Cribinau, Tidal island near Aberffraw, Wales.
Cribinau is a tidal island off the west coast of Anglesey in Wales, sitting between the two small bays of Porth China and Porth Cwyfan. At low tide it can be reached on foot and it holds the ruins of the medieval church of St. Cwyfan along with a small graveyard.
St. Cwyfan's Church was built in the 13th century on the Anglesey mainland, close to the shore. Over the following centuries, coastal erosion gradually ate away the surrounding land until the site became a separate island.
The small church of St. Cwyfan still stands on the island, surrounded by an old graveyard with readable headstones. The Welsh name "Cribinau" reflects the Celtic language that has been spoken in this part of Anglesey for generations.
Access to the island is only possible at low tide, so checking local tide tables before you go is strongly advised. Make sure you allow enough time on the island to return safely before the tide comes back in.
The stone seawall that now rings the entire island was not built in the medieval period but was added in the 19th century as erosion made the situation urgent. Without it, the church and its graveyard would likely have disappeared into the sea long ago.
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