South Stack
From Freepedia
South Stack (Welsh: Ynys Lawd) is an island with one of Wales' most spectacular and recognised lighthouses, situated just off Holy Island on the North West coast of Anglesey.
It has been a warning beacon of the treacherous rocks below, for passing ships since its construction in 1809. The 91ft lighthouse was designed by David Alexander and the mail light is visible to passing vessels for 28 miles, and was designed to allow safe passage for ships on the treacherous Dublin - Holyhead - Liverpool sea route. It provides the first beacon along the northern coast of Anglesey, followed by lighthouses, fog horns and other markers at North Stack, Holyhead Breakwater, the Skerries, the Mice and at the north-east tip of the island Trwyn-Du.
There are over 400 stone steps down to the island (and not, as local legend suggests, 365), and the descent and ascent provide an opportunity to see many of the 4,000 nesting birds that line the cliffs.
Until 1828 when a bridge was built, the only means of crossing the deep water channel on to the island was in a basket which was suspended on a hemp cable. Sadly, in 1983 the bridge had to be closed to the public, due to safety reasons. In 1998, a new aluminium bridge was built and the lighthouse was reopened for public visits. Thousands of people flock to the lighthouse every year, thanks to the continued public transport service from Holyhead's town centre.
Nearby is the RSPB South Stack bird reserve, based at Elin's Tower. Image:Southstack.JPG
External links
Categories: Anglesey | Islands of Wales | Lighthouses in Wales | Bridges in Wales | Bridges completed in 1828 | Bridges completed in 1998
