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Carreg y Trai

Island in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Carreg y Trai

Porth Oer, or Whistling Sands A view from the north end of the beach which is claimed to be one of only two places in Europe where the shape of the sand particles produces a squeaking noise when walked upon.
Porth Oer, or Whistling Sands Credit: Peter Barr

Carreg y Trai is a small island located off the coast of Caernarfonshire, in northwest Wales. The island is situated in the Menai Strait, separating the Isle of Anglesey from mainland Wales. It is approximately 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, covering a total area of around 200 acres.

The island is known for its rugged and rocky terrain, with steep cliffs and jagged coastline. It is primarily composed of volcanic rock formations, providing a unique geological landscape. The highest point on the island reaches about 150 feet above sea level, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Carreg y Trai is uninhabited, with no permanent residents or structures. However, the island attracts visitors due to its natural beauty and wildlife. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for fishing and diving enthusiasts. Seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds can often be spotted in the area.

Access to Carreg y Trai is limited, as there are no regular ferry services to the island. However, during low tide, it is possible to walk across a causeway from the mainland to the island. It is advised to check tide times and be cautious of the swiftly changing tides in the Menai Strait.

Overall, Carreg y Trai offers a picturesque and secluded escape, showcasing the raw beauty of Wales' coastal landscape.

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Carreg y Trai Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.835742/-4.7278415 or Grid Reference SH1629. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Porth Oer, or Whistling Sands A view from the north end of the beach which is claimed to be one of only two places in Europe where the shape of the sand particles produces a squeaking noise when walked upon.
Porth Oer, or Whistling Sands
A view from the north end of the beach which is claimed to be one of only two places in Europe where the shape of the sand particles produces a squeaking noise when walked upon.
The Site of St Merin's Church The earthworks in the field are all that is left of the church. Ty-mawr farm is in the distance.
The Site of St Merin's Church
The earthworks in the field are all that is left of the church. Ty-mawr farm is in the distance.
Ruined Agricultural Buildings, Methlem
Ruined Agricultural Buildings, Methlem
Porth Oer....Whistling Sands, Llyn Peninsula, Wales Close to the village of Methlem and just under 3 miles from Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales - Porth Oer is a small inlet off the Irish Sea that was once a busy port. It is part of a National Trust estate. Porth Oer is also known as Whistling Sands due to the unique sound it makes as you walk on the dry sand once the tide has receded. The sands (perfectly spherical silica crystals) really do squeak & whistle but it has to be at the right humidity and warm temperature - so don't expect it every time you visit. The sound is produced by a combination of the unique shape of the sand particles and the pressure they are put under when stamping or sliding your feet on the sand. This only occurs on two beaches in the whole of Europe. An ideal beach for surfing, body-boarding, or simply relaxing and enjoying some quiet time. Oh - and a coffee and maybe something to eat from the cafe by the beach (the chips are good!) Food with a wonderful view!
Porth Oer....Whistling Sands, Llyn Peninsula, Wales
Close to the village of Methlem and just under 3 miles from Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales - Porth Oer is a small inlet off the Irish Sea that was once a busy port. It is part of a National Trust estate. Porth Oer is also known as Whistling Sands due to the unique sound it makes as you walk on the dry sand once the tide has receded. The sands (perfectly spherical silica crystals) really do squeak & whistle but it has to be at the right humidity and warm temperature - so don't expect it every time you visit. The sound is produced by a combination of the unique shape of the sand particles and the pressure they are put under when stamping or sliding your feet on the sand. This only occurs on two beaches in the whole of Europe. An ideal beach for surfing, body-boarding, or simply relaxing and enjoying some quiet time. Oh - and a coffee and maybe something to eat from the cafe by the beach (the chips are good!) Food with a wonderful view!
A lane leaving Methlem
A lane leaving Methlem
North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (1) - Loopholed wall: EDoB ID: e35602 A wall with a single loop at the base and created with local rock, it effectively closed off the exit from the beach at this point. Previously identified from a distance as a buried type 26 pillbox, it has since been confirmed as a loopholed wall. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5410868">SH1630 : North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (2)</a>
