Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest, Anglesey

Welcome

The dunes, coastal marshes, sandy and rocky shores at Newborough have been shaped over thousands of years by the wind and sea and are home to a dazzling array of plants and animals.

Newborough Warren is one of the largest and finest dune systems in Britain, and together with Ynys Llanddwyn island it was declared the first coastal National Nature Reserve in Wales in 1955.

The Corsican pine trees that make up Newborough Forest were planted between 1947 and 1965 to provide timber and to stabilise the shifting sand dunes. Today the forest is a popular area for recreation and home to wildlife, especially red squirrels.

The Cefni Estuary and the pools behind the Pen Cob embankment are a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife and there are views across the estuary over an expanse of coastal marsh, open sand and sea.

You can walk anywhere on the beaches and on the network of footpaths or you can follow one of our waymarked walking trails.

There are also cycle trails, a trim trail and two waymarked running trails.

Walking trails

Walking trails start from several of our car parks at Newborough.

The walking trails are waymarked from start to finish.

Look out for the information panel at the start of the trail.

Find out about walking trail grades.

Saint, Sand and Sea Trail

• Start: Beach car park
• Distance: 4½ miles/7.1 kilometres
• Time: 3 hours
• Grade: Moderate

Please note:

• Ynys Llanddwyn can be cut off in high tides you should check tide times before starting this route. Check tide times on the BBC website
• the island can be very exposed and you should be prepared for bad weather conditions

This trail offers a family adventure taking in the forest, dunes and island.

The Saint, Sand and Sea Trail gives an insight into Newborough’s unique geological and cultural features, as well as its history and the legend of Saint Dwynwen.

You can make your way over to the island of Ynys Llanddwyn at low tide.

Audio trail

Learn more about local history and the legend of Saint Dwynwen on our Saint, Sand and Sea MP3 audio trail.

The audio trail is divided into sections which correspond to numbered posts along the Saint, Sand and Sea walking trail.

• Find out how to download the free PlacesToGo app with audio trails to your mobile device
• Listen to the Saint, Sand and Sea audio trail now

Nature/Animal Puzzle Trail

• Start: Beach car park
• Distance: 1 mile/1.5 kilometres
• Time: 1 hour
• Grade: Easy
• Trail information: The trail starts from the beach car park and continues on sections of stoned forest road and some sandy but uneven tracks before returning to the car park.

Pick up a leaflet and let the children take the lead as you search for the animals and clues along the trail.

Or find the ‘disappearing signs’ along the trail, which tell you some fascinating facts about the local wildlife.

Princes and Pines Heritage Trail

• Start: Cwnhingar car park
• Distance: 3¼ miles/5.3 kilometres
• Time: 2 hours
• Grade: Moderate

Enjoy this circular walk through forest, dune and farmland. 

Lake View Trail

• Grade: Accessible
• Start: Llyn Parc Mawr car park
• Distance: ¼ mile/0.3 kilometre
• Time: 15 minutes
• Climb: Flat
• Trail information: A flat 1.5 metre-wide well-surfaced trail with passing places and resting areas every 50 metres.

Follow the trail across the picnic site to the viewpoint over the hidden forest lake.

There you'll find information on the birds which live here, or stop at one of the picnic tables and look out for the red squirrels in the trees.

Red Squirrel Discovery Trail

• Start: Llyn Parc Mawr car park
• Distance: 1½ miles/2.4 kilometres
• Time: 1 hour
• Grade: Easy

Llyn Parc Mawr is one of the best places in Newborough to catch sight of one of our rarest mammals, the red squirrel.

On the trail find out more about their life in the forest from our information panels.

On the way you’ll see some great views of the wildlife lake and the pine forest.

Estuary View Walk

• Start: Pen Cob car park
• Distance: 1¾ miles/2.9 kilometres
• Time: 1 hour
• Grade: Easy

Walk through the forest and alongside the Cefni estuary with its great variety of wildlife.

From our two viewing points see if you can spot the elusive osprey hunting for fish in the summer, or take a look alongside the saltmarsh for its variety of plants such as the common reed, Britain’s tallest native grass which was used for thatching.

Dune Walk

• Start: Braint car park or Llyn Rhos Ddu car park
• Distance: 3½ miles/5.6 kilometres
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Grade: Moderate

Enjoy the views from the Warren across to the mountains and along the coastline and the amazing display of wildflowers.

Cycling trails

Our two cycle trails are ideal for all the family.

All our mountain bike trails are waymarked from start to finish and have been graded for difficulty.

At the start of the trail there is an information panel – please read this before setting off.

