South Stack (Ynys Lawd) is a tiny island located on the north west coast of Holy Island off Anglesey in Wales. It is about 150 metres long by 100 metres wide. It is part of the RSPB's South Stack reserve and is accessed down 400 steps and across a 30 metre long bridge. There is an admission charge, which in June 2011 was £4.50 and it is only open from Easter to September. You can climb up another 100 or so steps to the top of the lighthouse and the cliffs are teeming with seabirds such as guillemots, puffins, gulls and razorbills in the breeding season. RSPB and Anglesey Council staff are on hand with telescopes to show you the seabirds and to tell you about the lighthouse. There is however no toilet on the island! However there are toilets by the visitor centre a few hundred metres (and 400 steps!) from the island.
The lighthouse was built in 1809. It was designed by Daniel Alexander and built by John Nelson. It was fired by oil lamps initially, electrified in 1938 and automated in 1984. The tower, which is currently 28 metres tall was heightened in 1874 and the light has a range of 23 miles.
The first bridge across the chasm separating the island from Holy Island was a rope catwalk built in 1812. This was replaced by an iron suspension bridge in 1828. This in turn was replaced by an aluminium bridge in 1964. This became unsafe at some point after the lighthouse was automated and after being closed for a while it was replaced in 1997.
South Stack is a very dramatic location and I thoroughly enjoyed my short visit in June 2011.
South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack Lighthouse
Bridge to South Stack
South Stack Lighthouse
Holy Island and Ellin's Tower from South Stack
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