2025 12 28 Rhosneigr paddle

Rhosneigr paddle

We met at Bangor services, where we agreed on the trip plan over coffee.  As the wind was coming from the east and there was potential for F4 gusts, we decided to paddle on the west coast for shelter, which would also hopefully allow us to stay warmer.

We had paddled around Treardur quite a lot last year, so we decided to head south from Rossneigr towards Eglwys Cwyfan.  It was cold and windy as we were unpacking, and I started to wonder what I was doing there, not helped by a friendly local cheerfully saying it wasn’t going to get any warmer. However, once we got on the water, the sun came out, and the wind disappeared.

St Cwyfan’s church (Eglwys Cwyfan), known by many as the “little church in the sea”(or Eglwys bach y môr in Welsh), is located on an island only accessible during low tide. The Grade II listed church has long been a popular hotspot for locals and visitors for centuries, and is perhaps the most recognisable church in North Wales.

With hardly a ripple on the surface of the water, there were lovely reflections in the glowing winter light. We saw oyster catchers, ringed plover, cormorants and shags. We finished at the surf cafe for drinks. It was a great way to end a lovely day and start recovering from Christmas excess.

 Catriona