PHOTOBLOG: NEWBOROUGH

In Anglesey, a place that has become a bit of a regular holiday destination for us, we do find that we are constantly drawn back to places to which we have enjoyed going on previous occasions. The lack of an adventurous side to my nature does tend to mean that returning to the familiar is what I enjoy, not least because there's at least a 50/50 chance that I might actually find my way back to it again.

So, alongside discovering one or two new places to visit, I do tend to find myself doing the familiar rounds; South Stack, Menai, Penmon, Beaumaris, Cemlyn, and, of course, Newborough.

Newborough beach on Anglesey has always been a lovely spot for nature walks and a day at the beach, but this year it seems to have had a bit of a refurbishment, with brand new wooden boardwalks, a viewing platform and carved wooden sculptures having been added to the far end of the car park.

All-in-all, rather an impressive transformation for a rather special little corner of the world which we first discovered on recommendation a few years ago. There used to be a rather bizarre and old fashioned coin payment machine at the entrance to the road which led towards the car park, where, in return for two shiny pound coins slipped into a huge slot in something resembling a steel relic picked up from the sea bed after being sunk by enemy action, a hydraulically-controlled steel plate would flatten itself into the ground so that your car could pass over it. If as that point you'd forgotten your sandwiches or drinks, you'd be paying all over again to repeat the process if you popped back to the little shop in the town.

This year, however, this relic of the Victorian seaside had been retired and covered with a plastic bag and so, at least for the time being, access was "free" which is, of course, very unusual in these coastal areas, but a bonus for the tourist on a bit of a budget.

But Newborough has always been a spectacular spot to visit, and preserving that must come at a bit of a cost, so perhaps we ought not to begrudge them the money, and the transformation really has made a lot of difference to the old place.

There are a number of walking trails which can be enjoyed including a brand new "Trim Trail" featuring the sort of exercise equipment that I would, obviously, studiously avoid, but which I'm sure appeals to anyone who is interested in that sort of madness.

There's a short "Nature Trail" and a longer "Saints, Sand and Sea Trail" which pretty much does what it says on the sign, as well as cycling trails and bridle paths for the horse-rider.

The car park is also nicely equipped with a toilet block, a shower to wash the sand off your feet (and whatever other bits you've managed to get sandy), and, on the day we were there, a couple of catering vans selling tea, coffee and snacks, and the ubiquitous ice cream selection.

Alongside the picnic tables, there are even barbecue lighting spots if you're the kind of person who likes that sort of thing. I kind of prefer the "car park picnic" option, well, I guess it's all about whatever floats your own particular boat...