Llandonna Beach

Most visitors to the island of Anglesey will never visit this wonderful open stretch of beach. They may see the land behind it from across Red Wharf Bay (Traeth Coch in Welsh) but probably the land just comes down to the water's edge. They would be wrong. Llandonna Beach is hard to find, but once found it is a peaceful, fresh location where a family could play on the beach between tides without spending a penny.

There are no shops. There are no ice cream vendors. More importantly, there are no public toilets. But the expanse of the beach is vast and the view over to Traeth Coch and Benllech is wonderful. When the tide goes out it recedes a long way, leaving a vast expanse of sand for several miles round this huge bay.

To get to it the traveller must locate the centre of Llandonna village. Turn off on the right hand side of the pub (Owain Glyndywr) and follow the narrow lane. When you arrive at the picturesque church take the lane down the left hand side of the church. At the very bottom of the lane turn left and the vistas of the bay will open up to you. There are a few cottages and bungalows on the left with a vast expanse of beautiful sand to look out on.

Along the road you will find a car park and the rest is up to you! The only reason I found this place was because I had to deliver a couple of video tapes to a man who lives along the beach road. It is an Anglesey secret worth finding for its beauty and simplicity. It is not too far if you happen to be visiting Beaumaris. You take the road towards Pentraeth and then turn right to approach Llandonna. if you approach from the direction of Pentraeth you look for a sign to turn left for the village.

Earlier today we arrived in Beaumaris from Bangor where I had been collecting some new sunglasses fro an optician. Knowing the little town as we do we parked at the roadside and walked up the Pentraeth road to Sarah's Delicatessen. There we purchased some exquisite cheese and some peppers stuffed with Feta. I had the stuffed peppers for my starter at dinner. This deli is one to die for. They encourage the cheesebuyer to taste before having a different cheese. This way you are assured of the quality of the food you buy. The smells in the shop assail the nose as soon as you go inside. If you love good food make sure you visit this shop. You will not regret it.