Llanfachraeth to Caergybi/Holyhead (8 miles)

Llanfachraeth, today's starting point is, like many similar names, named after its saint Machraith who founded the church (Llan) - not, as my guide book would have it, named after a small beach. We took the 61 bus here from Holyhead, and walked down to the footbridge over the Alaw to rejoin the Coast Path, along the way spotting a water vole diving in the river.

The first part of the walk had been recently strimmed of vegetation. This was a good job, as there had evidently been tallish nettles and other growth across the path, although it did at times obscure the uneven stones underfoot.

At Newlands Park, we had two options - along the shore, or inland behind the houses. We chose the latter. At the end of this stretch, we very nearly went the wrong way, where the arm of the sign was missing and the book wasn't clear enough (two right turns at the top of a hill easily mixed up). We quickly realised the mistake, and wouldn't have gone far wrong anyway.

The Stanley Embankment is always impressive for the tidal flume running under it. Somebody was fishing in it today.

At the Penrhos end, the cafe at the former tollhouse looked like it was reopening soon, but we hadn't banked on that, and ate our picnic at one of many tables nearby. Public conveniences open here, and Penrhos park was busy with families and dog walkers.

We followed the path back into the town of Holyhead, the ferry terminal and its ships becoming ever more visible as we approached. The path, a little strangely, goes through the railway station before crossing the creek which originally formed the port and into the town.  After finishing the walk, we stopped at Enochs in Valley for fish and chips.