A major new active travel route connecting Newborough and Malltraeth has been completed, delivering a traffic-free link for pedestrians and cyclists.
The £1.4 million scheme links The Cob at Malltraeth with Newborough. Funded through the Welsh Government's Active Travel Fund, managed by Transport for Wales, the scheme has been delivered in line with the Wales Active Travel Act, supporting national priorities to improve walking and cycling infrastructure.
The new scheme is a key step in Anglesey County Council's ambition to enhance the Lôn Las Cefni route and supports the Glasffordd Môn vision, a green corridor across Anglesey, connecting communities, benefitting landscapes and ecosystems as well as strengthening the tourism offer in the area.
The Glasffordd Môn Steering Group incorporates Menter Môn as lead body, Anglesey Council, Dŵr Cymru, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Betsi Cadwaladr, Sea Watch Foundation, Lôn Las Môn, and North Wales Wildlife Trust.
The completed scheme has delivered:
- a 1.25km shared-use path between Pen Cob Car Park and the edge of Newborough
- traffic calming measures and a raised table within Newborough village
- four build-outs along The Cob to improve safety and reduce conflicts between users
The project addresses long-standing challenges in connecting Malltraeth and Newborough, where the existing route was difficult for walkers and cyclists, the council said.
The project will also:
- improve access to key destinations, including the village centre and Ysgol Santes Dwynwen
- strengthen links to Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest
- deliver biodiversity gains alongside improved infrastructure
The route will support everyday journeys, encourage healthier travel choices and reduce reliance on short car trips, while improving access to key natural and recreational assets. It also supports the council's objectives of promoting wellbeing, tackling climate change and creating sustainable, connected communities.
Highways, Waste and Climate Change portfolio holder, Councillor Ieuan Williams, said:
“We are delighted to see this important active travel link now completed. It is an excellent example of delivering active travel infrastructure in a rural area.
“This scheme has overcome significant challenges, particularly given its location within environmentally sensitive areas, and demonstrates the value of strong partnership working with Natural Resources Wales and others.”
“It provides a safer, more accessible connection between Malltraeth and Newborough, while supporting our wider ambitions around wellbeing, sustainability and improving everyday travel choices.”
Delivered within environmentally sensitive areas, including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), the scheme needed careful planning and close partnership working with Natural Resources Wales to ensure strong environmental protections.
These include:
- habitat restoration at Pwll Traeth Bach to support a wide range of species
- ecological mitigation measures during construction
- ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term biodiversity gains
Natural Resources Wales Senior Access, Recreation and Partnerships Officer, Molly Lovatt, added:
“We are pleased to have supported Anglesey Council in delivering this project as part of our ongoing partnership work at Newborough.
“Extending the Lôn Las Cefni route improves connectivity to key services and destinations, while also delivering health and wellbeing benefits for residents and visitors.
“This scheme shows how infrastructure can support both people and nature, enhancing access while improving biodiversity and long-term resilience.”
Emlyn Roberts, Contracts Manager at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK, said:
“We're proud to have delivered this important active travel route as principal contractor for the Isle of Anglesey County Council. Despite the challenges of working in a sensitive environmental setting, our team has created a safer, more accessible route that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”
“We're also pleased the project has provided valuable opportunities for apprentices to develop their skills. This will support the next generation of construction professionals while delivering a lasting benefit for the community.”
