Red Wharf Bay facts for kids
Traeth Coch is a large, sandy bay on the east coast of Anglesey, an island in Wales. Its name means "red beach" in Welsh. Many people also call it Red Wharf Bay in English. This beautiful bay is located between the villages of Pentraeth and Benllech. Near the bay, you can find Castell Mawr Rock, which is believed to have been an Iron Age fort long ago. At low tide, the beach becomes a huge area of sand, perfect for exploring!
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Exploring Red Wharf Bay Village
The village of Red Wharf Bay is located right on the western side of the bay. It's connected to nearby villages like Benllech and Pentraeth by the Anglesey Coastal Path. This path is a great way to walk or cycle and enjoy the stunning views. In the village, there are a few places to eat, like The Tavern on the Bay, The Ship Inn, and The Boathouse. They all offer amazing views of the bay while you enjoy your meal.
Amazing Wildlife at the Bay
Traeth Coch is a fantastic spot for nature lovers, especially if you enjoy watching birds! The bay attracts many different kinds of waterfowl and wading birds. You might see oystercatchers with their bright orange beaks, colorful shelduck, and purple sandpipers. Other birds like curlew and dunlin also visit the bay.
The edges of the bay are covered with salt marshes and sand dunes. Some of these sand dunes are special because they have lots of tiny shell pieces. These shells help the soil, allowing unique plants to grow, such as the beautiful pyramidal orchid.
Fun Events and Activities
Each year, an exciting event called the Anglesey Offshore Dinghy Race takes place. It's organized by the Red Wharf Bay Sailing Club. This race starts in Beaumaris and finishes at Traeth Bychan. Sailors race their small boats for about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers). The course takes them along the Menai Strait and then down the coast of Anglesey, offering a challenging and scenic journey.
A Glimpse into the Bay's Past
Long ago, there was a railway line that ended right at Red Wharf Bay. This was called the Red Wharf Bay branch line. It connected to the main Anglesey Central Railway at a place called Pentre Berw. This railway was used for different purposes, including transporting materials. For example, stone used to build the famous Admiralty Arch, Holyhead was quarried from an area near the bay.