North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (1)
- Loopholed wall: EDoB ID: e35602 A wall with a single loop at the base and created with local rock, it effectively closed off the exit from the beach at this point. Previously identified from a distance as a buried type 26 pillbox, it has since been confirmed as a loopholed wall. SH1630 : North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (2)
North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (2) - Loopholed wall: EDoB ID: e35602 The wall partially blocks the footpath, and has an opening at the base that is assumed to be a firing position. The castellated top of local stone is often found on 'mini Welsh Castle' pillboxes. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5410874">SH1630 : North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (3)</a>
North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (2)
- Loopholed wall: EDoB ID: e35602 The wall partially blocks the footpath, and has an opening at the base that is assumed to be a firing position. The castellated top of local stone is often found on 'mini Welsh Castle' pillboxes. SH1630 : North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (3)
North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (3) - Loopholed wall: EDoB ID: e35602 A close-up view of the wall with its castellated top. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5410860">SH1630 : North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (1)</a>
North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (3)
- Loopholed wall: EDoB ID: e35602 A close-up view of the wall with its castellated top. SH1630 : North Wales WWII defences: Methlem Beach, Porth Oer - loopholed wall (1)
Curious structure at Methlem Beach - Porth Oer (4) Just a few yards uphill above the wall and the footpath is another curiosity. I would welcome any suggestions as to what it might be. It appears to be included on a children's educational itinerary of the area (label attached to blue string on left). Update: I have since discovered that this particular structure is an C18 lime kiln: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://map.coflein.gov.uk/index.php?action=do_details&cache_name=cG5tcnNuYW1lLFBvcnRoIE9lcl9zZWFyY2h0eXBlLGFkdmFuY2VkX29yYQ==&numlink=420802#tabs-4" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://map.coflein.gov.uk/index.php?action=do_details&cache_name=cG5tcnNuYW1lLFBvcnRoIE9lcl9zZWFyY2h0eXBlLGFkdmFuY2VkX29yYQ==&numlink=420802#tabs-4">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Curious structure at Methlem Beach - Porth Oer (4)
Just a few yards uphill above the wall and the footpath is another curiosity. I would welcome any suggestions as to what it might be. It appears to be included on a children's educational itinerary of the area (label attached to blue string on left). Update: I have since discovered that this particular structure is an C18 lime kiln: LinkExternal link
The classic view of Porth Iago from the Coast Path
The classic view of Porth Iago from the Coast Path
Rocks and cliffs at Porth Iago
Rocks and cliffs at Porth Iago
Looking in to Porth Iago from Dinas
Looking in to Porth Iago from Dinas
Rocks at Dinas, Porth Iago Looking towards Maen Mellt (which translates as Lightning Rock).
Rocks at Dinas, Porth Iago
Looking towards Maen Mellt (which translates as Lightning Rock).
Maen Mellt seen from Dinas Maen Mellt translates as Lightning Rock.
Maen Mellt seen from Dinas
Maen Mellt translates as Lightning Rock.
The rocks and cliffs of Dyllborth
The rocks and cliffs of Dyllborth
The Coast Path above Dyllborth
The Coast Path above Dyllborth
The grassland of Pen y Borth
The grassland of Pen y Borth
The entrance to Cae Hic campsite Cae Hic translates as Notch Field.
The entrance to Cae Hic campsite
Cae Hic translates as Notch Field.
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Carreg y Trai is located at Grid Ref: SH1629 (Lat: 52.835742, Lng: -4.7278415)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///zebra.twit.heartened. Near Nefyn, Gwynedd

Nearby Locations

Mynydd Carreg Whistling Sands Porthor Carreg y Trai

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.835742,-4.7278415
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.8379128/-4.7216058
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Bench
Lat/Long: 52.8344351/-4.7263899
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Toilets
Lat/Long: 52.8343076/-4.724969
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Parking Space
Parking Space: disabled
Lat/Long: 52.8340837/-4.7247154
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Bicycle Parking
Capacity: 4
Lat/Long: 52.8321956/-4.7235605
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Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Seats: 3
Lat/Long: 52.8336408/-4.7253069
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Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.8322388/-4.7234812
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Information: guidepost
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 52.8321451/-4.723667
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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Maen Mellt Caernarfonshire
Bull Rock Argyllshire

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