The Dingle (Nant y Pandy) Nature Reserve is a serene 25-acre wooded gorge in Llangefni, rich in wildlife and ancient woodland flora. A level 1.5-mile trail with boardwalks, bridges, and artistic sculptures takes visitors through this Valley of the Deluge, where you might spot elusive red squirrels, woodland birds, bats, and dragonflies. Though parts of the boardwalk are under restoration until summer 2025, alternate paths remain open, making it a peaceful and accessible escape just a short drive from Colwyn Bay.
🌿 The Dingle Nature Reserve (Nant y Pandy) – A Wildlife Haven in a Wooded Valley
Nestled in a steep wooded gorge carved by ice age meltwater, the 25-acre Dingle Nature Reserve—known in Welsh as Nant y Pandy—is one of North Wales’s most charming and wildlife-rich woodland valleys. Named after the brook that served a historic fulling mill, it was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1995 and protected as ancient woodland for decades before that.
🐾 A Rich Tapestry of Wildlife & Habitat
The reserve is bisected by the River Cefni, with lush ancient woodland dominated by oak, ash, sweet chestnut, beech, and Scots pine. In spring the forest floor bursts with bluebells, wood anemones, and marsh marigolds. It supports abundant wildlife—red squirrels, herons, kingfishers, dippers, and moorhens are often spotted, alongside bats, foxes, adders, newts, and over 200 species of fungi.
🚶♀️ Trails, Art & Access
A raised wooden boardwalk winds through the valley alongside the river and parallel to a disused rail track, providing step‑free access ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. The 1.5-mile circular trail (around 2 km) takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace, with sculpted benches, picnic tables, and whimsical art—giant dragonfly sculptures, seedpods, and split oak timbers engraved with the poem Nant y Pandy.
🛠️ Weathered Paths & Restoration Works
Visitors have noted that the older wooden sections of boardwalk require maintenance—though a boardwalk replacement project using recycled plastic is underway, scheduled for completion by August 2025. During weekdays between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, some parts may be closed, but the site remains accessible via the Lôn Las Cefni cycle route and the Coed Smyrna area. The weekly Parkrun event will continue uninterrupted.
💬 Visitor Highlights
Reviewers consistently describe The Dingle as a “peaceful, wildlife‑rich haven,” especially rewarding for red squirrel sightings—many have seen several within minutes of arrival. Another visitor said, “a walk through woodland, very peaceful… plenty of bird activity,” though noting the boardwalk needed repair.
🚗 Getting There & Visitor Info
Location: Pooling nearer Llangefni town centre at St Cyngar’s Church car park, behind the Asda supermarket. Accessible via Llangefni’s one‑way streets and clearly signposted.
Facilities: Free entry, parking available (charges may apply), toilet access in town, wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths. Dogs should be kept on short leads.