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Friendly Benllech Beach, Soft Sand, Great Sea Views
The first impression we got of Benllech Beach on the east coast of Anglesey was one of a warm, friendly, inviting beach. Families sat contented in their chosen location with windshield erected and cricket stumps, bat and tennis ball ready. Meanwhile young children accompanied by their parents explored the rock pools at the northern end of this fine sandy stretch. Others waded into the water as gentle blue waves broke on the beach.
The first southern section is soft and sandy and with headland immediately to the south, offers shelter from any south to south easterly winds and swell.
The middle section of Benllech beach is rocky and pebbly and not many people seemed to settle here, save for a few children exploring with small nets and buckets. At the back of the beach is a high grass covered cliff which carries the coastal path, breaking any strong winds from the south to south west.
Then the northern section is again very sandy and is the biggest section of the whole beach, ideal for swimming and paddling, and from where a few inflatable dinghies were launched. In fact in recent weeks these inflatable boats have caused serious problems as the owners were not aware of the effect of strong offshore winds. This meant a number of them had to be rescued by the nearby Moelfre RNLI Inshore Lifeboat. Moving further north along the access road towards the Bay Cafe and we saw another rock pool section which is popular with young children, while some also tried their hand at fishing.
See this map of Anglesey,zoom in and see the beach Here there is a small slipway for launching very small craft. Dogs are permitted on the southern section of Benllech beach, but are prohibited from the top (northern) section. There are also restrictions along the path running parallel with the beach where dogs must be kept on a lead. As you walk down the pavement on the steep hill to the beach, which has double yellow lines on both sides, you will catch an amazing panoramic view of the eastern horizon.
The blue expanse of Liverpool Bay meets your eye to the left and as you turn southward Great Orme head comes to view and then Llanddona height with its familiar radio mast and the thick woodland coverage to the right.
At the bottom of the hill on the left is Bay Cafe which serves breakfasts, lunches, evening meals, as well as snacks and cold drinks. It has a wooden terrace where you can eat your meal outside and have a great sea view, right above the coastal path as it weaves its way along the cliffs. In fact the entrance for the path is next to the cafe. Continuing down the road with rock pools on your left below the railings, and on your right are two licensed restaurants, one of which, The Seaview, is also a guesthouse, and both have those excellent sea views. Parking for cars after the double yellow line zone is allowed on the seaward side but only for 30 minutes. Near here there is a small section of well maintained lawn with picnic tables , giving visitors a lovely coastal view of Llanddona and the Great Orme as they eat their snacks. There is a bigger car park on the right with space for about 60 or more cars, as well as public toilets. More information on facilities, shops and services in Benllech
Next to the Wendon Cafe which sells ice creams and snacks you can buy American Doughnuts and there is also a gift shop next door. On the sandy section of Benllech beach, below a blue framed ice cream hut, there is a large beach hut where you can hire windbreaks and deck chairs as well as buy burgers, hot dogs and ice cream. As you look back northwards from the ice cream hut you see the Golden Sunset Holiday Static caravan park, which has some 240 units, some nestled among the trees close to the cliff edge. Here the coastal path heads north and on the right in the distance is Moelfre island. On the basis of this experience, Benllech beach seems a really great, friendly beach for the family and is warm, given its sheltered position from the prevailing winds, with good quality bathing water.
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