• Find out about mountain bike trail grades.
• For a list of our mountain bike trails and information to plan your ride, go to mountain biking.
• For more information about mountain biking in Wales, go to the Mountain Bike Wales website.

Bike Quest Nature Trail

• Start: Beach car park
• Distance: 7.8 kilometres
• Grade: Forest road and similar

Pick up a family activities pack from the dispenser in the car park.

Then follow the waymarkers and search for the information panels to answer the nature challenge questions.

Accessibility information

This trail is suitable for people using adaptive equipment.

Adaptive equipment includes adaptive cycles, adaptive wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

We have produced a film about this trail to help you work out how suitable it may be for you before you visit.

To watch the film, go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment

Corsica Bike Trail

• Start: Beach car park
• Distance: 9.9 kilometres
• Grade: Forest road and similar

This waymarked circular route is mainly on forest roads and has views of the estuary.

It goes through areas of mixed forest from mature pine trees to wet willow woods, and passes by ponds, unusual rocks and wildflowers.

Accessibility information

This trail is suitable for people using adaptive equipment.

Adaptive equipment includes adaptive cycles, adaptive wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

We have produced a film about this trail to help you work out how suitable it may be for you before you visit.

To watch the film, go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment

Running trails

Two running trails are waymarked from the Beach car park in Newborough.

The 5km running trail, which is based on the route of the popular weekly Parkrun event, provides a great introduction to running.

The Commonwealth Running Trail follows part of the official race route of a championship trail race which took place here in 2011.

5km Running Trail

• Start: Beach car park
• Distance: 3 miles/5 kilometres
• Climb: 33 metres
• Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
• Grade: Easy

An easy introduction to trail running based on the route of the popular weekly Parkrun.

Follow the blue waymarkers through the forest on a mixture of well-surfaced forest roads and narrow paths on loose sand with some exposed tree roots. There are no steps or gates along the route.

Enjoy the woodland scenery at your leisure or practice improving your speed and endurance around the trail.

Commonwealth Running Trail

• Start: Beach car park
• Distance: 8½ miles/13.6 kilometres
• Time running: 1 hour
• Time walking: 3 hours
• Grade: Strenuous

The Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Running Championships took place in North Wales in 2011. The 55 kilometre Ultra Distance trail race was held in Newborough and today you can run (or walk!) part of the official race route.

Waymarked from the beach car park, the running trail goes through the peaceful forest, the vast dunes of Newborough Warren and onto the island of Ynys Llanddwyn.

The route includes stoned forest roads, narrow paths on sand with exposed tree roots, loose sand and shingle, uneven grassland and rocky terrain.

Newborough Forest Parkrun

Parkruns are free, weekly, community events that take place all around the world.

The Newborough Forest Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am.

It is a free event but you need to register before you first come along.

The Newborough Forest Parkrun is organised by volunteers and everyone is welcome, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.

For more information about the Newborough Forest Parkrun, including how to register and how to become a volunteer at the event, go to the Parkrun website.

Trim Trail

• Start: Cwnhingar car park
• Distance: 1¾ miles/2.7 kilometres
• Time: 2 hours
• Grade: Easy

The Trim Trail is designed to improve your fitness and health while you’re enjoying the beauty of the forest.

There are 11 exercise stations, two of which are accessible with a wheelchair.

Each exercise station has an instruction panel and resting bench nearby.

Orienteering

Test your map-reading skills by navigating between the wooden marker posts (known as "controls" by orienteers) on one of the three permanent orienteering courses in Newborough Forest.

The courses are suitable for beginners who can understand a map and experienced orienteers and it’s up to you how quickly you complete a course.

The courses are graded to British Orienteering Federation standards and were designed by Eryri Orienteers.

All three routes start north east of the main parking area and finish in the clearing south east of the main parking area.

Orange course

• Distance: 2.5 kilometres
• Grade: medium

The Orange course is of medium difficulty and is suitable for beginners who can understand a map.

There are 9 controls to visit on the course.

Green course

• Distance: 5 kilometres
• Grade: very hard

The Green course requires technically difficult navigation and is suitable for experienced orienteers.

There are 12 controls to visit on the course.

Blue course

• Distance: 6.7 kilometres
• Grade: very hard

The Blue course requires technically difficult navigation and is suitable for experienced orienteers.

There are 18 controls to visit on the course.

More information

• Download the maps, instructions and answer sheets from the bottom of this page
• Buy an A3 sized version of the map, printed on waterproof paper at a scale of 1:7,500, with instructions and answer sheet from the toll booth at the forest entrance (open 9am to 11am on Wednesdays only) or email our customer team

Horse riding

You need to apply for a permit to ride a horse in Newborough forest.

