Bardsey Island

SATURDAY


Day two of our short break, and we were out early. First stop was the thatched bakery in Aberdaron to stock up on lunch supplies—chickpea and cauliflower pasties, and some florentines.

Then a short drive took us to the start of the track down to Porth Meudwy for a boat trip to Bardsey Island. 

The journey began with the island’s unusual embarkation process: the boat is hauled onto the rocky cove so passengers can board on dry land, then towed into the sea by a rusting tractor. This well-practised manoeuvre was expertly carried out by Colin Evans—a Bardsey native, larger-than-life character, and a fount of island knowledge.

The boat was fast and skilfully navigated b y Colin through some of the most dangerous tides in Europe.

Arrival at the island’s slipway involved the same process but in reverse.

We were greeted by the calls of oystercatchers and the unmistakable sounds of dozens of seals hauled out on the rocks nearby.

We spent a lovely four sunny hours exploring the island’s nature and enjoying the small shops and café. As well as oystercatchers and seals, we saw butterflies, swifts, linnets, wheatears, gulls—and plenty of sheep.

After returning to the mainland, this evening, we stopped off in Abersoch to watch dozens of powerboats being hauled out of the water, before heading on to Pwllheli for a fish and chip supper by the beach.

- see extras of Bardsey Island