Rhoscolyn, Holy Island, Anglesey, Wales
Bwa Gwyn (White Arch)
Unusual place
Place photograph
5.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.7A pale natural rock arch on the Rhoscolyn coast, Bwa Gwyn is one of two arches named on a circular walk through this geologically varied corner of Holy Island.
Bwa Gwyn is a distinctive coastal feature best experienced as part of a longer walk, where low cliffs, beaches, local geology and the landscape around Rhoscolyn give the visit more depth than a quick photo stop.
Dramatic · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapRhoscolyn, Holy Island, Anglesey, Wales
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The experience
Visit Bwa Gwyn as a feature on the Rhoscolyn circular walk rather than treating it as a standalone destination. The official route description covers low cliffs, sandy beaches, farmland and local history.
Things to do
See the White Arch
Find Bwa Gwyn on the Rhoscolyn coastal route and take in its setting among the low cliffs.
Compare Bwa Gwyn and Bwa Du
The route description identifies both the White Arch and the Black Arch at Rhoscolyn Head.
Walk the Rhoscolyn circular route
A 5.8-mile, mostly level walk rated moderate, passing low cliffs, sandy beaches, farmland and some quiet-road sections.
Explore the local geology
The route information identifies Porth-y-Corwgl as a regionally important example of an exposed geological fault on Anglesey.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
Quick coastal arch visit
- 01
Follow the Rhoscolyn circular-walk route towards Rhoscolyn Head.
- 02
See Bwa Gwyn, the White Arch, and nearby Bwa Du, the Black Arch.
- 03
Return by the route you came; check the map and conditions before setting out.
Half day · Allow for the 5.8-mile circular walk; check current route details
Make a half day of the Rhoscolyn coast
- 01
Walk the Rhoscolyn circular route, taking in its low cliffs, beaches and farmland.
- 02
Look out for Bwa Gwyn and Bwa Du at Rhoscolyn Head.
- 03
Explore the route’s local history, including St Gwenfaen’s Church and Well.
- 04
Finish with food in Rhoscolyn; check opening times before travelling.
Verified history
The Rhoscolyn route links the area with St Gwenfaen: the official visitor information says her church was founded in 630 AD and has a medieval doorway and 15th-century font. It also notes that the village was formerly known as Llanwenfaen. These are local landmarks and stories on the wider route, not a documented history of the rock arch itself.
Folklore & legend
Local legend says St Gwenfaen was chased from her cell by druids and escaped by climbing a rock stack off Rhoscolyn Head; as the tide came in, angels carried her away. The story is associated with Saints Bay and should be understood as legend, not verified history.
Hidden details
The neighbouring Black Arch — The official Rhoscolyn route information names Bwa Du, the Black Arch, alongside Bwa Gwyn. Look for both features as you explore the headland.
St Gwenfaen’s Well — The route information describes a well surrounded by medieval stone steps and seating, used by pilgrims in the Middle Ages.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear period with enough daylight for the route; check the forecast and conditions before setting out.
Spring to early autumn generally offers longer daylight for exploring the coastal route. The source identifies coastal wildflowers in the area, including celandines, violets and scurvy grass, but does not give their flowering dates.
This is a coastal walk. Check the weather and route conditions before setting out; the route includes cliffs and quiet-road sections.
Worth pairing with
St Gwenfaen’s Church and Well
Add these local historic and religious sites to a Rhoscolyn walk; the official route information describes the church and the well’s medieval stonework.
The White Eagle, Rhoscolyn
A village pub serving food, listed as a refreshments option for the walk. Check opening before travelling.
What to look for
Look for Bwa Gwyn, also known as the White Arch, and compare it with nearby Bwa Du, the Black Arch. The route also passes low cliffs and the locally important geological fault at Porth-y-Corwgl.
The story
Folklore & legend, Archaeology
Best time to go
Spring to early autumn
Choose a clear, calm day for coastal views and easier walking. Check the forecast and route conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Bwa Gwyn is included on the Rhoscolyn circular walk. The route is mostly level but rated moderate, with some quiet-road sections. Check current route conditions and access before setting out.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
The White Eagle pub in Rhoscolyn serves food; Silver Bay Holiday Park has a seasonal restaurant and beachfront café. Check opening before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The associated Rhoscolyn circular walk is rated moderate and includes quiet-road sections. The source row says the attraction does not have a wheelchair-accessible entrance; check route suitability before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Bwa Gwyn (White Arch)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