It costs £10. 

You will need:

• the horse rider's name
• proof of public liability showing:
  
  • your name
  • cover dates
  • cover amount (at least £5 million)
    
    

After you have submitted your application we will contact you within ten working days to confirm receipt and arrange payment.

Horse riding trails

Park your horse box in Pen Cob car park. This is where the horse riding trails start.

The two horse riding trails explore the unique and beautiful surroundings of Newborough Forest.

Both trails take you through a mix of young and old pine forest on easy tracks, giving you the opportunity to relax and take in the beauty of the forest and its wildlife.

The trails follow part of the old postal route to the island of Llanddwyn.

Postman's Trot

• Start: Pen Cob car park
• Distance: 6½ miles/10.5 kilometres
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Grade: Easy
• Trail information: The route is mainly on stone forest roads and sandy tracks with some exposed roots in places.

Woodland Trot

• Start: Pen Cob car park
• Distance: 7¼ miles/11.8 kilometres
• Time: 2-4 hours
• Grade: Easy
• Trail information: The route is mainly on stone forest roads and sandy tracks with some exposed roots in places.

What to see on the National Nature Reserve

Newborough Warren’s dunes and beach and the island of Ynys Llanddwyn are a National Nature Reserve which also includes large areas of saltmarsh and coastal sand flats.

National Nature Reserves are places with some of the very finest examples of wildlife habitats and geological features.

The landscape and wildlife varies depending on which time of year you visit – here’s what to look out for.

The dunes

The high dunes and seasonally flooded dune hollows (known as slacks) here are the result of the ever-evolving landscape shaped by thousands of years of storms, tides and nature.

The sand dunes are a rich mix of damp hollows, grassland and developing dune woodland of willow and birch.

The once mobile dunes have in recent years become ‘fixed’ and covered in plants as a result of air pollution, changing weather patterns and fewer rabbits and grazing animals.

This means a huge decrease in the amount of bare sand, a habitat crucial to the survival of some of our rarest plants and insects, such as the petalwort liverwort and the vernal mining bee.

To address this, we have started re-creating areas of bare sand along the coastline using large machines and much of the dunes are grazed with ponies and cattle to keep the dune vegetation short and rich in wildflowers. Rabbits used to do this until myxomatosis caused their numbers to decline.

Ynys Llanddwyn

Ynys Llanddwyn island is rich in heritage, folklore, geology and wildlife.

The rocks on this tidal island are amongst the oldest in Wales – look out for the distinctive outcrops of pillow lava on the beach.

What to see in summer

During the summer months the dunes are carpeted in thousands of colourful flowers including rare orchids and are buzzing with insect and birdlife.

Listen for skylarks high above the reserve and the chattering of whitethroats, stonechats and linnets in the dunes and open woodland.

What to see in autumn and winter

During the autumn and early winter migratory wildfowl such as Brent geese, shelduck and wigeon are joined on the saltmarsh and estuary by redshanks and plovers.

The pools behind the Cob embankment are visited by birds such as pintail, wigeon, teal and lapwing which come here to escape the harsher winters of the Arctic.

National Nature Reserves in Wales

There are over 70 National Nature Reserves in Wales.

 Find out more about National Nature Reserves.

Red squirrels

Llyn Parc Mawr is one of the best places in Newborough to catch sight of one of our rarest mammals, the red squirrel.

By the mid 1990s red squirrels had almost disappeared from the forest but they were re-introduced in 2004 from the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

We manage the forest with them and other wildlife in mind – red squirrels like the mix of pines and other trees species which we grow here to provide them with food and shelter.

Try our waymarked Red Squirrel Walk from the Llyn Parc Mawr car park and visit our lakeside viewpoint to get a feel for this unique area and its wildlife.

The legend of Saint Dwynwen

Ynys Llanddwyn island is home to the ruins of an ancient church dedicated to Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers in Wales.

In Welsh, Llanddwyn means ‘the church of Saint Dwynwen’ and the story of Saint Dwynwen, patron saint of lovers of Wales, is associated with the island.

Dwynwen was the daughter of a 5th century king. She is said to have retreated to Llanddwyn after falling in love and she set up a religious enclosure here.

Over the years this beautiful island became a popular place of pilgrimage and today people celebrate Saint Dwynwen's Day on 25 January all over Wales.

You can learn more about the legend of Dwynwen on our audio trail which you can download to use on the Saint, Sand and Sea walking trail.

