2016-03-20 Porth Eilean to Ynys Dulas and Back

Sunday 20th March. My last day of paddling on my long weekend before heading back to the daily grind. I paddled this time with PL and Brian. Brian had a brand new boat to christen.

We decided to paddle from Porth Eilean to play in tidal race as the tide would be ebbing. We had an easy chilled out soul surfing session. Having had a nice surf we decided to head on around the coast, making use of the many eddies.

 

On the way to Fresh Water Bay we stopped to investigate the disused quarry near Balog. This is the Tyllau Duon Quarry where if you look carefully you can still see the steps, cut out of the rocks, to allow the quarry workers a somewhat treacherous access down the cliff face. This is one of only two slate quarries in Anglesey and dates from the 1870's.

Whilst Brian and PL were looking at the quarry workings I found a very small cave/crack in the rock, which I was able to reverse into. I soon realised this cave went back a long way and not only that it opened out into a large cavern once fully inside.

Cave with small entrance just kept going back further and further 
Cave with small entrance just kept going back further and further
In the cave over shoulder shot - whats the blue thing?
In the cave over shoulder shot - whats the blue thing?
Blue thing is stalking me!
Blue thing is stalking me!
Need to come back with a torch...
I need to come back with a torch...

I soon realised that Brian and PL probably had no idea of where I'd disappeared off to, so I worked my way out of the cave, just in time to see PL and Clive heading off. It seems they thought I had carried on around the coast!

Action Man Brian in his new boat
Action Man Brian in his new boat

Hugging the coast, we decided to lunch on Ynys Dulas, which meant a little ferry glide fairly across to the island, as the tide was still against us.

On our arrival at Ynys Dulas we were greeted with lots of seals. There was even a little surf wave to play on as the tide dropped.

Ynys Dulas - Seal
Ynys Dulas - Seal
Ynys Dulas - small surf
Ynys Dulas - a very small surf wave to play on, along with the odd seal.
Ynys Dulas - Seals
Ynys Dulas - Peek a boo!
Oh no he is singing again! 
Oh no he is singing again!
Brian with PL having a spot of lunch with the very smelly sailors refuge behind them. 
Brian with PL having a spot of lunch with the very smelly sailors refuge behind them.

Having lunched, with a rather strong smell of guano, we headed back to Point Lynas, assisted by the ebbing current, before arriving back at Porth Eileen.

Not the longest of paddles at just over 7 miles but what an excellent day! Now it was time for me to head back home. I wish I could stay longer!

Best Days paddling ever.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top