Anglesey is the most picturesque circuit in Britain, if not the world, with endless vista of mountains and the sea, often both taken in together. It takes a lot to drag one’s eyes away from those views, towards the racing, but here Anglesey is equally successful. My favourite point is overlooking the Corkscrew, watching the cars dive down the hill and take, depending on the configuration in use, the tricky left-hander or the devilish left-right complex. As the cars disappear from view, a slight raise of the head brings into view those mountains.

As you can see from the above plan, the circuit is close to the sea. Not so obvious is that it is on the edge of a rather high and precarious cliff. As such, I’ll steer clear of mentioning anywhere I have not been to myself. As my memory is so hazy, I’ll stick to two key areas, the entry to the Banking and the Corkscrew.

I’ve only visited the Corkscrew when the Coastal configuration was in use, where we were able to take the pedestrian shortcut from the north end of the not-in-use pits, across the two long straights that make up the International GP configuration.

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Spectating Notes

1. The Banking The tour starts here, as it is the furthest point that the spectator can go in a clockwise direction; it is a short walk from the paddock.
Viewed from the entrance to the hairpin, looking back.	Walking round the head of the hairpin, you can see a small car park overlooking the circuit.
The view from the car park.	This is as far as a spectator can get in a clockwise direction. The hairpin’s apex can be seen, along with this view of the exit.
2. Raised Platform Set Aside for Disabled Access From the café/bar, head east, parallel to the pit lane, passing both the toilets and then the exit on the left. Keep going until you reach a ramp, to the left, which leads up to this viewing platform, specifically set aside for the disabled.
The start of the ramp. Turn left for the viewing platform.	Head up this ramp, which leads up to this viewing platform, specifically set aside for the disabled.
Looking back to the first corner, Target.	Looking forward, towards the second corner, The Banking.
3. Target Heading back, we are now on the periphery of the paddock. This viewpoint is opposite Marshal Post 2, on the inside of Target corner.
Spectators can be seen from the edge of the paddock, demonstrating how easily accessed this corner is.	Closer, Marshal Post 2 can be seen across the circuit.
The entry to the first corner, Target.	The exit from Target.
4. International Configuration Crossing Continuing in an anticlockwise direction, the paddock facilities and two pit complexes conspire to remove any opportunities for spectating for some distance, even further if the Coastal configuration is in operation. At least there is a shortcut across the International configuration’s extension, but for the sake of safety, the crossing is only open, at best, between sessions and lunchtime. If this crossing is closed, it is a simple matter of getting a little extra exercise and walking the perimeter. Alternatively, it may be possible to drive.
Here we are at the circuit crossing, from the paddock side of the circuit. The crossing point is via the gate on the left. It is shown as currently being closed. The steps that can be seen between the crossing sign and the lorry lead to views of the circuit.	This photograph was taken whilst on a track walk, with the circuit being closed. Having gone through the previous gate, cross the road to the centre of the track, then cross the road again to exit the track.
Having crossed the circuit, here is the view back.	On returning, go through this gate. Again, here the crossing is currently closed.
5. Hairpin There are steps at the far end of the International configuration’s pit lane, alongside the pedestrian crossing point. These lead to the top of an embankment that overlooks the circuit towards and around the hairpin. If you are just walking to a Coastal configuration spectating point at the far end of the circuit and wish to avoid this unnecessary climb, there is a perimeter road around the outside that you can take instead.
The steps that can be seen between the crossing sign and the lorry leads up to views of the circuit.	The path leads uphill towards and round the hairpin. To the left is the circuit, while to the right is a perimeter road.
The hairpin.	Rounding the hairpin the circuit can be seen to the left. The footpath continues to the right of the photograph.
6. Tom Pryce Straight Having rounded the hairpin, spectators can watch as competitors strive to outbrake their opponents, or look down the long Tom Pryce Straight and enjoy the various slipstreaming battles.
Looking down the long Tom Pryce Straight towards the Corkscrew.	Looking back towards the Hairpin.
7. Corkscrew Now back on the Coastal Configuration, cars can be seen heading into the downhill right-hand turn, with the entrance into the International extension being coned off. It is already a trek to get here and so is invariably quieter, so it is nice to walk just a few metres further and get a choice of picnic tables from which to enjoy the views.
Cars can be seen heading into the downhill right-hand turn, with the entrance into the International extension being coned off.	A short walk later provides a choice of picnic tables from which to enjoy the views.