Wales Coast Path

The Wales Coast Path goes through Newborough.

The Wales Coast Path provides a continuous walking route around the coastline of Wales.

Go to the Wales Coast Path website to find out more.

National Forest for Wales

Llyn Parc Mawr forms part of the National Forest for Wales.

The National Forest will:

• create areas of new woodland
• enhance existing woodlands
• restore Wales’ irreplaceable ancient woodlands

It will form a connected ecological network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

Parts of the network will eventually form a trail running the length and breadth of Wales, so anyone can access it wherever they live.

For more information go to the National Forest for Wales website.

Visiting safely

We want you to return home safely after your visit here.

You are responsible for your own safety as well as the safety of any children and animals with you during your visit.

Please note:

• Newborough is a working forest - some areas may be closed for safety when trees are being felled or timber removed so please obey all warning signs.
• Be aware of soft sinking mud/sand and do not go out onto the estuary – the incoming tide can quickly cut you off­.
• Ynys Llanddwyn island can be cut off in high tides.
• Be prepared for bad weather conditions and check tide times.
• Do not touch any military debris – it may explode! Report any suspect objects to the Police by calling 999.
• Do not dig holes or tunnels in the sand dunes - sand can collapse and suffocate you.
• There is no lifeguard service on the beach here.
• Do not feed or approach livestock.
• No camping - there are official campsites nearby.
• No open fires.
• See the information on seasonal dog restrictions on this webpage and on the sign in Beach car park.

For advice and tips to help you plan your visit here go to Visiting our places safely.

Changes to visitor facilities

See the top of this webpage for details of any planned closures or other changes to visitor facilities here.

For your safety, always follow instructions from staff and signs including those for trail diversions or closures.

We may divert or close trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or other operations and we may need to close other visitor facilities temporarily.

In extreme weather, we may close facilities at short notice due to the risk of injury to visitors and staff.

Accessibility information

Accessible facilities

• free parking for blue badge holders
• accessible toilets in Beach car park
• two accessible exercise stations on the Trim Trail
• Lake View Trail (accessible trail from Llyn Parc Mawr car park)

Access over the sand dunes for wheelchair users

People using wheelchairs can cross over the sand dunes on a Mobi-Mat to enable them to get better views of the beach and coastline.

The Mobi-Mat is located next to Beach car park, near the information area.

The Mobi-Mat is made from recycled plastic and its surface is permeable which will help to prevent the build-up of sand on top of it. It can be repositioned in future to accommodate any natural changes in the moving sands that make up the dune system at Newborough.

Access to the beach for wheelchair users

A wheelchair suitable for use on the beach can be hired free of charge from the Beach car park.

The beach wheelchair is provided in partnership with the Isle of Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The wheelchair must be booked in advance by calling the Newborough Wardens on 07816 110188 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm).

Trails suitable for users of adaptive equipment

The Bikequest Nature Challenge and the Corsica Bike Trail are suitable for people using adaptive equipment.

Adaptive equipment includes adaptive cycles, adaptive wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

We have produced a film about each of these trails to help you work out how suitable they may be for you before you visit.

To watch the films, go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment

Seasonal dog restrictions

There are lots of trails in the forest and large areas of the beach where dogs are welcome all year round.

Please note the seasonal restrictions below.

There is an information panel and map in Beach car park that shows where these restrictions apply.

Ynys Llanddwyn island (1 April to 1 September)

• keep dogs on short leads
• keep to the marked paths to help protect ground-nesting birds

Blue Flag Beach (1 May to 30 September)

• no dogs

Educational visits

We do not organise visits for schools or other educational establishments to Newborough.

If you wish to organise a self-led educational visit, we can allocate a parking bay for your minibus or coach.

You will need to complete a risk assessment form and provide other details before your visit.

Please contact us at least two weeks before your visit by emailing the North West Permissions Team.

Opening times

Please check the top of this page for any changes to these opening times.

Toilets

The toilets in Beach car park are normally open:

• 8am to 6pm in summer (BST)
• 8.30am to 4pm in winter (GMT)

Refreshments

There is an ice cream van and a catering van in Beach car park at these times:

• 11am to 4pm every weekend (1 April to 30 September)
• 11am to 4pm every day (school summer holidays)

Please note that these times are subject to weather conditions.

How to get here

Location

Newborough is 13 miles from Bangor.

It is in the county of Anglesey.

It is on Ordnance Survey (OS) map 263.

Directions

Take the A55 from Bangor towards Holyhead.

Go over the Britannia Bridge onto Anglesey and take the A4080 to Newborough village.

