About
The 4-mile headland loop from Rhoscolyn village on the southern tip of Holy Island follows the Anglesey Coastal Path around a dramatic sequence of quartzite sea cliffs, natural rock arches — most famously the Bwa Du (Black Arch) and the pale Bwa Gwyn (White Arch) — sheltered coves, and wild cliff-top heathland before returning through farmland past the 6th-century holy well of St Gwenfaen, which local tradition held could cure mental illness through ritual offerings of white quartz pebbles. The standard of coastal scenery rivals anything on the island, yet Rhoscolyn sees a fraction of the visitors drawn to South Stack or Treaddur Bay a few miles north, giving the walk an unhurried, discovered quality. The outward leg via Rhoscolyn Beach provides a natural halfway break; the terrain involves some scrambling near the headland's highest points and is not suitable for pushchairs, but is manageable for confident walkers of all ages.
Suitable for
Accessibility
Getting there & parking
Frequently asked questions
What are the Bwa Du and Bwa Gwyn?
These are natural rock arches carved by the sea into the quartzite cliffs near the southern end of the headland. Bwa Du ('Black Arch') is the larger of the two, formed in darker rock; Bwa Gwyn ('White Arch') is a smaller pale quartzite formation nearby. Both are accessible on foot via the coastal path.
What is St Gwenfaen's Well?
A 6th-century holy well on the return section of the walk associated with Gwenfaen, a Celtic saint. Tradition held that offerings of white quartz pebbles thrown into the well could cure mental illness — the well and its healing association are documented into the 19th century.
Is there a pub in Rhoscolyn?
The White Eagle pub in Rhoscolyn is a short walk from the car park and serves food. It makes a natural start or end point for the walk.
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