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RSPB South Stack

North Wales  >  United Kingdom

A beautiful coastal location with fantastic views, stunning walks and varied habitats. Limited (chargeable) parking at the RSPB cafe.

Added* by Hannah Parry-Wilson
Most recent update 19 апреля 2024

Description

The coast at RSPB South Stack is very dramatic, with tall cliffs overlooking the sea, green grassy ledges and some moorland that can be explored using many well-trodden pathways. One of the highlights of South Stack is the presence of Клушица that can often be seen at the edge of the car park, outside the cafe itself as they feed on invertebrates in the grass. A small walk down the hill from the cafe and a viewpoint in Ellin's Tower will also provide information on the colonies of Тонкоклювая кайра, Гагарка, Моевка, Глупыш and Тупик that breed on the cliffs every summer.

If you walk along the road from the cafe up to the top car park (disabled parking bay) you can walk down the iconic steps towards the lighthouse, keeping an eye out for Сапсан along the cliff edges. From the top car park, wander up and along the paths of the heathland to spot Черноголовый чекан, Коноплянка and other species of moorland bird.

Keep an eye on the sea for feeding Северная олуша and Обыкновенный буревестник, and passing migratory birds like Короткохвостый поморник and Большой поморник, as well as an opportunity to see porpoise, dolphins (most likely Common Dolphins) and the occasional whale.

Details

Access

Drive through Holyhead past the port and up towards South Stack road. The RSPB visitor centre and cafe will be signposted for the remainder of the drive. Click on a P in the map to get directions to that P.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , Canyon/cliff , Moors/heathland , Sea

Conditions

Open landscape , Rocky , Hilly , No shadow

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer , Spring , Spring migration

Route

Paved road , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Wheelchair access is only available from the top car park (disabled parking) and along the road back to the RSPB visitor centre/cafe. Otherwise, terrain is steep if you take the steps down towards the lighthouse (pre-bookable entry available) or if unstable if you take the paths through the heathland.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

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