Parys Mountain, near Amlwch, is one of the strangest landscapes on Ynys Môn: rust-red, orange and purple ground left by centuries of copper mining. In our Mythôn legend, it is the home of Draig the dragon — and it makes a fine short winter walk.
The walk at a glance
- Distance: 3.4 km / 2.1 miles, circular
- Time: approx. 1 hour
- Grade: moderate, about 84 m of climbing
- Start: Parys Mountain free car park (LL68 9RE)
- Dogs: welcome on a lead at all times
What to look for
- The viewing platform over the Great Opencast
- Stone-lined pits where copper was won from the water with scrap iron
- The ruined Pearl engine house
- The windmill on the summit, near where the copper was found in 1768
- Choughs, skylarks and meadow pipits
Staying safe in winter
Stay on the marked paths: there are old mine shafts, steep spoil heaps and loose ground, so keep children and dogs close. The path into the Great Opencast is steep and slippery, and the pools are acidic — don't step in them. In winter, the light goes early, so set off with time to spare and wear sturdy footwear for the loose stones.
Map and route
The full route, map and GPX download are on the Draig walk page, part of our free Anglesey walking trails — one walk for each of the five Mythôn beasts.
Meet the dragon himself on the Draig lore page.