Turn left, following the brown and white signs for ‘Ynys Llanddwyn Island’, and you will reach our car parks and toll booth.

Public transport

The nearest major train stations are in Bangor and Holyhead.

There is an unstaffed request station stop at Bodorgan, which is about four miles from Newborough village.

For details of public transport visit Traveline Cymru's website

Parking

There are seven car parks:

• for Newborough Forest, Ynys Llanddwyn island and the beach use Beach, Airman’s or Cwningar car parks (parking charge in these car parks)
• for Newborough Warren use Braint car park or Llyn Rhos Ddu car park (free of charge)
• for Cefni estuary and Pen Cob use Pen Cob car park or Llyn Parc Mawr car park (free of charge)

Download the car park map

Parking charges (Beach, Airman’s and Cwningar car parks only)

Beach, Airman’s and Cwningar car parks have entrance and exit barriers and an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera.

The ANPR camera reads your vehicle registration number on arrival and you pay the parking charge on departure.

You are charged for the length of time you park:

• £2 for the first 2 hours
• 40p for every additional 20 minutes
• £7 maximum charge per day

You pay by card or cash at the exit barrier as you drive out of the car park.

Points to note

• If you are dropping someone off, you have 20 minutes from the time you enter the car park to the time you get to the exit barrier before you’ll be charged.
• The ANPR camera operates 24 hours a day and the car park exit barrier is always down.
• Between 4pm and 9am the following day a height barrier is put in place to prevent vehicles over 2 metres high from entering the car park.
• Buses, coaches and caravans are not permitted.
• Parking overnight is not permitted.
• Beach car park fills up quickly in peak season, especially on sunny days, and traffic can be very heavy so please be patient.
• If you use a card to pay the parking charge, your bank statement will show Coed y Brenin for this payment.

Season ticket

A season ticket allows you to park in Beach, Airman’s and Cwnhingar car parks.

The season ticket also allows you to park at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre.

A season ticket costs £70 per year and it covers two vehicles registered at the same address.

Season tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Your vehicle registration number will be added to the system so that the ANPR camera will automatically recognise it – you do not need to display your season ticket when you visit.

There are three ways to buy a season ticket:

• pay by card at the kiosk at the car park entrance barrier in Newborough (kiosk open Wednesday 9am to 11am and Saturday 9am to 11am)
• pay by card at Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (open 10am-4pm every day)
• email coedybrenin@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk and we’ll contact you to take payment over the phone

Please note:

• if you apply in person, present the vehicle log book (V5 document).
• if you apply by email, attach a scan or photo of the log book (V5 document).
• if you wish to use a season ticket for two vehicles registered to the same address, provide the log book (V5 document) for both vehicles
• If you use a card to pay for your season ticket, your bank statement will show Coed y Brenin for this payment.
• parking spaces are not allocated or reserved for season ticket holders (both Newborough and Coed y Brenin are popular destinations, especially during the school holidays, and the car parks may fill up very quickly and early in the day).

Free parking for Blue Badge holders

Parking is free of charge for Blue Badge holders.

Please park in one of the spaces for Blue Badge holders and display your Blue Badge in your vehicle.

To leave the site without charge, scan your Blue Badge bar code at the exit barrier pay station.

There is an intercom at the exit barrier if you encounter problems on departure.

Free parking for local residents

Residents of Newborough, Dwyran, Llangaffo and Malltraeth can apply for a resident pass to get free parking at our Newborough car parks.

Other residents of Anglesey can purchase a season ticket for our Newborough car parks at the discounted rate of £35 (see the season ticket section on this page).

How to apply for a resident pass

You need to register your vehicle with us to ensure the camera recognises it and allows you to leave the car park without paying.

To register your vehicle:

• Email coedybrenin@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk and attach a scan or photograph of your vehicle log book (V5C) or take your log book to the kiosk at the car park entrance (the current opening times are Wednesday 9am to 11am and Saturday 9am to 11am).
• Remember to renew your resident pass annually.

How to renew your resident pass

Resident passes are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

You must contact us to renew your resident pass every year.

To renew your resident pass:

• Email coedybrenin@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk and attach a scan or photograph of your vehicle log book (V5C) or take your log book to the kiosk at the car park entrance (the current opening times are Wednesday 9am to 11am and Saturday 9am to 11am).

Contact details

There are no staff based at Newborough.

The toll booth at the Beach car park barrier is staffed on Wednesdays and on Saturdays only from 9am to 11am. The staff member can issue season tickets and give out leaflets and orienteering maps.

Contact our customer team for general enquiries during office hours, Monday to Friday.