New Years Day at South Stack was a beautiful sunny day, however it was very windy. Halyley our People Engagement officer led an organised walk.
The route was from the visitor centre down to Ellins Tower along to the bottom car park and crossing the road to the Hut Circles.
We started at the Visitor Centre:
Hayley gathered our group and explained the outline of the walk.
We next made our way down to Ellins tower where we were given an explanation about the sea birds.
Next we entered the tower and Hayley outlined what goes on during the open season, also a brief talk about its history.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TOWER
it was built in 1868 by Lord William Owen Stanley presumably for his wife Ellin.
It was used primarily as a family retreat for observing wildlife. After Ellins death in 1876
the tower was opened to the public until the death of Lord Stanley.
It lay unused for many years until it was occupied by the armed forces during the second
world war as a lookout post. Soldiers were used for spotting German aircraft or shipping.
During WWII RAF Valley was built. Two squadrons of fighter planes were stationed at the air base.
German bombers would drop their bombs upon Liverpool and then make their way back up
St Georges Channel over to Norway. Once spotted by our observers fighter planes would intercept and shoot them down.
After the war the tower lay again unused and fell into disrepair.
In 1981 the RSPB in collaboration with the Welsh Office set about the restoration of the tower and
in 1982 it was again opened to the public.
We leave the tower behind and head to the bottom car park and stop along the path to admire the scenery.
Our last glimpse of the tower.
We gather at the bottom car park before crossing the road and gaining entrance to the
site of the Hut Circles.
Below Hayley gathers the group and explains the origin of the Hut Circles.
Lord Stanley played a major roll in the excavation of the Hut Circles between 1867 - 1878.
He was very infuential and was involved in many developments on Anglesey.
He represented Anglesey in Parliament and at one point was the Lord lieutenant of the island.
Below we make our way back to the Visitor Centre.
As if by arrangement our star bird the Chough paid us a visit.
We now finish the walk and are served with a bowl of hot soup and a roll. An excellent way to end our walk.
Please feel free to join us in one of our future activities. These can be found by checking our website.
THE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS AT SOUTH STACK WISH YOU ALL:
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2013