Spinnies Aberogwen North Wales Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve — Attraction in Llanllechid

Thin strip of stony beech between pastoral farmland and the Irish sea, from Penrhyn castle to Bangor University research farm. Wonderful views across the sea to Anglesey and beyond, to LLandudno, and to Snowdonia Mountainous region. The coastline is giving way to wind and sea erosion and is changing yearly. Fresh water drains off the fields into the sea. Tides bring an interesting variety of debris from the ocean. The tidal plain is continuously being harvested for muscles. There is a large bird watchers hideout tucked away along the shore towards the castle, available any time, with views of an estuary, the tidal plain and a fresh water natural pond. The car parking is good for cars and vans/campers. There are rubbish bins and two wooden tables with benches, but no other services other than those bushes nature has generously provided. I have seen visitors happily enjoying a portable barbecued meal. At night there is no lighting provided. There is a large farm nearby and several residential properties along the narrow windy lane leading to the reserve. I once saw a three seal rescue operation successfully carried out in the estuary mud one dark cold evening, by a local official group. I have also seen several 300+ gatherings of swans here. Several dog owners can be regularly encountered along the beech or along the walkway on the cliff beside the farmers field fence. It is usual to greet each other and stop for a chat about the weather or the latest news! All in all an interesting and popular natural walk to enjoy in...

The Spinnies truly is a charming little place for anyone with an interest in nature, especially birds. It is a well known favourite place for Kingfisher spotting but I did not see any in the hour or so that I was there. There are two nature/bird hides and they were very well maintained with information posters on the inside. They are comfortable places to view or photograph birds especially, and both are protected by CCTV to deter vandals and the like. On the day I visited the smaller hide 40 meters from the access road was empty whilst the larger hide, simultaneously overlooking the coast and an inner lagoon, was occupied. I imagine this larger hide is very popular. Once again it was fastidiously maintained. The walk through the reserve is quite minimalistic but enjoyable and you can walk down the coast from the car park to the charming metal bridge but be aware that this takes you past the larger bird hide and you may get a snarl or two from a dedicated nature photographer or bird watcher as you crash past on stones beneath your feet, so best keep to the grass bank when you can to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Dogs MUST be on a lead and there is no real wheelchair...

Seeing a Kingfisher was a Bucket List item for me. At a local fair, a Welsh guy on a Cheshire Wildlife Trust stand said Spinnies was the place to go. So, I arranged to spend a couple of days in the Bangor area. Made 2 consecutive daily hour long visits to the Spinnies. The first day we saw Kingfisher(s) flying by, amazing moments. Went back the second day to try to get a photo of one but didn’t see any at all. So I wouldn’t say you are absolutely guaranteed to see them here, but I’m pretty happy with the...