Ynys Melyn

Island in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Ynys Melyn

Reeds in the Valley above Pwll Arian A very quiet and tranquil place out of the wind
Reeds in the Valley above Pwll Arian Credit: Deborah Tilley

Ynys Melyn, located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, is a small island with a rich history and natural beauty. The island, also known as Yellow Island in Welsh, gets its name from the yellowish hue of its rocks. It is situated in St. Brides Bay, approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Solva.

Covering an area of around 15 acres, Ynys Melyn is accessible by foot during low tide, as it is connected to the mainland by a causeway. At high tide, however, the island is completely cut off from the mainland. This makes it an interesting and unique destination for visitors, as they must time their visits accordingly.

The island is known for its stunning coastal scenery, with rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Ynys Melyn is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, gulls, and cormorants. Seals can often be spotted basking on the rocks surrounding the island.

The history of Ynys Melyn dates back centuries, with evidence of prehistoric settlements on the island. It was also used as a defensive fortification during the Iron Age. Today, the remains of an ancient hillfort can still be seen, adding to the island's historical significance.

Due to its remote location and limited facilities, Ynys Melyn is not a heavily visited tourist destination. However, for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a glimpse into the past, this small island offers a unique and rewarding experience.

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Ynys Melyn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.005494/-5.082061 or Grid Reference SM8838. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Reeds in the Valley above Pwll Arian A very quiet and tranquil place out of the wind
Reeds in the Valley above Pwll Arian
A very quiet and tranquil place out of the wind
Pwll Arian a Charreg Onnen Bay / Pwll Arian and Carreg Onnen Bay Golygfa tuag at Oleudy Pen Caer / A view towards Strumble Head Lighthouse.
Pwll Arian a Charreg Onnen Bay / Pwll Arian and Carreg Onnen Bay
Golygfa tuag at Oleudy Pen Caer / A view towards Strumble Head Lighthouse.
Carn Melyn Carn Melyn gyda Charreg Onnen a Goleudy Pen Caer y tu ol / Carn Melyn with Carreg Onnen and Strumble Head behind.
Carn Melyn
Carn Melyn gyda Charreg Onnen a Goleudy Pen Caer y tu ol / Carn Melyn with Carreg Onnen and Strumble Head behind.
Carn Melyn
Carn Melyn
Llwybr Arfordir Sir Benfro / Pembrokeshire Coast Path Goleudy Pen Caer yn y pellter / Strumble Head Lighthouse in the distance.
Llwybr Arfordir Sir Benfro / Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Goleudy Pen Caer yn y pellter / Strumble Head Lighthouse in the distance.
Carn Melyn Goleudy Pen Caer yn y pellter / Strumble Head Lighthouse in the distance.
Carn Melyn
Goleudy Pen Caer yn y pellter / Strumble Head Lighthouse in the distance.
Coastal marsh near Strumble Head This small valley drains down into a marsh above the rocky coastline with tall reed beds and a silent, unspoilt air.
Coastal marsh near Strumble Head
This small valley drains down into a marsh above the rocky coastline with tall reed beds and a silent, unspoilt air.
Looking towards Garn Fawr
Looking towards Garn Fawr
Pwll Arian Inlet on the north Pembrokeshire coast, west of Strumble Head
Pwll Arian
Inlet on the north Pembrokeshire coast, west of Strumble Head
A stretch of dry stone wall Can find no name for the hill on the other side
A stretch of dry stone wall
Can find no name for the hill on the other side
Pwll Arian Pwll Arian translates as silver pool.  Looking north from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Pwll Arian
Pwll Arian translates as silver pool. Looking north from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Carn Melyn
Carn Melyn
Pwll Arian A view of Pwll Arian from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Pwll Arian
A view of Pwll Arian from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Coastal grazing land Moorland adjacent to Llanwnwr is home to a large number of grazing ponies. The distant horizon is formed by the long ridge marking the outcrop of an intrusion of gabbroic rocks (see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4895780">SM9038 : Gabbro crags</a>). The long-distance path follows the fence, though the area is marked as access land.
Coastal grazing land
Moorland adjacent to Llanwnwr is home to a large number of grazing ponies. The distant horizon is formed by the long ridge marking the outcrop of an intrusion of gabbroic rocks (see SM9038 : Gabbro crags). The long-distance path follows the fence, though the area is marked as access land.
Pillowed basalt 2 Basalt lava which is erupted into water develops a large-scale texture known as pillows, for which the Pen Caer district is famous. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4908786">SM8941 : Pillowed basalt flow</a> for further explanation. In this location, the size of the pillows is unusually large, and I wonder if this is the true explanation. My Geograph assistant is posing for scale, but he is not easily picked out among the strong shadows.
Pillowed basalt 2
Basalt lava which is erupted into water develops a large-scale texture known as pillows, for which the Pen Caer district is famous. See SM8941 : Pillowed basalt flow for further explanation. In this location, the size of the pillows is unusually large, and I wonder if this is the true explanation. My Geograph assistant is posing for scale, but he is not easily picked out among the strong shadows.
Pillowed basalt 1 Basalt lava which is erupted into water develops a large-scale texture known as pillows, for which the Pen Caer district is famous. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4908786">SM8941 : Pillowed basalt flow</a> for further explanation. In this location on Carn Melyn, the size of the pillows is unusually large, and in the correct light they can be seen from the lighthouse car-park. I wonder if pillowed-basalt is the correct interpretation for this outcrop. My Geograph assistant is posing for scale.
Pillowed basalt 1
Basalt lava which is erupted into water develops a large-scale texture known as pillows, for which the Pen Caer district is famous. See SM8941 : Pillowed basalt flow for further explanation. In this location on Carn Melyn, the size of the pillows is unusually large, and in the correct light they can be seen from the lighthouse car-park. I wonder if pillowed-basalt is the correct interpretation for this outcrop. My Geograph assistant is posing for scale.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path near March Bach
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path near March Bach
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path near Carn Melyn
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path near Carn Melyn
Show me another place!

Ynys Melyn is located at Grid Ref: SM8838 (Lat: 52.005494, Lng: -5.082061)

Unitary Authority: Pembrokeshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///angry.backpack.twit. Near Goodwick, Pembrokeshire

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