Priory is a private toll road owned by the Bulkeley estate. It is studiously manned for many hours seven days a week. You will be charged a fee for parking at the Priory or driving from there up to Penmon Point.
You can park further down the coast and walk or cycle up to Penmon Point. This may avoid the toll but don’t quote us on that!
A trip over to Penmon Point is well worth the effort. The scenery is ever-changing. The views are tremendous. The lighthouse a solid constant keeping guard as you explore the rocky coastline and its splashy rockpools.
Take a fleece to guard against the coastal breezes and enjoy a warm paned afterwards at the cafe. Lots of mileage for a lovely couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
