Explore: Caernarfon and Menai Strait
General Info
The Menai Strait is a narrow stretch of tidal water about 18nm long that separates the Isle of Anglesey from mainland Wales.
Caernarfon lies on the mainland coast at its southwestern end and Bangor at the northeastern end. The strait is crossed by the Britania road bridge and, to the east, by the historic Menai rail bridge.
The turbulent stretch of water between the two is known as the Swellies and should not be transited without consulting local pilotage notes. Available at www.caernarfonharbour.co.uk
Position: 53° 07.43’N, 04° 20.36’W (W. entrance to The Menai Strait)
Clearance
Docking
There are two useful marinas in this stretch of water. One at Caernarfon and another at Port Dinorwic. The latter being particularly useful as being close to the Britania bridge it simplifies the timing of the northerly passage through the Swellies.
There are several possible anchorages, depending on the wind direction. If transiting the Strait from the north, a temporary stop may be made at St Georges Pier, (near the Menai Bridge) with the permission of the harbourmaster.
Last updated September 2011.
