The best traffic-free bike rides around Beaumaris

Beautiful views with stones and sandy beaches. Well worth a stop to soak it all up.

Beaumaris Castle (/bjuːˈmærɪs/ bew-MAR-is; Welsh: Castell Biwmares Welsh pronunciation: [kastɛɬ bɪuˈmaːrɛs]), in Beaumaris, Anglesey, was built as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282. Plans were probably first made to construct the castle in 1284, but this was delayed due to lack of funds and work only began in 1295 following the Madog ap Llywelyn uprising. A substantial workforce was employed in the initial years under the direction of James of St George. Edward's invasion of Scotland soon diverted funding from the project, however, and work stopped, only recommencing after an invasion scare in 1306. When work finally ceased around 1330 a total of £15,000 had been spent, a huge sum for the period, but the castle remained incomplete.

Lon Goch via St Dona's Church is a climb. It is 1.1km long and bridges 136 vertical meters with an average gradient of 12.3%, resulting in a difficulty score of 197. The top of the ascent is located at 142 meters above sea level. Beautiful views to the beach at the bottom of the climb. Take care when it's wet as the road can get covered with mud and make it a little slippery.

The climb starts by the Owain Glyndwr Inn is the highest pub in Anglesey. Stay over to the left, and that is where the fun starts. Just stay in control if you make it well done if not. Enjoy the scenery, have a break, and try again.

This tranquil location on the eastern tip of Anglesey has remains spanning over 1,000 years. It was the site of a monastery dating back to the time of St. Seiriol, who is believed to have lived in about the 6th century. A holy well which survives may have its origins in this period. In the early 13th century the Celtic community was reorganized under the Augustinian Rule, and at this time the priory church was enlarged. This now serves as the parish church. The monastery at Penmon is reputed to have been founded by St Seiriol, a 6th-century holyman and friend of St Cybi. The monastery prospered and in the 10th century fine crosses were set up at its gates, but the Viking raids have destroyed all other evidence of this date. During the 12th century, revival under Gruffydd ap Cynan and Owain Gwynedd the abbey church was rebuilt, and it remains the finest and most complete example of a church of this period in Gwynedd. In the 13th century the Celtic monasteries were persuaded by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth to adopt a more regular rule, and Penmon eventually became an Augustinian priory with quite substantial conventual buildings. The priory survived the Edwardian conquest and expanded slightly, but was dissolved in 1538. The buildings passed into the hands of the Bulkeleys of Beaumaris, who enclosed much of the land as a deep park and built a fine dovecote. They also converted the prior's lodging into a rather attractive house. Throughout this time the priory church remained in use, as it does today

One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey – but perhaps not for the same reasons as the others. Penmon Point Beach is an incredible part of the Anglesey coast. From the beach, you have great views of the nearby Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse. Trwyn Du Lighthouse also known as Penmon Lighthouse, was built in 1838 to mark the north entrance to the Menai Strait. The water is choppy, so swimming isn’t recommended. However, the currents make it a great fishing area and wildlife lovers will appreciate the abundance of wildlife around the beach. There is a toll of about £2.50 if you drive on to the Point. Free for cyclists and facilities include a café & toilets. Dogs are allowed throughout the year and there is no lifeguard service available for this beach.

Don’t be too scared by the sign at the bottom: my Wahoo reckoned it maxed out around only ~22% so just whizz up it in the big ring. 🫠 It holds at around 20% for an extended section before ‘easing’ to 15%. Single track road means no zigzagging, especially with loose stones in the centre of the road meaning you risk rear wheel spin, so there’s no choice but to grind out the gradient head on. If you’re going to ride this, do it in the dry, with tyres with a soft, grippy compound, and a large sprocket on your cassette.

The eastern tip of Anglesey, looking across to Puffin Island. The car park surface is pretty rough.