Writing on Enlli

Would you like to write about nature and the environment, and do so in a unique location full of inspiration and memorable experiences?

In May 2026, Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre will be going on tour and venturing over the Swnt to Ynys Enlli for a special course under the care of ecologist, Elinor Gwynn. Special guests will also be joining us during the week to contribute different perspectives to the course. Further details and a full timetable will follow shortly, but here’s a taste of what to expect:

During this week-long course, you’ll be sharing a house with your fellow participants and will be attending inspirational workshops and activities which will support you in writing about the landscape and the world around us. In addition to pre-arranged activities, we will collaborate with Bardsey Island Trust to find opportunities for you to take part in other events all over the island during the week. More often than not on Enlli however, it is the unexpected and personal experiences and encounters that spark the imagination and stimulate creation. There will be enough free time set aside in the course timetable for you to enjoy your leisure time on the island and to discover sights and places that are special to you.

We will study the wildlife of the island and its shores, the sea and the rocks, and some of the history of the people and society that have made Enlli such a unique place. By the end of the week you will have become very familiar with all the paths that take you over the mountain, through the marshy fields and around the bays and low cliffs that will be covered by wildflowers and resonating with the sound of birds in May.

Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to craft words and develop pieces of written work in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, so that you can discover what kind of ‘nature writing’ appeals to you and be inspired to carry on after returning to the mainland.

With a background in science and climate law, Elinor Gwynn has extensive experience of working in landscape, climate, heritage, and sustainability sectors. She has worked for numerous organisations which include the National Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales, Snowdonia National Park, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Welsh Centre for International Affairs and Natural Resources Wales. She has also worked as a freelancer in various fields which span across creative writing and translation to advising on heritage grant applications. She recently studied the relationship between language and the environment as part of her doctorate research at Aberystwyth University, and prepared Aberystwyth and Ceredigion’s successful application to be one of the new UNESCO Cities of Literature.

Practical Information:

Transport

The boat to Ynys Enlli will leave from Porth Meudwy (LL53 8DA) on the morning of Saturday 16 May 2026, and return a week later – with the boat leaving Ynys Enlli on the morning of Saturday 23 May. The price of the boat trip is included in the price of the course. We will confirm the exact time of the boat’s departure closer to the course dates, and after having liaised with boat’s Captain and verified the weather conditions. The boat trip lasts around 20 minutes. We will provide more details regarding the meeting point and boat arrangements in due course.

Accommodation

Up to 17 of you will share a house (either Plas Bach, Nant or Hendy) for the week. You can choose which type of room you would like to book, depending on availability. You can bring a partner or friend and share a room; or pay a little more to have a room to yourself. The price of the accommodation is included in the price of the course.

Please note that Enlli has very simple facilities, this adds to its magic. There is no electricity in the houses and various lamps are used to light the accommodation. Due to health and safety regulations, the use of candles is not permitted. We suggest you bring head torches, or other types of lamps.

Although they are not luxurious, the houses are comfortably furnished. Plas Bach is a five bedroom house. In the kitchen, you’ll find a gas oven, fridge/freezer, and adequate catering equipment. Dishes, washing-up liquid, toilet paper and house cleaning equipment are also provided.

Toilets and Bathing Facilities

There are no bathrooms in the houses. A compost toilet is located outside every house, most often in the garden. Please note that it is your responsibility to empty your own toilet bucket. There is a disposal site for each house. This toilet will be shared by all the residents in the house.

There are no shower or traditional washing facilities on the island. There is a bowl and jug in each bedroom, and it will be possible to boil water for bathing. You should bring a towel for bathing purposes.

Heating

A multi-fuel stove is located in the living room of the houses. If you wish to light it there will be a supply of fuel located in the house for you. Although we will be visiting in April, and we hope that the weather will be favourable, you should bring warm clothes for the evenings, as there is no heating in the bedrooms.

Cleaning and Rubbish

Ynys Enlli Trust implements a self-cleaning policy in the houses, that is, we do not charge for cleaning, but we ask all our guests to leave the house in a clean and tidy condition ready for the next guests.

We also ask guests to take all their rubbish and recycling items back with them. Recycling bins are placed at the entrance to Cwrt Farm on the mainland.

Water / Drinking water

All houses have a supply of cold water from a well. You should be aware that water is scarce here and must be used carefully and sparingly. The well water is for drinking and cooking only.

