David Rawden: Quite a lot of persistence is needed in order to get to Bardsey Island, as the ferry is much dependent on the vagaries of weather and tide. Head for Uwchmynydd to the west of Aberdaron, where there is a National Trust car park with a gravel track leading to Porth Meudwy. The ferry, if running, leaves from here at about 10:30, returning mid-afternoon. Don't attempt to go on a Saturday as the boat is fully occupied with bird watchers and research students staying at the field centre. The boat trip is quite an adventure. A motor-boat anchors about 70 metres from the beach, and from there an inflatable comes in-shore. Wearing the life-jackets supplied, you are transferred to the motor-boat, which goes to the island at quite a speed. Unless the day is very hot and you need a cooling shower, you would be wise to sit in the front of the boat.
Getting information is not easy. The booking office in Aberdaron (phone 01758 760667) is theoretically open daily from 10am to 4pm in June, July and August. The Bardsey Island Trust officer, who is rather elusive, is Simon Glynn (01758 730740). It's best to phone at about 18:45 when you might be able to speak to him, but are more likely to get a recorded message. After a torrent of Welsh you hear in English whether the boat is running the next day.
Jon Metcalf: Phone the island trust on 01766 810663 to book a place on a trip. It is the same boat from Pwllheli on Saturdays, which stops off at Porth Meudwy on the way. It returns to the mainland after four hours. Adults £20 return.
