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The Isle of Anglesey (Also known as Ynys Mon in Welsh) is an island, and county in its own right, situated off the north-west coast of Wales. Near the beautiful Snowdonia mountain range and separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait (which at its narrowest is only 250 metres wide), the island is connected to mainland Wales by two bridges, the Menai Bridge (designed by Thomas Telford in 1826) and the Britannia Bridge (originally designed by Robert Stephenson) both are picturesque in their own way, and have been featured in many photographers portfolios.

Multiple megalithic monuments are present on Anglesey, attesting to prehistoric populations, and making interesting images. One containing 28 stone chamber tombs is located near to Plas Newydd. But it isn't all ancient history the historic town of Beaumaris is the site of one of the castles built by Edward I after his defeat of the Welsh princes, as well as Henllys Hall. Anglesey is also home to the village with the longest place name in Britain:
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. which when translated into English, means "The church of St. Mary in a hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and near St. Tysilio's church by the red cave". The name was actually coined in the nineteenth century to attract tourists to the Island.

Anglesey is a relatively low-lying island with low hills such as: Parys Mountain, Cadair Mynachdy ("chair of the monastery), Mynydd Bodafon and Holyhead Mountain. The coastline of Anglesey (in its entirety) has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with many sandy beaches along the western coast and dramatic cliffs along the north coast. there is a 200km costal path that follows nearly all of this varied coastline with areas like the nuclear power station at Wylfa head, on the north coast, obviously being out of bounds (and possibly not the best place to be photographing).There are a few natural lakes, mainly found in the west, such as Llyn Llywenan, the largest natural lake on the island but rivers are few and the ones there are small.

Anglesey's wildlife can be wonderful, with many different habitats, from sea cliffs to dunes and beaches, salt marsh and mud flats to agricultural land, containing vast amounts of bird plant and other wildlife. South Stack RSPB reserve is home to some wonderful sea birds and rare species such as Chough and roseate tern can sometimes be found on the islands. And of course who knows what else might turn up?

With wildlife in mind, Anglesey is still home to a population of Red Squirrles and thanks to the bridges onto the island being protected with traps, grey squirrels have not yet been able to get onto the island (let's hope this continues).

With major ports for travel to Ireland, Anglesey is often a place just passed through on route, but it should be somewhere that people go in its own right, and especially if you are already visiting nearby Snowdonia for the photography opportunities.