About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
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About Bardsey Island
Key Fact
- Location: west of Llyn Peninsula
- Size: 179 hectares
- Terrain: coast path; track
- High point: Mynydd Enlli, 167m
- Map: OS Explorer 253 Llyn Peninsula West
Just off the Llŷn Peninsula its English name means ‘Island of the Bards’ and its Welsh name means ‘Island in the Currents’, which gives a sense of the rich cultural and natural heritage of Bardsey Island. This ancient holy island is unique in combining a National Nature Reserve with farming and fishing such that it is the only working island in Wales, other than Anglesey and Holy Island. Here peace is absolute with no cars or mains electricity. The coastline is stunning and rich in bird, marine and plant life. The island has deep spiritual connections and is known as the final resting place of 20,000 saints with many believing that Merlin, of Arthurian legend, is buried here.. There are twelve properties on the island, each of which is Grade II listed – one is leased to the farm, one to the Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory and one as a private letting.
Best things to do on Bardsey Island
- Soak up the myths and legends of this island
- Spot pods of Rissos dolphins off shore
- Climb Mynydd Enlli for incredible panoramic views
- Watch the puffins (in season) on the east cliffs of Mynydd Enlli
- Buy lobster from the local fisherman (ask at farm)
- Swim on the sandy beach north of the jetty
- Watch the seals lolloping on the harbour beach
- Explore the crystal clear inlets on the island’s southern tip
How to get to Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island lies 3km off the mainland, across some fairly strong tidal races. The Barsey Island ferry is the only way to get to Bardsey Island. The ferry leaves from Porth Meudwy on the south west tip of the Llyn Peninsula, just west of Aberavon. The boat trip to Bardsey Island takes about 30 mins. Prices, in 2024, are £50 adult; £25 child. Book a trip to Bardsey Island here – link to www.bardseyboattrips.com
The boat trip to Badsey island starts with the unusual embarkation process for the island’s boat. The craft is hauled out on to the small rocky cove of Porth Meudwy on the Llŷn Peninsula to board on dry land and then towed back into the sea by a rusting tractor. This well-practiced manoeuvre is executed perfectly by Colin Evans, a Bardsey native, a larger-than-life character and fount of all island knowledge. He will inform and entertain you the whole journey through some of the most dangerous tides in Europe. Arrival at the island’s slipway is usually heralded by the eerie wails of the hundred or so seals hauled out nearby on their favourite beach, Henllwyn.
Is there a cafe on Bardsey Island?
Tŷ Pellaf Farm, a short walk from the harbour, sells delicious honey from the island’s bees and has a small craft shop that operates on an honesty basis and a cafe, where cafetières of coffee and pots of tea are freshly brewed in the farmhouse kitchen. Well signed from the quay.
Bardsey Island Accommodation
Nine properties are let out by the Bardsey Island Trust as holiday lettings. These range from five-bedroom farmhouses, to converted lofts and one small traditional cottage. Book accommodation on Bardsey Island here – www.bardsey.org/book
Are there toilets on Bardsey Island?
Yes in Plas Bach yard – well signed from the quay.
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