Bardsey Island Walk

2.5 miles (4 km)

This walk takes you around Bardsey Island, also known as Ynys Enlli and famously dubbed the "Island of 20,000 Saints". The island is located 1.9 miles off the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, and covers 179 hectares, making it the fourth largest offshore island in the country. Visitors can reach the island by passenger ferry from Porth Meudwy or Pwllheli.
Once on the island, your route will reveal a dramatic landscape where the north-east rises steeply to 548 feet at Mynydd Enlli, offering commanding views of the surrounding sea and countryside, while the western plain is low and features cultivated farmland. As you explore, you will come to the narrow isthmus that connects to the peninsula, where the Bardsey Lighthouse stands. Built in 1821 by Joseph Nelson and painted in distinctive red and white bands, the lighthouse guides vessels navigating St George’s Channel and the Irish Sea.
The island is renowned for its abundant wildlife. It hosts a bird observatory established in 1953 and serves as a nesting ground for species such as Manx shearwaters and choughs. The rugged terrain supports rare plant species and undisturbed habitats that have remained largely unaffected by modern farming practices. In the waters surrounding Bardsey Island, dolphins, porpoises, and grey seals can frequently be seen.
In addition to its natural beauty, Bardsey Island is steeped in history. It has been an important religious site since the 6th century, when a monastery was founded by Saint Cadfan and King Einion Frenin. Although only ruins remain today, the remnants of the abbey and a Celtic cross commemorating the reputed 20,000 saints contribute to the island’s mystical atmosphere. This walk offers a unique blend of historical intrigue, rich wildlife, and panoramic coastal views, making it a memorable experience for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.