Shell Island (Wales)

infobox UK place
country = Wales
welsh_name=
constituency_welsh_assembly=
latitude= 52.81665
longitude= -4.14997
official_name= Shell Island
population=
unitary_wales= Gwynedd
lieutenancy_wales= Gwynedd
constituency_westminster=
post_town=
postcode_district =
postcode_area=
dial_code=
os_grid_reference= SH552265
OldMapsYear=
OldMapsEasting=
OldMapsNorthing=
OldMapsCounty=

Shell Island, also known as Mochras is a peninsula lying west of Llanbedr in Gwynedd, Wales. It was formed after the river Artro was diverted by the Earl of Winchelsey in 1819 from its previous course where it entered the sea to the south of Shell Island. Prior to this, access to the ancient settlement on the island would have been through the village of Llandanwg, which is now across the estuary.

Shell Island is known for its wide variety of shells, and for its wild flowers. It is said to have been connected to the mythical "Lowland Hundred".

Public vehicular access to the island is only possible via a causeway across the estuary of the river Artro when the tide is out. Access on foot is always possible from the adjacent Mochras/Morfa Dyffryn beach, which extends for several kilometres south of Shell Island. Access to emergency vehicles is available at any time through the neighbouring airfield.

Shell Island has a popular camp site [ [http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=2693 UKCampsite.co.uk - Caravan Parks and Camping Sites Index ] ] which offers the opportunity to practise "wild camping" in pitches which are far from the nearest neighbour (and from toilet and other facilities). Camp fires are allowed on the beach, on the campsite only raised contained fires and barbecues are allowed.

The island lies within the Snowdonia National Park, as a result of which the campsite closes from the end of October to the following March. During this period local farmers bring their sheep from the lowlands to graze on the island.

References

ee also

*Morfa Dyffryn
*Sarn Padrig

External links

* [http://www.shellisland.co.uk The Official Shell Island Campsite Website]
* [http://www.shellislandcampers.co.uk The Very Unofficial Shell Island Website]