Food and Drink

Your meals will be cooked and provided for you on the island. We kindly ask you to help with the dishes. Breakfast, a simple lunch and dinner will be included in the price of the course. We can cater for a variety of different needs, but we ask that you let us know when ordering, please, so that we can thoroughly prepare for you. We would recommend bringing snacks and drinks with you and remind you that there is no grocery store on the island, only what is for sale at the farm. There is a cafe which provides meals, and cakes, as well as a supply of alcohol for sale on the island. These can only be paid for with cash, so be sure to bring cash with you.

FAQs

What should I pack?

Please keep baggage to a minimum as the boat has only limited hold capacity. Pack all parcels in small, easily-handled loads that are sealed, waterproof (use containers or wrap in plastic) and well secured. All belongings should be clearly marked with the name of the house in which you will be staying. Unmarked luggage may be delayed or go astray.

Please bring the following items for your stay on the island:

• Bed sheets (to fit your chosen bed-size). Ynys Enlli provides duvets, pillows and blankets.
• Footwear and clothing for all weather
• Warm pyjamas, as there is no heating in bedrooms
• Towels and washing kit
• A good torch and spare batteries – the use of candles and tea-lights is not permitted.
• Medication – if you use any medication please ensure that you bring extra supplies to last at least another week.
• Important – pack your luggage in small sealed packages which are easy to handle.

Should I bring any additional equipment with me?

There is a limit to the amount of luggage that can be carried on the boat, however the following may enhance your Enlli experience:

• Pair of binoculars
• Art materials
• Fishing rod / bait
• Musical instruments (not too big!)
• Camera and spare batteries (If you intend on taking any commercial photographs, please contact the Bardsey Island Trust)
• Mobile phone – please be aware that you may pick up a mobile phone signal from Ireland which may incur additional charges to your tariff. There is a 4G signal for EE (best) and Vodafone from some areas on the island. There is no electricity to recharge your mobile on the island.
• Solar-powered battery charger / battery pack for your devices

Can I go swimming?

The Bardsey Island Trust and Tŷ Newydd do not recommend sailing, kayaking or swimming around the coastline of Bardsey as the strong currents can be very dangerous. Any of these activities are undertaken at your own risk.

What’s available at Tŷ Pellaf Farm and Café?

The café at Tŷ Pellaf Farm, run by the Roberts family, serves various drinks, ice cream, snacks and homemade cakes daily. Tŷ Pellaf is licensed to sell alcohol, reducing the need to bring your supplies with you. As well as the café, the farm will be selling fresh, free-range island eggs, seasonal vegetables, crabs and lobsters boiled or fresh, straight off the boat.

What will happen if the weather’s not favourable and the boat cannot cross?

If the weather is too bad for the boat to cross on the day originally planned, Colin Evans, the boatman, will transport you to the island on the next available day, weather conditions permitting.

Tŷ Newydd will contact all participants as soon as possible in the event of having to amend the schedule.

Are there any downstairs bedrooms?

Yes, but please do check that the downstairs bedroom hasn’t already been taken before placing a booking.

How is all our luggage taken to the boat and to our accommodation once we arrive on the island?

Your luggage will be taken by a 4×4 and trailer down to the boat at Porth Meudwy and will be collected from the boat by the tractor and trailer or a buggy once you arrive on Bardsey. Please ensure your luggage is in small, easily handled boxes and bags, as they need to be lifted onto the boat. We kindly ask you not to pack everything into a large heavy suitcase.

I’d like more information about the composting toilet. Can you explain how it works?

The toilets for guests are simple compost toilets. They have a toilet seat above a bucket. When you use the toilet, only toilet paper must be put in the toilet. Bins are provided for all other non-compostable materials. A small sprinkling of sawdust is added after use. You will need to empty the toilet during your stay. Gloves are provided for this and the Wardens will explain the process on your arrival.

What lighting is there in our accommodation?

There is no electricity in any of the houses for hire on Bardsey. Small lamps and solar lamps are provided. We recommend bringing a head torch or two and some spare batteries for your stay… especially for any evening trips to the toilet!

The good news is you will enjoy some of the darkest skies in Wales on Bardsey, with plenty of opportunities for stargazing.

What’s the situation regarding bathrooms and showers?

There are no bathrooms or showers in any of Bardsey’s guest houses; washing bowls are provided. You use water from the water butt outside (not the water from the well as this is for drinking and cooking only and must be conserved). You heat your washing water on the stove in a big pan provided. There are plenty of bowls in the houses, so you can take the bowl to your room to wash. Plas Bach has a room that can be used as washrooms. The toilet is a compost toilet located in the garden.

I have a disability or a condition which affects my mobility. Is this course suitable for me?

Please contact us to discuss your requirements. We will try our very best to be as accommodating as possible.