SH4785 : The western slope of Yr Arwydd from Y Bwlch
Challenging on the full Lligwy coastal circuit

Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]

178m Elevation
178m Prominence
Wales Country
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Overview

Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]

Mynydd Bodafon is a 177.6 m Marilyn, also known as Yr Arwydd. The trig point at SH4724785421 marks the recorded summit. It is the highest point on Anglesey’s main island; the county’s higher Holyhead Mountain stands on separate Holy Island. Current hill record

Rock and landscape

GeoMôn describes an isolated mass of Precambrian quartzite, with frost-shattered rock and acidic heathland soils. Broad views extend across Anglesey and the sea. The nearby geotrail observation point is not a replacement for the precise summit grid reference. GeoMôn geotrail

A complete return walk

The council’s 13.4 km Brynrefail circular walk begins at Lligwy Beach, visits the summit and returns by the coast. Its published total includes the summit spur. This is a challenging outing through fields and heathland, with steep, wet sections and stiles. Use both the current directions and official route map. The text page omits the final summit-spur paragraph; the map shows the spur to the trig and the complete return.

Shorter hill walks use the small parking area southwest of the top. The long coastal circuit’s distance must not be used for those walks. Keep dogs controlled, use leads around livestock, follow local signs and respect the private farmland crossed by the marked route. Dog guidance

Getting there

Brynrefail is served by route 62; check Arriva’s current stops, diversions and return journeys. There is still walking between the stop and the hill. Service information

Parking charges may apply at the coastal start. The council lists seasonal cafés and other refreshment stops nearby; check opening hours and carry water. Bodafon Farm Park is not the local start. Sources checked 18 October 2026; no on-foot inspection is claimed.

Explore routes near Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Conwy Quay to Llanfairfechan: the upland coast-path alternative

18.2 km 6h 5m–9h 10m Hard

View route

Snowdon Pyg Track returning by Miner's Track

12.3 km 4h 10m–6h 10m Hard

View route

Beddgelert Forest: Llyn Llywelyn Woodland Circuit

4.4 km 1h 10m–1h 30m Moderate

View route

Beddgelert Forest: Derwen Circuit and Llyn Llywelyn

11 km 2h 45m–3h 40m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Brynrefail and Mynydd Bodafon circuit from Lligwy

Follow the council’s 13.4 km full circuit from the northern Lligwy Beach car park via Porth y Môr, Brynrefail and Ty’n y Mynydd. Take the signed summit spur to the Yr Arwydd trig point, then retrace to the path junction. Continue via Nant y Sebon and the Pilot Boat Inn, returning along the coast to the same car park. This distance includes the summit spur and coastal return, not just the hill ascent. Use the current official map as well as the directions: the text page omits the final summit-spur paragraph. Follow the correct gates and stiles across private farmland. Directions: https://www.visitanglesey.co.uk/en-gb/explore/walk/brynrefail-circular-walk Map: https://www.visitanglesey.co.uk/asset-library/mapdata/walk-maps/map-taith-gerdded-gylchol-circular-walk-brynrefail.xabecd645.jpg

13.4 km Challenging; steep and potentially boggy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 100-199m hill SIB

Elevation

178m

583 ft

Prominence

178m

Coordinates

53.3436, -4.2960

SH472854

OS Map

114

Explorer: 263N

At the Summit

The precise recorded summit is the trig point at SH4724785421, height 177.6 m. It is the highest point of Anglesey’s main island. Holyhead Mountain on Holy Island is higher, at 220 m, within the same county.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky heathland at the hill with farmland paths ladder stiles lanes and low coastal cliffs on the full circuit. Sections are steep and can be boggy.

Mynydd Bodafon is an isolated mass of Precambrian quartzite, according to GeoMôn’s geotrail. Frost-shattered rock and scree occur around the hill, with acidic heathland soils. The former limestone-and-clay-slate description does not describe this summit.

Views & Scenery

The summit provides wide views across Anglesey and the surrounding sea, with Eryri visible in clear conditions. The main island is spread below the rocky top; visibility depends on the weather.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The council gives Yr Arwydd as “the signal” and Mynydd Bodafon as “Bodafon Mountain”. No further derivation of Bodafon is established here.

Historical Significance

Mynydd Bodafon has been an integral part of local culture, featuring in local folklore and often visited for its stunning scenery.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

For the full council circuit, use its mapped start at the northern Lligwy Beach car park; parking charges may apply. A separate small parking area southwest of Mynydd Bodafon serves short hill walks. Bodafon Farm Park is not the local trailhead.

Public Transport

The council identifies Brynrefail on route 62 between Bangor and Amlwch. Arriva’s current service page lists 62/62C towards Amlwch or Cemaes Bay. Check live stops, alerts and the return journey; the hill requires an additional walk from the bus. A Red Wharf Bay diversion was listed when checked on 18 October 2026.

Nearby Facilities

The council lists seasonal refreshments at the larger Lligwy car park south of the route start, plus the Pilot Boat Inn and Tyddyn Môn café. Check opening times. Carry water; no café or public toilet at the summit is verified.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Use the full route map: field paths, stiles and the summit spur require navigation.
  • Expect boggy ground, slippery rock, steep sections, road crossings and low coastal cliffs.
  • Follow the designated paths across private farmland, use the specified gates and stiles, and leave gates as directed.
  • Keep dogs controlled and on short leads near livestock; follow local restrictions and give grazing animals space.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd] search or of course create your own walk for Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]

Can I organise a walk to Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd].

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd]?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Mynydd Bodafon [Yr Arwydd] location map

Grid reference: SH472854

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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