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Malltraeth Sands

Beach in Anglesey

Wales

Malltraeth Sands

Porth Melin Ifan Owen Sand dunes and sand on the southern edge of Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve.
Porth Melin Ifan Owen Credit: Rebecca A Wills

Malltraeth Sands is a picturesque beach located on the southern coast of Anglesey, an island in North Wales. This stunning stretch of golden sand is situated near the village of Malltraeth, which lies at the mouth of the Afon Cefni river.

The beach itself is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquility, attracting visitors from both near and far. It spans approximately two miles in length and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The expansive sands are backed by dunes and grassy areas, providing ample space for relaxation and recreational activities.

Malltraeth Sands is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity. Birdwatchers flock to this area to catch glimpses of rare species such as the little tern and the oystercatcher. In addition, the nearby estuary is an important habitat for a variety of wading birds.

The beach is easily accessible, with a car park located nearby and a footpath leading directly onto the sands. During low tide, the sea retreats, revealing vast expanses of sand, perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and picnics. However, visitors should be cautious of the incoming tides, as they can be fast-moving and cut off sections of the beach.

Overall, Malltraeth Sands is a true gem on the Anglesey coastline, offering visitors a peaceful and idyllic beach experience, coupled with the opportunity to admire its natural wonders and diverse wildlife.

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Malltraeth Sands Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.176765/-4.3973428 or Grid Reference SH3967. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Porth Melin Ifan Owen Sand dunes and sand on the southern edge of Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve.
Porth Melin Ifan Owen
Sand dunes and sand on the southern edge of Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve.
Malltraeth Sands Looking from the sand dunes of Malltraeth Sands towards Newborough Forest.
Malltraeth Sands
Looking from the sand dunes of Malltraeth Sands towards Newborough Forest.
Hermon Hermon is a village on the island of Anglesey. It is located on the A4080 road, roughly halfway between Newborough and Aberffraw, some 6 miles to the southwest of Llangefni.
Hermon
Hermon is a village on the island of Anglesey. It is located on the A4080 road, roughly halfway between Newborough and Aberffraw, some 6 miles to the southwest of Llangefni.
The edge of Newborough Forest at Cefni Saltmarsh
The edge of Newborough Forest at Cefni Saltmarsh
Forest meets dunes - sandy paths in Newborough Forest
Forest meets dunes - sandy paths in Newborough Forest
Former Military Buildings Associated With RAF Bodorgan
Former Military Buildings Associated With RAF Bodorgan
Salt Marsh near Malltraeth Sands The path is leading out of the Newborough Forest.
Salt Marsh near Malltraeth Sands
The path is leading out of the Newborough Forest.
Salt Marsh near Malltraeth Sands On the left is Newborough Forest, and in the distance are the sand dunes at Traeth Penrhos.
Salt Marsh near Malltraeth Sands
On the left is Newborough Forest, and in the distance are the sand dunes at Traeth Penrhos.
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal path through Newborough Forest
The Isle of Anglesey Coastal path through Newborough Forest
Marshland near Malltraeth Sands
Marshland near Malltraeth Sands
Path to Traeth Penrhos
Path to Traeth Penrhos
Sediments ancient and modern Looking over an outcrop of the Gwna Melange, a metamorphosed sedimentary rock of Cambrian age to the contemporary sediments of the Malltraeth Sands. The Afon Cefni channel can be seen in the middle distance, at approximately low tide. The sea-washed rock outcrop has a thick growth of lichens.
Sediments ancient and modern
Looking over an outcrop of the Gwna Melange, a metamorphosed sedimentary rock of Cambrian age to the contemporary sediments of the Malltraeth Sands. The Afon Cefni channel can be seen in the middle distance, at approximately low tide. The sea-washed rock outcrop has a thick growth of lichens.
Tideline walkers A party of geologists walking along the Malltraeth shore on an organised excursion.
Tideline walkers
A party of geologists walking along the Malltraeth shore on an organised excursion.
Concretions in sandstone Variable cementing of the sandstone, Carboniferous in age, by carbonates has resulted in irregular weathering and the appearance of large, dark-coloured nodules on the eroded surfaces. The presence of bedding planes passing straight through some nodules is indicative of the structure being secondary in nature. The dark colour is largely due to the slow ablation of the surface compared to less heavily-cemented areas, and the surface is stable enough to be colonised by lichens (yellow Caloplaca is prominent).
Concretions in sandstone
Variable cementing of the sandstone, Carboniferous in age, by carbonates has resulted in irregular weathering and the appearance of large, dark-coloured nodules on the eroded surfaces. The presence of bedding planes passing straight through some nodules is indicative of the structure being secondary in nature. The dark colour is largely due to the slow ablation of the surface compared to less heavily-cemented areas, and the surface is stable enough to be colonised by lichens (yellow Caloplaca is prominent).
Conglomerate beds Beds of a pebble conglomerate dip steadily to the right in this image. It is widely regarded as being a basal formation to the local Carboniferous outcrop, but here its position in the stratigraphy is rather obscure. Similar beds can be found at the side of Lligwy Bay <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SH5087">SH5087</a> where limestone is also in evidence.
Conglomerate beds
Beds of a pebble conglomerate dip steadily to the right in this image. It is widely regarded as being a basal formation to the local Carboniferous outcrop, but here its position in the stratigraphy is rather obscure. Similar beds can be found at the side of Lligwy Bay SH5087 where limestone is also in evidence.
Outcrop of unconformity At the left of this image rocks belonging to the Gwna Melange can be seen. These are of Pre-Cambrian age and significantly metamorphosed. Falling down and spreading over the ancient topography, a rough cliff-like feature, are much younger rocks comprising a scree of angular debris obviously derived from the Gwna Melange. Higher up the succession, to the top right of the image the sediments are more obviously bedded and fine-grained in nature. The younger sediments are widely regarded to be of Devonian age, but may be Carboniferous as there is a lack of diagnostic fossils. A walking stick is stuck into a small thrust fault in the Gwna Melange for scale.
Outcrop of unconformity
At the left of this image rocks belonging to the Gwna Melange can be seen. These are of Pre-Cambrian age and significantly metamorphosed. Falling down and spreading over the ancient topography, a rough cliff-like feature, are much younger rocks comprising a scree of angular debris obviously derived from the Gwna Melange. Higher up the succession, to the top right of the image the sediments are more obviously bedded and fine-grained in nature. The younger sediments are widely regarded to be of Devonian age, but may be Carboniferous as there is a lack of diagnostic fossils. A walking stick is stuck into a small thrust fault in the Gwna Melange for scale.
The track from the beach to the forest
The track from the beach to the forest
Back lane into Malltraeth Followed by the Anglesey Coastal Path.
Back lane into Malltraeth
Followed by the Anglesey Coastal Path.
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Malltraeth Sands is located at Grid Ref: SH3967 (Lat: 53.176765, Lng: -4.3973428)

Unitary Authority: Isle of Anglesey

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///challenge.bells.indulges. Near Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Nearby Locations

Bryn Cŷn Covert Bryn Cyn Malltraeth Sands

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