The view from by the picnic tables, looking towards the Corkscrew.	The view from by the picnic tables, looking back towards Peel corner, with an access road to the right. Marshal Post 7, which covers Rocket In, can be seen.
8. Exit of Peel Corner Crossing the access road, there are steps leading to a high embankment that overlooks the exit from Peel corner, after which there are steps leading back down to a car park at circuit-level.
Across the access road is a high embankment. The steps can be made out next to Marshal Post 9, which covers the exit from Peel corner.	Having climbed these steps, one gets a good overview of the stretch between Peel and the Cockscrew.
At the far end of the embankment, the spectator can enjoy competitors rounding and exiting Peel corner.	Another set of steps for the determined spectator or keen mountaineer, leading down to a small car park.
9. Peel and Rocket Fneed to be more interested in looking at the scenery. By watching cars approach or depart from this vantage, you will see a great vista of the sea and mountains. Whilst there are even better points in watch to admire the scenery, being at ground level and a distance from the track means the racing views are not as impressive as elsewhere. No matter, as this is just a stop-off; continuing round, we shall observe more magnificent spectating points.
The view back towards Rocket…	… and forward towards Peel.
10. Rocket to School Walking from the the car park towards the fast curving sweep from Church to Rocket, one can take an access road on the outside of the circuit, or stay tight to the circuit and continue to watch the racing as you continue your journey. The passage is narrow, but staying there is unlikely cause an issue as not many spectators are likely to travel so far. I may be over-reacting, but from now on I would advise parents to be well-prepared and extra-careful. You are close to the clifftops and, whilst difficult to get to, there is still a minor danger.
From the car park, one can continue to watch the action whilst walking from Peel to Rocket by going through this entrance.	It won’t take many to block the passage, but the views, whilst interesting, are not alone worth a long stay.
Continuing along the passage maintains the view.	The passage opens up, with the circuit to the left and the access road to the right. Note the sea to your right. Take care of your children throughout this area.
11. Rocket In and Rocket Out The narrow path continues, but this little section is worth a lingering visit. Heavy braking will bring overtaking opportunities into Rocket In. Then there’s always the temptation of a late dive which can easily end in tears. There may also be a variety on lines as competitors jostle in preparation for a pass on exiting the following Peel corner.
Marshal Post 7 can be seen in the background, opposite the entrance to Rocket In.	Rocket Out.
The exit from Rocket Out.	Ynys Meibion, which translates into English as The Isle of Sons. This tiny island is close by Rocket Out.
12. School Take care if spectating from here, as it is narrow and there is a steep drop to the access road below. This view takes in the long sweeping curve from Church to Rocket. Expect plenty of slipstreaming and passes along this high-speed stretch.
The path is narrow and there is a steep drop to the access road below.	The view towards Rocket, with Marshal Post 7 clearly seen.
You can see all the way back to Church corner.	Looking across the track and you can see the start/finish straight alongside the pit wall.
13. Farm Buildings and Toilets Continuing on, to get to the next spectating point we need to pass by some farm buildings, where there is a toilet block. Passing circuit-side of the toilet block, alongside an embankment, leads to circuit access for marshals and the ambulance. I waited patiently for a marshal to grant me permission to continue and did so cautiously. I do not recommend children anywhere near here.
The farm building, with the toilet block on the left edge. Children are not recommended anywhere near here.	The toilet block.
After the toilet block, alongside an embankment, this leads to circuit access for marshals and the ambulance.	I waited patiently for a marshal to grant me permission to continue and did so cautiously. Here is looking back, with the ambulance just in view.
14. Church to School Continuing anticlockwise and the viewing area widens considerably. Here, drivers are passing by at high speed.
Looking back, you can see the wide expanse. Here, cars are heading towards School.	Looking forward, Marsal Post 4 can be seen displaying a yellow flag at Church corner.
15. Church Corner This is as far as the spectator can go. They can enjoy the views before the long trek back. The end-point is indicated by a stack of tyres. Looking to the right, you will observe the sea
The view forward, from as far anticlockwise as you can go.	The view back, from the same vantage.
The reason why you cannot go any further.	The sea view, from the same vantage.
16. Crossing Marshal Post 5 to Pit Lane This crossing will only be available when the circuit is closed and not usually between sessions. If there are any officials or marshals, always get permission first.
This is the crossing point, by Marshal Post 5.	Cross the first part of the track, into the centre.
Then cross the start/finish straight, into the pit lane.	From the pit lane, you can cross in the opposite direction.

Page updated by Peter Tattersall, April 2024