5.9
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.9Planted in the 1950s, this conifer forest became the last refuge of Anglesey’s red squirrel before reintroduction efforts helped the species return across the island.
Pentraeth Forest pairs a sheltered woodland walk with a remarkable conservation story: by the late 1990s, it was the last refuge of Anglesey’s native red squirrel. Its forest-edge views towards Red Wharf Bay add a coastal dimension to a woodland visit.
Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapNear Pentraeth, Anglesey, Wales
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The experience
Explore the forest on foot, watching for red squirrels and signs of their feeding, then take in the views from the woodland edge. For a longer outing, follow the described circular walk near Pentraeth, which combines forest and coastal scenery.
Things to do
Walk among the conifers
Explore a forest planted in the 1950s. The supplied trail description says its paths are sheltered and generally firm; expect woodland sections to be muddy after rain.
1–2 hours
Look for red squirrels
The forest is described as a red-squirrel refuge and habitat. Watch quietly among the trees and look for chewed pine cones on the forest floor; sightings are not guaranteed.
Take in Red Wharf Bay from the forest edge
The Pentraeth circular-walk description highlights panoramic views over Red Wharf Bay from the forest edge.
Watch the bay’s winter birdlife
At low tide, the exposed sands and mud are described as attracting waders including curlew, oystercatcher, redshank, plover, sandpipers and dunlin, as well as wintering brent geese.
Look for pyramidal orchids in the nearby dunes
Visit Anglesey notes that pyramidal orchids may grow in the dunes in summer.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short forest wander
- 01
Start from the small parking area described just off the B5109, after checking current access and parking.
- 02
Walk a suitable section of the forest paths.
- 03
Look for red squirrels and chewed pine cones; turn back when you have had enough.
Half day · Half day
Forest and bay views
- 01
Walk the described Pentraeth circular route, allowing time for the climb to the forest edge.
- 02
Pause for panoramic views across Red Wharf Bay and watch for wildlife.
- 03
After the walk, consider refreshments in Pentraeth; Visit Anglesey lists pubs serving food, a sandwich shop and a convenience store.
Verified history
Pentraeth Forest is a 3 km² conifer woodland planted in the 1950s. Visit Anglesey describes it as the last refuge of the red squirrel on Anglesey before reintroduction efforts. The AllTrails trail description also places its planting by the Forestry Commission in the 1950s and says it was the island’s last red-squirrel refuge by the late 1990s.
Hidden details
Chewed pine cones — The trail description suggests looking for chewed pine cones on the forest floor as a possible sign of red-squirrel activity.
When to go
April · May · June · July · December · January · February · Choose a clear day for bay views; visit Red Wharf Bay at low tide for exposed mudflats and birdlife.
Summer offers the stated chance of pyramidal orchids in the nearby dunes. Winter brings the chance of seeing brent geese and other birds on Red Wharf Bay’s exposed sands and mud at low tide.
Woodland sections may be muddy after rain. Check the forecast and current route conditions before setting out.
The route
- ascent
- 908 ft for the AllTrails route; not specified for the Pentraeth circular walk.
- surface
- Forest paths described as firm and generally well maintained; woodland sections on the circular walk may be muddy after rain.
- distance
- 6.6 miles for the AllTrails forest route; about 5.2 miles for the Visit Anglesey Pentraeth circular walk. These are separate route descriptions.
- duration
- 3–3.5 hours for the AllTrails route; no duration supplied for the Pentraeth circular walk.
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Out and back for the AllTrails route; circular for the Visit Anglesey route.
- start point
- AllTrails describes a small parking area just off the B5109, slightly east of Pentraeth village. Visit Anglesey lists the circular walk start using What3Words: detergent.snowstorm.simple.
- parking start
- A small parking area just off the B5109 is described; limited parking is noted in the AllTrails review summary. Check current availability and arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- Walk a shorter section of the forest paths and return rather than attempting either full route; no measured shorter route is supplied.
- Sheltered conifer woodland planted in the 1950s
- Red-squirrel habitat and signs such as chewed pine cones
- Views across Red Wharf Bay from the forest edge on the circular walk
- Coastal birdlife at low tide
Worth pairing with
Red Wharf Bay
Pair the woodland with the nearby bay for coastal views and, at low tide, birdwatching across exposed sand and mudflats.
Pentraeth village
Visit Anglesey lists pubs serving food, a sandwich shop and a convenience store in the village.
What to look for
Look for red squirrels and chewed pine cones on the forest floor. At the forest edge, pause for views across Red Wharf Bay. In summer, pyramidal orchids may be seen in the nearby dunes.
The story
Nature conservation
Best time to go
Spring and summer for woodland walking and the chance to see pyramidal orchids in the nearby dunes; winter for birdlife around Red Wharf Bay.
Choose a clear day for the forest-edge views towards Red Wharf Bay. Spring and summer bring the chance of pyramidal orchids in the nearby dunes; winter is a good time to look for birds on the bay’s exposed mudflats at low tide.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A walking route is described through the forest. The supplied route information gives a small parking area just off the B5109; check current access and parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
A small parking area is described just off the B5109. Limited parking is noted; check conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Pentraeth has pubs serving food, a sandwich shop and a convenience store, according to Visit Anglesey.
Dogs
Dog walking is mentioned in the route description. Check current local rules and keep dogs under control around wildlife.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The forest route is described as mostly flat, with a climb near the forest edge; woodland paths may be muddy after rain. Check route conditions and suitability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
None specified within the forest. Red Wharf Bay is nearby.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Pentraeth Forest
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
