When you cross from the Gwynedd mainland over to Anglesey (Ynys Mon) it’s impossible not to notice you’re going over water to an island that celebrates that spirit of independence. The Britannia and Menai Suspension bridges offer stunning views over the strait below that separates the two counties.
But it’s not the same story when you venture to another island off Anglesey, that is also proud of its unique character. Ynys Cybi – or Holy Island – is separated from the rest of Anglesey by the Cymyran Strait.
The first road link between the two islands was at Four Mile Bridge (Pontrhydybont) – which sits on either side of the strait. A bridge link here dates back several centuries, with an old road running from the village to Holyhead, around four miles away – hence the name.
That old stone bridge was never going to be sufficient under the plans for the A5 link between London and the port of Holyhead. Up stepped Thomas Telford – the man behind the Menai Suspension Bridge – who designed a crossing to navigate the Cymyran.
Construction started in 1822 and the near mile long embankment was completed a year later. It was constructed using rock and materials excavated from a site on the Anglesey side.
The new link was named after the Stanley family who were significant landowners in the local area although it has also become known locally as ‘the Cob’ and has the Welsh name of Pont Lasinwen.
Two decades later and it was decided the embankment would also carry the North Wales Coast Line to the port instead of constructing a whole new crossing. It did mean that ‘the Cob’ had to be significantly widened with the work completed in 1848.
There were fears that passing trains might startle horse drawn traffic using the embankment. This saw a tall stone dividing wall built between the road and the railway, a wall that remains to this day.
Wall between the rail line and A5 on the Stanley Embankment
This embankment remained the only major crossing between Holy Island and Anglesey for more than 175 years. The westward expansion of the A55 changed this.
A new embankment was built in 2001 – the final piece in the A55 expressway across North Wales. It carries the dual carriageway over the short stretch of water and lies next to the Stanley Embankment – following its north–south alignment.
The aforementioned wall blocks views to the north while a new wall next to the A55 shuts off the view to the south – unless you’re travelling in a HGV or bus.
A55 embankment over Cymyran Strait
It means a vast majority don’t get to the see the strait they are crossing – although a canal like strip of water separates the A55 from the rail line. Culverts under the two embankments allow seawater to flow through the strait.
This week Liam Potter shared a drone image which gave a stunning bird’s eye view of the two crossings – showing people what they were missing. This was shared by the West of Anglesey : Ynys Cybi – Holy Island Facebook group.
The Stanley Embankment (known locally as the Cob) that crosses the Cymyran Strait
(Image: Liam Potter)
It was described as “An Island, Off an Island” although some added that if you include Great Britain, it’s “an island, off an island, off an island”.
Others were interested in what was either side of the A55.
Mike Thompson said: “Just driven North and wondered what was over the left hand wall of the embankment.”
Joseph Kelly added: “Lot of people, including my Grandsons, don’t believe what we drive over when we go to Holyhead.”
Yvonne Taylor said: “Such a shame it can not be seen when driving. Until I saw this, I never realised what was the other side of the walls but have always wondered.”
Many praised the fantastic picture by Liam whilst some questioned why the tidal power potential here was not being harnessed. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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