ANGLESEY / COASTAL WALK / COMPLETE ROUTE
Rhoscolyn Circular Walk from Borthwen Beach, Anglesey
Beginning beside the sand at Borthwen Beach, this wonderfully varied circular walk explores one of the quieter corners of Anglesey. Follow the coast around Rhoscolyn for secluded bays, low cliffs, open farmland, St Gwenfaen’s Well and far-reaching sea views.
At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
There is something rather satisfying about a walk that starts and finishes on a beach. At Borthwen, you can see the sand before you have even tightened your boots.
This circular route explores the southern coast of Holy Island, following sections of the Anglesey Coast Path around Rhoscolyn. It moves between sheltered beaches, low rocky cliffs, open heath, farmland and quiet country lanes, with several reminders of the area’s long history along the way.
The walk is approximately 5.8 miles and is officially graded moderate. There are no major mountain climbs, but the mixture of gates, stiles, stepping stones, field paths and exposed coastline makes it more involved than a simple beach stroll.
Allow at least three hours, or closer to four if you plan to stop at Traeth Llydan, visit St Gwenfaen’s Well or explore the optional path towards the Rhoscolyn sea arches.
What to expect
The walk begins at Borthwen Beach before heading inland briefly to join the Anglesey Coast Path. It then follows the coastline east and north towards Traeth Llydan and Silver Bay.
After leaving the beach, the route uses boardwalks, farmland and quiet lanes to reach the inland side of Rhoscolyn. Field paths lead to St Gwenfaen’s Church before the walk returns to the coast near St Gwenfaen’s Well.
The final stretch crosses the exposed Rhoscolyn headland, passing close to the coastguard station and an optional trig-point viewpoint before descending to Borthwen Beach.
Route highlights
- Borthwen Beach
- The Anglesey Coast Path
- Traeth Llydan and Silver Bay
- Open coastal heath and low cliffs
- St Gwenfaen’s Church
- St Gwenfaen’s Well
- The optional Bwa Gwyn and Bwa Du sea-arch detour
- Rhoscolyn coastguard station and trig point
- Views towards the Llŷn Peninsula and Eryri in clear weather
START AND FINISH / BORTHWEN
Begin beside the beach
Borthwen Beach gives the circular walk a sheltered start before the route leaves the sand for coast path, farmland and headland.
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Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Leave Borthwen Beach
From the car park, walk back up the access road for approximately 50 metres. Turn right at the coast path sign and follow the path with the reedbed on your right. At the next footpath sign, turn left through the wooden kissing gate. Continue past the white house called Cae Llyn and follow its double-track drive uphill. Go through the gate and turn sharply right onto the next track.
Join the Anglesey Coast Path
Keep left at the junction and join the gravel coast path. Pass through the kissing gate and follow the yellow waymarkers across the open headland. Remain on the established path as it follows the sea. Continue around the headland towards the caravan park, keeping to the coastal route.
Continue towards Traeth Llydan
Go through the next kissing gate and cross three small footbridges. At the coast path sign, turn inland and cross the field. Pass through another kissing gate and follow the path around the next headland. Cross a further footbridge and follow the signs down onto Traeth Llydan.
Cross Traeth Llydan
Walk along the beach and look for wooden steps leading into the dunes approximately halfway along. Climb the steps and follow the path beside the private woodland. Go through a kissing gate, cross the boardwalk and pass through the next gate. Cross the field towards the converted farm buildings. Leave the farmyard using the stone stile and follow the straight double-track lane to the road.
Follow the inland diversion
Stay on the road and ignore the coast path sign on the right. This alternative is a permissive path which can be closed during the winter, so follow current signs and notices. Bear right at the road junction. Shortly after Tŷ Lôn, turn left onto the signed footpath. Climb the steps, pass through the kissing gate and continue across the field. Follow the hedge-lined section and cross two more fields through kissing gates. The path emerges between two white houses at Tŷ Woods. Follow their drive to the road.
Cross the Rhoscolyn countryside
Turn left onto the road at Llainsybylldir. This is also where a shorter return to Borthwen can be made by remaining on the road. For the complete circular route, turn right at the footpath sign where the road bends left. Follow the path along the right-hand side of the garden at the white house called Tŷ Weryl. Cross two fields through kissing gates, then bear right towards the corner of the wall. Cross the ladder stile and head towards the kissing gate to the left of St Gwenfaen’s Church.
Visit St Gwenfaen’s Church
Follow the path beside the wall to reach the church. Its elevated position provides broad views across Rhoscolyn and Holy Island. Turn left and follow the road towards the farm. Go through the kissing gate and cross the field to the next gate. At the fork, keep left and follow the field wall anticlockwise around the farm. The right fork is an optional detour towards the natural sea arches and should only be taken in suitable weather.
Return to the coast
Continue along the field edge and pass through two kissing gates. When you rejoin the Anglesey Coast Path, turn left, cross the footbridge and go through the next gate. The path narrows between a high wall and the coastal cliffs. Keep children and dogs close and remain on the established route.
