If outdoor adventures get your heart racing, then Porth Wen Brickworks deserves a top spot on your list.
Hidden away at the northern edge of Anglesey in Wales, this abandoned Victorian landmark feels like a secret waiting to be discovered, and honestly it is surprising that more explorers have not heard about it yet.
This abandoned 19th century brick factory still holds the remains of its old structures and machinery scattered across a wide open site, turning it into a dream spot for curious explorers and adventure lovers who know where to look.
And with the stunning Traeth Porth Wen Beach right beside it plus breathtaking coastal views all around, visiting this place in person becomes one of those unforgettable adventures that stays with you for a long time.
How old is Porth Wen Brickworks?
Porth Wen Brickworks first began producing fire bricks in the middle of the 19th century, turning this historic site into a place that now carries nearly 200 years of history.
This location was carefully chosen because the surrounding quarries were rich in quartzite, the key material used to produce fire bricks.
Fire bricks were a booming industry back then since they were essential for lining steel making furnaces, and as demand kept growing a tram road was later added along with new building expansions during the early 20th century.
Take a walk around the brickworks yourself and see what secrets you can uncover. Once filled with busy quarries, tram lines, work sheds, chimneys and warehouses, it is exciting to wander through the grounds and imagine the energy and movement that once filled this historic place.
When did Porth Wen Brickworks close?
Porth Wen Brickworks permanently closed its doors in 1949, and since then the site has remained abandoned almost exactly as it was, turning it into a rare and fascinating piece of history.
Several reasons led to the factory shutting down for good, with the biggest one being the arrival of newer and more advanced brick making techniques that quickly made the traditional methods used at Porth Wen outdated.
Another major challenge was the location itself, because even though the area was rich in quartz the rugged coastline made transporting the materials extremely difficult.
Powerful tides and a sharply jagged shoreline often damaged ships trying to dock at Porth Wen, which made operations far from easy.
And if you happen to visit Porth Wen Brickworks during high tide, you will quickly see for yourself just how fierce and unpredictable these Welsh waters can be.
Where is Porth Wen In Anglesey?
Porth Wen Brickworks sits on the northern edge of Anglesey and can be reached by following a grassy footpath just off the A5025 along a quiet country lane between Cemaes Bay and Burwen.
Nearest address: Cemaes Bay LL67 OLN
How do you get to Porth Wen Brickworks?
Disclaimer Porth Wen Brickworks is located on private land and entry to the site is strictly prohibited. It is always recommended to view the brickworks safely from the Anglesey Coastal Path and any visit is entirely at your own risk.
For those planning to see Porth Wen Brickworks, the easiest way to reach the area is by traveling there by car.
To get close to the site, drive along the A5025 main road between Cemaes Bay and Burwen and keep an eye out for the laybys located near the country lane that turns toward Torllwyn.
From one of these laybys it takes around a 20 minute walk along the country lane until you reach the start of the footpath that leads toward Porth Wen Brickworks.
You might also find a parking spot closer to the footpath entrance by continuing down the country lane toward Torllwyn, where a few small parking spaces are available.
From this point, the walk to Porth Wen Brickworks is only about half a mile. But these parking spots fill up quickly, so unless you arrive early in the morning, finding one can be quite a challenge.
If you start from one of the laybys along the A5025 main road, the hike becomes roughly 2 miles. Just follow the country lane toward Torllwyn, pass through the gate on your right side, and continue along the grassy footpath.
As you make your way down the trail, beautiful views of the bay and the brickworks begin to appear, and before long the path splits into two. Make sure you follow the footpath on the right.
Continue along the trail and you will soon reach a gate that you will need to climb over, and this is where the route starts to feel a little more challenging.
While it is still manageable for most hikers, the descent from this point becomes quite steep and can be slippery, so move carefully especially when the ground is wet or muddy.
The path also comes to an abrupt end right above one of the brickworks buildings, with a steep drop on the other side.
Because of the risks around this abandoned site, it is not recommended to bring children, and it is best to keep dogs on a lead as you get closer to the area.
Other Porth Wen Brickworks walk routes
Perfect for hikers looking to turn their visit into a longer adventure, the Anglesey Coastal Path from Cemaes Bay to Bull Bay offers a fantastic alternative route to explore.
This moderately challenging trek stretches close to 18 kilometres, with rolling hills that bring plenty of steep climbs and descents that will definitely test your legs, but the incredible coastal views along the way make every step completely worth it.
For all the details and the full route layout, take a look at the map below.
Tips when visiting Porth Wen Brickhouse
- Plan your visit during high tide and you will witness powerful waves crashing against the rocky bay, while low tide reveals a stunning pebbled beach that is perfect for exploring.
- Arriving early is a smart move since parking is limited, and the morning hours give you the best chance to secure a spot. Watching the sunrise near the brickworks is sure to be an unforgettable sight.
- While you are exploring the area, make sure to visit the impressive natural stone arch located at the edge of the grounds.
Respecting Porth Wen Brickworks
Disclaimer The land where the brickworks stands is privately owned which means anyone entering the area is technically trespassing. The site is also in a deteriorated condition and may pose safety risks for visitors.
Because of this it is always recommended to admire the brickworks from a safe distance along the Anglesey Coastal Path mentioned earlier.
It is also unfortunate to see that some of the walls have been marked with graffiti and that noticeable litter has been left scattered around parts of the site.
If you decide to visit at your own risk, it is always best to follow the leave no trace rule. The idea is simple, leave the place exactly as you found it so others can enjoy it just the same.
During the warmer months you might also notice hikers setting up small camps while traveling along the Anglesey Coastal Path. While camping here is not recommended since wild camping is illegal in Wales, anyone staying in the area should always make sure to clean up and respect the surroundings.
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