Abergwyngregyn

Abergwyngregyn, (mouth of the River Gwyngregyn), or Aber as it’s locally known, is a quiet village situated just off the A55, close to the northern end of the Menai Strait.

A footpath from the village leads through a delightful valley to the village’s best known asset, the Aber Falls, a pair of spectacular waterfalls in a sylvan setting. From the head of the valley, the more ambitious hill walker has a choice of routes across the mountains.

The River Gwyngregyn empties into the vast expanse of Traeth Lafan (Lavan Sands), where a public bird hide allows visitors to view the native and migrant bird population.

Traeth Lafan was once one of the main crossing points to Anglesey. Before the bridges were built to span the Menai Strait, travellers crossed the flats on foot, at the slack low tide, an arduous and sometimes treacherous undertaking.
Towering above the village, to the east, stands a rocky outcrop Maes Y Gaer, believed to be the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Leading from the summit, there are the remains of a Roman road, which would indicate that the Romans also probably used the hilltop as a fort.

Within the village there are the remains of a Norman Motte, Pen Y Mwd Castle, upon which a wooden keep would have stood. The Motte was itself built on the remains of an earlier earthwork. It is believed that the 13th century welsh princes may also have used the site as their main court, or certainly a nearby residence, for Aber is mentioned in several historical documents. Their choice of Aber explained by its lofty positioning, affording views to the north and east, as well as an easy escape route to the mountains.

Abergwyngregyn’s quiet and idyllic position, with excellent hill walking and bird watching on its doorstep, makes the village an ideal base for a relaxing break. Its proximity to the A55 makes it easy to explore the delights of Northern Snowdonia and further afield.