Craig yr Odyn

Island in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Craig yr Odyn

View towards Cemaes Head From Poppit Sands
View towards Cemaes Head Credit: Kevin Waterhouse

Craig yr Odyn is a small island located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated in the Celtic Sea, approximately 2 kilometers from the mainland. The island is accessible by boat, and is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts.

Measuring around 1.5 hectares, Craig yr Odyn is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes, making it a haven for birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, attracting snorkelers and divers who are eager to explore the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

The island's name translates to "rock of the otter" in Welsh, hinting at the presence of otters in the area. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.

Craig yr Odyn also boasts stunning panoramic views of the Pembrokeshire coastline and the nearby islands. On a clear day, one can see as far as Ramsey Island and the Preseli Hills. The island's exposed position often results in strong winds, so visitors are advised to dress appropriately.

Despite its small size, Craig yr Odyn has a rich history. It is believed to have been inhabited during the Neolithic period, and evidence of ancient settlements can still be found. Today, the island is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

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Craig yr Odyn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.115654/-4.7335512 or Grid Reference SN1249. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View towards Cemaes Head From Poppit Sands
View towards Cemaes Head
From Poppit Sands
Old lifeboat station and breakwater below Penrhyn Castle The first lifeboat house was constructed here in 1849 and was paid for by public subscription following a series of ship wrecks with substantial loss of lives, vessels and cargoes. This one replaced it in 1876 and was in use until 1932,  subsequently replaced by the Poppit Sands Inshore Lifeboat Station in 1971. The boat house and the breakwater are now marked Private but there is a PROW up behind it.
Old lifeboat station and breakwater below Penrhyn Castle
The first lifeboat house was constructed here in 1849 and was paid for by public subscription following a series of ship wrecks with substantial loss of lives, vessels and cargoes. This one replaced it in 1876 and was in use until 1932, subsequently replaced by the Poppit Sands Inshore Lifeboat Station in 1971. The boat house and the breakwater are now marked Private but there is a PROW up behind it.
Steps up towards  Penrhyn Castle Public right of way at the northern end of Poppit beach, between the old lifeboat station and Penrhyn Castle (private), and leading in this direction to an access lane.
Steps up towards Penrhyn Castle
Public right of way at the northern end of Poppit beach, between the old lifeboat station and Penrhyn Castle (private), and leading in this direction to an access lane.
Cemaes Head View from the northern side of the Teifi Estuary.
Cemaes Head
View from the northern side of the Teifi Estuary.
View over the Teifi estuary towards Pengarn
View over the Teifi estuary towards Pengarn
Sunset over Cemaes Head View across the Teifi Estuary from Gwbert.
Sunset over Cemaes Head
View across the Teifi Estuary from Gwbert.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path above Cemmaes Head A family walk along a short stretch of the coast path, scanned from a slide in my late father's archive; the exact date isn't recorded, but my recollection is that it was around Easter. Cardigan Island is visible in the distance, above my head.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path above Cemmaes Head
A family walk along a short stretch of the coast path, scanned from a slide in my late father's archive; the exact date isn't recorded, but my recollection is that it was around Easter. Cardigan Island is visible in the distance, above my head.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path above Cemmaes Head A family walk along a short stretch of the coast path, scanned from a slide in my late father's archive; the exact date isn't recorded, but my recollection is that it was around Easter. Clearly something in the water had attracted our attention, maybe a seal
Pembrokeshire Coast Path above Cemmaes Head
A family walk along a short stretch of the coast path, scanned from a slide in my late father's archive; the exact date isn't recorded, but my recollection is that it was around Easter. Clearly something in the water had attracted our attention, maybe a seal
Heather and rocks on Cemaes Head
Heather and rocks on Cemaes Head
Cemaes Head Walked off the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to have a look over the edge of Cemaes Head.
Cemaes Head
Walked off the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to have a look over the edge of Cemaes Head.
Cemaes Head From the coastal path.
Cemaes Head
From the coastal path.
Cemaes Head Cemaes Head is the most northerly point of the Pembrokeshire coast.
Cemaes Head
Cemaes Head is the most northerly point of the Pembrokeshire coast.
Hillside beside the Pembrokeshire Coast Path This section of the footpath passes hillside where gorse and bracken have taken over. The view is over part of Cardigan Bay towards Cardigan Island.
Hillside beside the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
This section of the footpath passes hillside where gorse and bracken have taken over. The view is over part of Cardigan Bay towards Cardigan Island.
Bluebells on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path The blue of the sea is echoed by the blue haze of the bluebells ahead on the eastern flank of Cemaes Head.
Bluebells on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The blue of the sea is echoed by the blue haze of the bluebells ahead on the eastern flank of Cemaes Head.
Bluebells on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Yellow gorse flowers, blue sea, white cottages, golden sands, green fields now enhanced with a haze of bluebells. A simple palette but all the better for that.
Bluebells on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Yellow gorse flowers, blue sea, white cottages, golden sands, green fields now enhanced with a haze of bluebells. A simple palette but all the better for that.
Entrance to Cemaes Head Nature Reserve A wonderfully wild feeling and remote section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path enters this nature reserve and straightaway you can feel the difference and see the evidence; more beetles stalking the pathway, more birds take flight at your approach, especially skylarks and wagtails and the odd grey seal can be seen bottling off the coast.
Entrance to Cemaes Head Nature Reserve
A wonderfully wild feeling and remote section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path enters this nature reserve and straightaway you can feel the difference and see the evidence; more beetles stalking the pathway, more birds take flight at your approach, especially skylarks and wagtails and the odd grey seal can be seen bottling off the coast.
A family spot a grey seal off Cemaes Head These families were rooted to the spot having seen first one then two grey seals below. One was basking on a rock but plopped off and the two swam and dived while we all watched with binoculars.
A family spot a grey seal off Cemaes Head
These families were rooted to the spot having seen first one then two grey seals below. One was basking on a rock but plopped off and the two swam and dived while we all watched with binoculars.
Coastal erosion near Cemaes Head, Pembrokeshire The cliff edge here is being eroded by the weather and the large pillar looks like it has a short future and will end up far below in the sea at some stage.
Coastal erosion near Cemaes Head, Pembrokeshire
The cliff edge here is being eroded by the weather and the large pillar looks like it has a short future and will end up far below in the sea at some stage.
Show me another place!

Craig yr Odyn is located at Grid Ref: SN1249 (Lat: 52.115654, Lng: -4.7335512)

Unitary Authority: Pembrokeshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.115654,-4.7335512
Trwyn Cemaes / Cemaes Head
Ele: 189
Name Cy: Trwyn Cemaes
Name En: Cemaes Head
Natural: cape
Wikidata: Q20878109
Wikimedia Commons: File:Cliffs on Cemaes Head, Pembrokeshire Coast - geograph.org.uk - 430187.jpg
Wikipedia: en:Cemaes Head
Lat/Long: 52.117922/-4.731358
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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