Travel, Leisure and Recreation

The famous Menai Straits Bridge and road crossing to Anglesey was built by Thomas Telford, whose 250th anniversary was recently celebrated by the island. It is difficult to estimate the huge task facing Telford and his engineers as they planned what was a bold feat of engineering and a novel construction for its day, across what is a very tidal stretch of water. This is a must-see attraction and you can also walk along the Anglesey Coastal path below.

A step back in time suggests that Menai Bridge may have been a small Roman settlement and at this point of the Menai Straits there was a ferry crossing, as it is where the island and mainland are nearest. Further north monks, visiting the Augustinian Priory at Penmon a few centuries ago, would cross the Lavan sands north west of Bangor at low tide, and made for the shore at Llanfaes, north of Beaumaris.

Many will ask how Thomas Telford came to build this Menai Straits Bridge, an example of real engineering innovation for its time in the early nineteenth century. After Britain and Ireland moved closer under the Act of Union in 1800, there was pressure for much improved transport links and connecting the mainland to Anglesey was a major consideration.

When you think how the famous composer George Frederick Handel struggled to reach Dublin from Holyhead in 1742, it shows you how difficult it was travelling between England and Ireland. After getting through the challenging Snowdon Mountain range, there was still the Menai Straits crossing and then the voyage to Dublin itself.

There was already a ship to Ireland from the Port of Holyhead, and so a bridge crossing to Anglesey island was the last piece in the jigsaw. After much pressure in political circles construction work started on the bridge in 1819. Limestone from nearby Penmon quarry on Anglesey was used to construct the two huge towers that are still a key feature of the bridge today. Originally sixteen wrought iron chain cables supported the bridge across the 175 metre expanse, but these were replaced by steel cables in 1939.

Just stop to think how travel has changed enormously since the times before this bridge was built. Prior to 1826 a journey from London to Holyhead would take around 36 hours, and the opening of the Menai Suspension Bridge reduced that to a mere 27 hours. Today you can get from London to Holyhead by road in about 6 hours or so, thanks to a combination of motorway, internal combustion engine and Thomas Telford’s Menai Straits Bridge.

On Anglesey you will discover some stunning coastal and woodland walks close to this enigmatic bridge, which are well signposted with relatively easy access. Looking north from the bridge you will see the small harbour at Menai Bridge with small yachts and fishing craft moored nearby. In what are strong tidal waters you, you may see yachts and motor craft passing under the bridge, heading for Beaumaris and Puffin Island.

Standing on the bridge look to the south west and observe the powerful Menai Straits tidal waters sweep towards the road and rail crossing of Britannia Bridge, and then to the open sea after Caernarfon Castle. Off the Anglesey Coastline to the south is a small island, Ynys Gorad Goch, while on the shoreline a Statue of Admiral Nelson stands, and nearby is the former Indefatigable Sailing School. You can indulge your senses in all these experiences from the high vantage point of this enigmatic Menai Straits Bridge.

Anglesey island is a emblematic holiday destination off North Wales, according to David Phillips who edits a helpful local web information source. Discover more about Menai Suspension Bridge, an emblematic 19th century road bridge attraction linking island to mainland.