Llanddona fish weir

Archaeological place

Explorer Tom

Llanddona fish weir waits at the eastern end of Red Wharf Bay, where the retreating tide reveals a stone trap shaped to make fish regret following the water out. You have to choose your moment: at high tide the bay hides the old structure, like a magician who insists the audience return later. Also known as Gorad Fona, the weir is a scheduled monument near the mouth of the stream below Llanddona. Heneb records two long curving stone arms, one about 120 metres and the other about 225 metres, leading towards a point near the low-water mark. Its shape channelled fish as the tide fell, so people could collect them when the sea had done the work. The structure appears on Lewis Morris's map of 1748, giving this beach a working history beyond sandcastles. Anglesey County Council's Llanddona circular walk identifies the weir beside the shore and says it can be seen at low tide. Heneb's landscape account goes further: it says the fish weir is visible and accessible at low tide. Start from Llanddona beach, check tide times before setting out, and stay on firm, safe ground; mud, slippery stones and a returning tide are poor companions. The council's wider walk is about 4.3 miles, with steep, wet tracks if you choose to make a full circuit. Look at the arms without moving stones or climbing over the protected structure. Red Wharf Bay also draws wading birds onto its exposed shore, so give them room while you watch the ancient engineering emerge. The tide built this visit into its own timetable; arrive on time and the weir will finally show its hand.

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What is recorded here

Map note: The recorded spot for Llanddona fish weir is near Wern y Wylan, Ynys Môn / Isle of Anglesey, Wales; it is an ancient site. The past can keep its secrets; the map gives you a starting point.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w529157974