In the late 1940s, renowned wildlife illustrator Charles Tunnicliffe moved home from England to the wilds of Malltraeth on the Isle of Anglesey, where his studio overlooked the Cefni Estuary.
His work included illustrating the 1932 edition of Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter and Mary Priestley’s A Book of Birds (1937). Tunnicliffe resided at his home Shorelands for the rest of his life, inspired by the surroundings of ever-changing light, water, marsh and farmland with its amazing wildlife.
While living here, he went on to illustrate Ladybird books and RSPB magazine covers, thus encouraging new generations of naturalists. After his death in 1979, Anglesey Borough Council purchased most of his personal collection of sketchbooks, measured drawings and other works, which are now housed at the Oriel Ynys Mon Gallery at nearby Llangefni.
The following walk overlooks the Cefni Estuary, where you may spot some of the species of wildlife Tunnicliffe featured in his work.
1.Cob pool
From Malltraeth car park, cross the bridge over Afon Cefni and bear right on the Anglesey Coastal Path. Over the estuary you may see shelduck, one of the artist’s favourite subjects. Follows the embankment, which has seats at intervals – great for birdwatching or just admiring the view. On your left is the Cob Pool, home to tufted duck, ringled plover and other waders. Watch for stonechats perched on posts – a species illustrated in his Shorelands Summer Diary.
Related articles
2. Into the forest
Emerge at a car park and bear right to a coastal path signpost. The path continues through trees – look out for red squirrels. The path rises to a forest track, where you turn left, going around a left bend, to a road. Cross and take a track to a picnic area in the forest at Llyn Parc Mawr.
3. Back to Malltraeth
A signed path leads to a viewpoint of the lake, which is frequented by several species of birds. After returning to the road, turn right on a path to the car park met earlier, then retrace your steps along the embankment to the start.
Map
Click on the map below for an interactive version of the route.
Useful Information
HOW TO GET THERE
Cross the Britannia Bridge on the A55 to Anglesey then turn left and follow the A4080 through Newborough village, towards Malltraeth. The car park is on the left as you enter the village.
FIND OUT MORE
www.visitanglesey.co.uk
www.thecharlestunnicliffesociety.co.uk
EAT
Riverside Studio
Cafe and Tea Garden
Malltraeth LL62 5AY
01407 840519
Soups, sandwiches and homemade cakes.
janenormanphillips.wordpress.com