Holy Island - Penrhos & Trearddur Bay

Navigating The Route

This is a mixed driving-and-walking Spy Mission around Holy Island, Penrhos and Trearddur Bay, with Agents helping Special Agent Lucinda Woods stop evil property magnate Ivor Newhome from releasing a tree-eating fungus and save Anglesey's red squirrels before his cronies interfere.

The operation covers approximately 2 miles walking or 15 miles driving and should take around 5 hours to complete. You'll begin at Penrhos Coastal Park, return to the car to continue the mission, and later investigate shoreline paths, harbour and seafront areas, promenade sections and Trearddur Bay.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Plan ahead for muddy conditions, and expect promenade walking as part of the route. The optional Holyhead town centre detour includes black steps.

Keep alert on the promenade near the road at the end, where the pavement is described as booby-trapped, and take care on shoreline paths and around the harbour and seafront area.

Getting There

By car: Start at the main car park of Penrhos Coastal Park, off the A5 (LL65 2JE). The recommended parking is Penrhos Coastal Park main car park (LL65 2JE), reached by a small lane just off the A5. Be prepared for some Pay & Display car parks along the way, and bring change for them. After reaching Trearddur Bay, retrace your steps by car if needed.

By public transport: Make your way to the main car park of Penrhos Coastal Park, off the A5 (LL65 2JE), to begin the operation.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at the first two stops. There are also public toilets in the main car park in Trearddur Bay (LL65 2YP), Easter to late October.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome to join the operation. 🐾

The mission includes muddy conditions, shoreline paths, harbour and seafront areas, promenade walking and a stretch near the road at the end, so keep canine recruits close around traffic, water and busier spots. If you choose the optional South Stack detour, stay especially aware around the cliffs and seabird areas.

Food & Drink Stops

Undercover work can be hungry business. There is a cafe at the first stop, a visitors' centre at the second stop, restaurants and cafes in Trearddur Bay, and an ice-cream van can often be found at the prom. South Stack also has a cafe.

There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic, and Breakwater Country Park has picnic spots if your squad prefers field rations with a view.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Holyhead town centre

The optional circular detour of about 30 minutes explores Holyhead town centre, including the Celtic Cross, St Cybi's church and the remains of a 4th-century Roman fort. The town stands on the site of a 4th-century Roman naval fort and developed around its importance as a busy international port - useful intel for Agents who like their missions with extra history.

Breakwater Country Park

Breakwater Country Park sits at the base of Holyhead Mountain, the island's highest point and one of Britain's oldest rock formations. The summit has held a Prehistoric Hill-fort, a Roman watch-tower and a semaphore signal station, while the park is named after the 2.39km Holyhead Breakwater, the longest in Europe.

South Stack

South Stack is an optional detour and Anglesey's most westerly point, about three miles west of Holyhead. The cliffs are home to large colonies of seabirds, which can be seen from the RSPB's Ellin's Tower observatory, and the reserve also has a visitor centre, a cafe and parking.

Trearddur Bay promenade

Trearddur Bay is a great spot for rock pools, building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and enjoying an ice-cream. The mission also passes the Lifeboat station and the promenade, with a coastal-path fingerpost and marine code posters to spot along the way.