Bangor Pier

While walking the Wales Coast Path from Penrhyn Castle through to the Menai Bridge, walkers should stop off at Bangor Pier also known as Garth Pier. The pier is Grade II listed and at 1,500 feet (460 m) in length, it is the second longest pier in Wales, and the ninth longest in the British Isles.

I walked it yesterday as the rain clouds gathered and the wind blew along from the bridges. It is an architectural marvel and it is an unusual feeling standing right out in the middle of the Menai Strait 460m from shore. It's a popular spot for fishing and crabbing.

The Pier was opened to the public on 14 May 1896. The pontoon handled the pleasure steamers of the Liverpool and North Wales Steamship Company to/from Blackpool, Liverpool and Douglas, Isle of Man.


Now Grade II listed, the pier is free to access, but there is an honesty box at the throat which requests that each walker contribute 25p to the pier's upkeep. The pier gates remain open until 9pm in summer, with pre-booked night fishing available.

Due to its location and length, at low tide the site is a haven for the local seabirds to access the rich mud of the Menai Straits, allowing close viewing of oystercatchers, redshanks, curlews, little egrets and the occasional cormorant.

The kiosks, apart from the one at the end which houses a traditional seaside Tearooms, have been rented out to local societies, including Marine Awareness North Wales who run day lectures and tours of the local wildlife, and the Bangor branch of the Soroptimists. There are also seats along the promenade, with memorial benches to RAF Group Captain Leslie Bonnet and writer Joan Hutt.
Now in need of additional works, and part of the plan for the redevelopment of Hirael Bay, locals have expressed concern over the councils ability to provide the required £1million of funds.

View across to Porth Penrhyn from the end of the pier.

View across to Beaumaris.

View from the Tea Room back towards Bangor.

View of the Great Orme.

View of the Pier from Anglesey.