Ynys Llanddwyn wedding
I HAVE A DREAM. That dream is to be present and photograph a wedding on Ynys Llanddwyn. J&A were having their Anglesey wedding celebrations at the nearby location on Menai Bridge so we decided to head out the day before their wedding for some portraits at Newborough and Ynys Llanddwyn.
About Ynys Llanddwyn
YNYS LLANDDWYN TRANSLATES TO LLANDDWYN ISLAND. Located at the far west end of Newborough beach (Traeth Llanddwyn), Ynys Llanddwyn only becomes an island at high tide. It is possible to walk and wade across if the sea is relatively calm but with 2 low tides per day you’re unlikely to ever be stranded on the island. The name Llanddwyn means ‘The church of St. Dwynwen’. Dwynwen lived during the 5th century AD and you can read more about her life and folklore here.
As Ynys Llanddwyn is situated near the southern entrance to the Menai Strait it’s important for shipping to be aware of the island outcrop. A tower beacon called Tŵr Bach (see images below) was built at the tip of the island to provide guidance to ships heading for the Strait. Later in 1845 a larger lighthouse tower was built named Tŵr Mawr. The style of Tŵr Mawr was influenced by the Anglesey windmills of the time. Tŵr Mawr is the most famous of the towers and indeed is a major draw for artists and photographers.
How do we get to Ynys Llanddwyn?
THERE IS NO DOUBT that if you have never made a visit to Newborough or Ynys Llanddwyn then you need to add it to your bucket list right now! The easiest way by car is to enter the postcode for Newborough Beach. The main car park for the beach is at the end of a narrow lane that leads from the cross-roads of the A4080 in Newborough village – it is sign posted (Traeth Llanddwyn). Use the postcode LL61 6SG for Newborough beach. There’s a charge of £5 per vehicle per day. You can also use the postcode LL61 6SG for Ynys Llanddwyn. Simply park up and head towards the beach, hang a right and walk. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach Ynys Llanddwyn.
Can I take my dog to Newborough or Ynys Llanddwyn?
If you’re heading here with the pooches then please be aware of the restrictions. Dogs are not allowed on the island from 1st May to 30th September. For Newborough though dog restrictions apply on the section of the beach west of the main access point (ie to the right) up to and including Llanddwyn Island, from 1st April to 30th September. Dogs are however welcome in Newborough Forest so all of the lovely woody part is game. Malltraeth Bay beach is one of my favourite areas to photograph on. Malltraeth Bay translates as ‘Desolate beach’ and dogs are allowed at all times You can reach Malltraeth Bay by either beach or through the forest but as restrictions apply on the western end of Newborough Beach, they would have to be walked through the forest.
A walking loop from Newborough forest car park out to the beaches and lighthouse beacons of Ynys Llanddwyn can take some time. Easily three hours will just vanish in this magical location. We started walking amongst the impressive Corsican Pines and sandy paths. We chat, we laugh, we shoot some. Keep going, shoot some more.
At this point we reach the far west point of Newborough beach and cross over the rocks to Malltraeth Bay beach.
Splashing on the shore of Malltraeth Bay beach, Anglesey.
Finally make it onto Ynys Llanddywn. Looking back onto Malltraeth Bay.
Tŵr Mawr lighthouse, Anglesey.
Tŵr Bach lighthouse, Anglesey.
I’d love to hear from you if you’re getting married on Anglesey or would like some Anglesey environmental portraits. Contact me here or below.