Mynydd Bodafon

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Yr Arwydd
Elevation	178 m (584 ft)
Location	Anglesey, Wales
Prominence	178 m
Topo map	OS Landranger 114
OS grid reference	SH472854
Listing	Marilyn
Translation	The Signal (Welsh)
Pronunciation	[ɐɾ 'æɾwɪð]

Mynydd Bodafon is a small hill, the highest on the island of Anglesey (although not in the county of Anglesey — see Holyhead Mountain). Its summit is also known as Yr Arwydd (The Signal). It lies about four kilometres west of the coastal town of Moelfre and one kilometre south-west of the hamlet of Brynrefail. The meaning of Bodafon is obscure. Bod is a common placename element meaning 'dwelling' and afon here is possibly a corruption of the personal name A(e)ddan (afon is Welsh for 'river' but topography rules that out).^[1]

Bodafon

The terrain of Mynydd Bodafon varies greatly, from pine forest to heathland. In 2006 during an arson attack, much of this land was burnt. The walk to the top of Yr Arwydd is not a particularly difficult one and can be done by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. There is a small lake which contains various varieties of fish, a reservoir and three springs coming from the hill. To the east of the hill is found an iron age earthwork.

Mynydd Bodafon's wildlife is typical for Anglesey. There are a growing number of rabbits which spread past the base of the hill. At one time, deer were present but were hunted and no longer exist there. Also due to hunting the number of foxes in the area has decreased. Mynydd Bodafon boasts a large number of wild birds. Various birds of prey include buzzards and a small number of peregrine falcons. The region is also a popular point of migration for swallows, who inhabit the area between mid-April to October. Recently there have been sightings of the lesser spotted woodpecker, which shows promising growth in the area. The cuckoo is regularly seen on the mountain ( there is an old local song about the cuckoo on Bodafon Mountain!)

Although the name Mynydd Bodafon may refer to the hill, it is also the name for the wider geographical area, which is part of the Penrhoslligwy area. Traditionally a Welsh area, many English people have moved there over the las few decades. The area is very popular with tourists, who use it for walking and sometimes fishing. Farming is the main use for the area, but recently a paintball park has been opened there.