Abermenai Point facts for kids

Abermenai Point (in Welsh, Pwynt Abermenai) is a special piece of land that sticks out into the sea. It's located on the southeast side of Anglesey, which is an island in Wales. This point is the very southernmost tip of Anglesey. It also marks the northern entrance to the western side of the Menai Strait, which is a narrow stretch of water.

What is Abermenai Point?

This headland is mostly made of sand dunes. These dunes are part of a larger area called Newborough Warren. Because it's so sandy and natural, there isn't a road that goes directly to Abermenai Point.

Getting There Safely

The closest main road is the A4080, near the village of Newborough. You can even catch a public bus to Newborough. However, getting to the point itself can be tricky. The area is very open to the sea and tides. Maps from the Ordnance Survey even warn people. They say that public paths to Abermenai Point can be dangerous when the tide is high. Always check the tides before you visit!

A Look Back in Time

Abermenai Point has a long and interesting history. It was once a very important place for travel.

The Old Ferry Crossing

The earliest records show that a ferry used to cross from Abermenai Point to the mainland. On the other side, the ferry would land near where Fort Belan is today. Back in the late 1000s, there are stories about Gruffudd ap Cynan, who was the King of Gwynedd. These stories mention that he had a special ferryman working at Abermenai Point. Ferry houses, which were homes for the ferry workers, have been recorded at both sides of the crossing throughout history.

Famous Visitors

In 1725, a famous writer named Daniel Defoe used this ferry crossing. He wrote popular books like "Robinson Crusoe." He took the ferry on his journey to Holyhead.

Why the Ferry Stopped

The ferry service eventually stopped running in the mid-1800s. By the 1940s, almost all signs of it had disappeared. The main reason the ferry was no longer needed was a huge new construction project. Between 1846 and 1850, the Britannia Bridge was built further east along the Strait. This amazing bridge brought the railway right onto the island of Anglesey. With a train now connecting the island to the mainland, the old ferry became less important.

Images for kids

• 

  Looking across the tidal sands of Traeth Abermenai to Abermenai Point, from the edge of the dunes