Pass St Gwenfaen’s Well
St Gwenfaen’s Well lies below the path on the right. Continue through the kissing gate at the end of the wall and cross the stepping stones carefully. Follow the path uphill, keeping to the left of the coastguard station. A short optional climb leads to the nearby trig point, where there are wide coastal views in clear weather.
Return to Borthwen Beach
Descend through two fields and two kissing gates. Follow the path between the houses, then continue across the grassy area and gardens towards Borthwen. Finish by crossing the beach or following the path along its left-hand side back to the car park.
OPTIONAL DETOUR / RHOSCOLYN HEAD
See the natural sea arches
The optional Bwa Gwyn and Bwa Du detour crosses exposed coastal ground and should only be attempted in suitable weather.
Bookable experiences
Activities that fit this guide
Ideas for another day or a longer break. Allow a separate day for these tours; do not plan them after this walk.
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Rhoscolyn and Holy Island
Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, United Kingdom
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Before you go
Practical information
Parking
The route begins at the car park beside Borthwen Beach. Parking charges may apply, so check the current information board on arrival. Spaces are limited and the approach road is narrow, making an early start sensible during busy summer periods.
Terrain and footwear
Expect grassy headlands, sandy beaches, stone tracks, boardwalks, farmland and short road sections. The route includes numerous kissing gates, footbridges, a stone stile, a ladder stile and stepping stones.
Walking boots or supportive outdoor shoes with reliable grip are recommended. Field paths and stepping stones can become muddy or slippery after rain.
Cliffs and weather
Several sections run close to unprotected cliff edges. Keep to the established path and avoid the exposed headlands during strong winds, thunderstorms or very poor visibility.
The optional sea-arch detour crosses more exposed coastal ground and should be omitted when conditions are unsuitable.
Dogs
Dogs can accompany walkers but must be kept under close control. Use a lead around livestock, nesting birds and cliff edges, and follow temporary landowner notices.
Check the signs at Borthwen and Traeth Llydan for current beach restrictions before letting a dog onto the sand.
Children
The route is best suited to active, confident older children accustomed to walks of nearly six miles. Continuous supervision is required beside cliffs, stepping stones and water.
Accessibility
The complete route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and conventional pushchairs because of the stiles, gates, stepping stones, beaches and uneven field paths.
Toilets
Toilets are available at Borthwen, although coastal facilities may have seasonal opening arrangements.
Food and drink
Seasonal refreshments may be available around Silver Bay. The White Eagle pub is in Rhoscolyn, although visiting it can require a short diversion depending on the route taken.
Opening hours are not guaranteed, so carry sufficient drinking water and food for the walk.
Seasonal route warning
A permissive coastal path near Silver Bay can close during the winter. Follow the signed road route and any temporary notices rather than trying to use a closed path.
Parking
Pay-and-display parking beside Borthwen Beach. Spaces are limited and the final approach is along narrow country lanes, so arrive early during warm weekends and school holidays.
Tickets and booking
No walking ticket is needed. Check current parking charges, facility opening and any temporary landowner notices.
Seasonal considerations
A permissive coastal path near Silver Bay can close during winter. Follow the signed road route and temporary notices instead of a closed path.
Toilets and refreshments
Toilets at Borthwen may have seasonal arrangements. Carry enough food and drinking water rather than relying on seasonal venues.
Terrain
Grassy headlands, sandy beaches, stone tracks, boardwalks, farmland, short road sections, gates, stiles and stepping stones
Accessibility
The complete route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and conventional pushchairs because of stiles, gates, stepping stones, beaches and uneven field paths.
Facilities
Parking and seasonal toilets at Borthwen; seasonal refreshments may be available around Silver Bay, with the White Eagle in Rhoscolyn a possible diversion.
Dogs
Keep dogs under close control and use a lead around livestock, nesting birds and cliff edges. Check current beach notices at Borthwen and Traeth Llydan.
Public transport
A limited bus service may stop in Rhoscolyn. Check the current timetable and the distance between the stop and Borthwen before relying on it.
Road conditions, tolls or permits
The final approach to Borthwen uses narrow country lanes. Arrive early at busy times and leave access clear when parking.
Safety
Keep to the established path beside cliffs, supervise children closely near water and stepping stones, and use supportive footwear with reliable grip.
Important cautions
Several sections run close to unprotected cliff edges. Avoid exposed headlands and the optional sea-arch detour in strong winds, thunderstorms or poor visibility.
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Useful answers
Rhoscolyn Circular Walk from Borthwen Beach, Anglesey FAQs
How long is the Rhoscolyn Circular Walk?
The official circular route is approximately 5.8 miles or 9.4 km. Allow three to four hours, with additional time for beach stops, photographs or the optional sea-arch detour.
Where does the Rhoscolyn walk start?
The route starts and finishes at the car park beside Borthwen Beach in Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, LL65 2NJ. Parking charges may apply and spaces are limited.
Is the Rhoscolyn walk suitable for dogs?
Dogs can complete the route but should be kept under close control and placed on a lead around livestock, nesting birds and cliff edges. Check current beach notices before allowing a dog onto the sand.
Is the walk suitable for children or pushchairs?
The route can suit active, confident older children, but close supervision is essential beside cliffs and water. It is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs because of stiles, gates, stepping stones, beaches and uneven paths.
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