Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve, also known as Bardsey Island, is a national nature reserve located off the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales. This small island, approximately 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide, features a diverse landscape of rugged shorelines, serene meadows, and two distinct peaks, Mynydd Enlli and Pen Diban. The terrain provides a compelling setting for outdoor activities, including several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling, with a strong emphasis on conservation.
56
Routes
4.7
(146)
Average rating
1243
People visited

4.9
(27)
202
hikers
12.1km
03:23
230m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(23)
117
hikers
14.6km
04:14
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(15)
96
hikers
18.2km
05:12
410m
410m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(17)
83
hikers
8.14km
02:13
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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41
runners
18.0km
02:03
410m
410m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
16
runners
7.96km
00:52
120m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

7.19km
00:49
190m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
30
riders
32.6km
01:31
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

38
riders
60.2km
03:05
700m
700m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

19
riders
65.3km
03:46
880m
880m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

21
riders
43.9km
02:01
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.5
(4)
25
riders
40.7km
02:37
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(3)
21
riders
51.8km
03:20
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
21
riders
35.4km
02:11
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
12.1km
00:52
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve primarily offers hiking and trail running on the island itself. The surrounding Llŷn Peninsula provides extensive opportunities for road cycling and touring cycling. Komoot lists 2 routes in the area, with an average rating of 4.71 stars from more than 5,000 visitors.
Yes, the island features meandering footpaths suitable for various fitness levels, including easier strolls. For specific options, komoot offers a guide on Easy hikes around Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve.
Ynys Enlli features two peaks, Mynydd Enlli (548 feet [167 m]) and Pen Diban, offering panoramic views. The island also has rugged shorelines, a peaceful beach, and several caves. It is renowned for its vibrant flora and diverse wildlife.
Cycling is not typically done on Ynys Enlli itself due to its small size and conservation focus. However, the mainland Llŷn Peninsula, from which the island is accessed, offers excellent road cycling and touring cycling routes. Komoot provides guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve.
Ynys Enlli offers a unique natural environment that can be explored by families through walking. There are footpaths that cater to different abilities. Komoot features a guide specifically for Family-friendly hikes around Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve.
Ynys Enlli is a significant site for wildlife, particularly birds. It hosts a large breeding colony of Manx shearwaters, along with other seabirds like gannets and razorbills. Atlantic grey seals are present in the bays, and Risso's dolphins and harbour porpoises are often seen in the surrounding waters.
Komoot offers several guides for hiking in the area. A comprehensive overview can be found in Hiking around Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve. Other guides cover easy hikes, family-friendly options, and routes accessible from bus stations.
The island's meandering footpaths can be used for trail running by individuals with good fitness levels. Komoot provides a guide for Running Trails around Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve.
Ynys Enlli, also known as Bardsey Island, has been a place of Christian pilgrimage since the 6th century, earning it the title 'Island of 20,000 Saints.' Remnants of Iron Age huts and a 13th-century Abbey Tower are present on the island.
The official website for Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) is YnysEnlli.org. This site provides further information regarding the reserve and its management.
In 2023, Ynys Enlli became the first site in Europe to be awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary certification. It is recognized as one of the most remote and dark places on Earth, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Komoot currently lists 2 routes for Ynys Enlli National Nature Reserve, covering sports such as hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling. These routes have been explored by more than 5,000 visitors.

