The Great Tower of Twr Mawr
On the southeast edges of Anglesey, not far from my home, there is the emerald green forest of Newborough and a Great Tower. Mainly made up of pine, spruce, and fir. It's the largest forest on the island, a magical and mysterious place that has the oldest geology on earth. It is a great place for a walk, cycle, or horse ride. A place where you can gather mindfulness and reflect.
I walk through the trails south, deep through the forest, the upright trees gradually become less dense, and as it opens up more of the creeping winter rays of light come through. I stand at the edge of the forest, on the dunes where the marram grass grows free.
Through the tips of the grasses, the finest view, a panorama of iconic land and seascape. On the horizon Yr Eifl, the Llyn Peninsula, and at their foot the turquoise expanse of the Welsh / Irish Sea.
I bear West along the sands of Traeth Llanddwyn towards the small tidal island that stretches out into the shores of the bay. It is a golden expanse of fine beautiful grains. The gentle rhythmic sound of the sea to my left.
Ynys Llanddwyn is steeped in history, it is celebrated throughout Wales, Santes Dwynwen. A story of a 5th Century Princess St Dwynwen. The Welsh patron saint of lovers and animals has a celebrated day on January 25th each year. In her plight of a broken heart, she is visited by an angel carrying two drinks that would grant her two wishes.
Her first wish was that her love be thawed from the block of ice he had been turned into, the second wish was to never fall in love again and to serve God helping all the lovers of Wales. These wishes were granted and she fled to Llanddwyn Island where the ruins of the church she built still exist today, and are still a pilgrimage site for lovers. Ruins of a well remain near the church where legend states if lovers see two fish or eels sending bubbles to the surface their love is blessed!
At the edge of Ynys Llanddwyn, the lighthouse of TŴR MAWR - The Great Tower
It stands proud and magnificent on top of ancient rugged rock content within its landscape. I am privileged to have this nearby, a landscape that evokes inspiration, creativity, and a place to reflect. Please enjoy my photograph of Twr Mawr, Ynys Llanddwyn.
