Spinnies Aberogwen nature reserve near Bangor offers a serene winter escape for nature lovers and walkers alike
Bangor: It was a stunning winter afternoon when I drove to Spinnies Aberogwen nature reserve. The sky was a beautiful blue, dotted with wispy clouds.
I took a rural lane near Tal-y-Bont and parked close to Penrhyn Castle. Walking along the shore, I enjoyed a few peaceful moments with just oystercatchers and curlews around.
More walkers showed up, and I heard about a new footpath at one end of the beach. So, I made my way over the pebbles, passing some old timber groynes.
The terrain was a bit tricky, with no clear path. I navigated around seaweed pushed into lines by the tide. Soon, I found some steps with a wooden rail and climbed up to a bridge over the Afon Ogwen.
From there, I joined the Wales Coast Path, which goes around the Penrhyn Castle estate. There was a sign saying it was private land, so no access to the castle from this path.
I kept walking on the gravel path as it wound west toward Bangor. Trees lined the sides, looking like they had been cut down for conservation.
The path zigzagged down to the Menai Strait, and more walkers joined me heading toward Bangor. If I had more time, I would have followed them all the way to Porth Penrhyn.
I met a lady who told me it takes longer than expected to walk to Bangor. She and her friend park one car at Spinnies Aberogwen and another at Porth Penrhyn to drive back.
Still, I enjoyed a lovely half-hour walk on that sunny day. Back at the car park, which was getting busy, I noticed a trilingual sign about fishermen.
No anglers were around, but it showed that this hidden nature reserve is a favorite spot for many.
