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| SPOTLIGHT | | Tropical
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Wales Aberaeron Spain, Traveller Information Destinations - Aberaeron
Beach Type:
Sand
A mile-long sandy bay situated at the end of the Llyn peninsula.
This quaint village at the foot of the Llyn Peninsula can become rather congested
in the height of summer.
The Southerly facing bay is generally only
worth a look when the rest of the Peninsular is huge. Take a look on the incoming
tide as there could just be some rideable peaks.
Bathing
Safety
Lifeguard: No
Emergency Facilities: No
Litter
& Dog :- Dog restrictions aply. There is a dog exercise area.
Facilities:-Toilets. Cafes and restaurants. Disabled access. first aid
centre. and a slipway. There is a promenade.
Activities:- windsurfing.
canoeing and sailing. Surfing is also possible although a large swell is needed
to produce waves at this relatively sheltered beach.
Wildlife &
Walks :- This is a long bay with plenty to explore. including some sea caves
and rockpools. Care should be taken around the cliffs and be aware of the tide
times to avoid getting cut-off.
Getting There :-Signposted
from Pwllheli
Parking:- Parking available. you must pay to park.
Public Transport :-Limited bus service.
Tourist Information:-Pwllheli
TIC. Min y Don.
An attractive little fishing village at the far end
of the Lleyn peninsula is situated in a sheltered bay and has a mile long sandy
beach backed by sand dunes. Behind these are the delightful village with its church
and medieval hump bridge.
Just two miles short of the end of the Lleyn
Peninsula, nestles the attractive village of Aberdaron. Virtually on the beach,
at the mouth of the River Daron, this laid-back whitewashed fishing village consists
of a couple of dozen houses, a few hostelries, a few shops and an interesting
church.
The small church of St Hywyn dates from the 12th century, though
there has been a place of Christian worship here since the 5th century. St Hywyn
was a disciple of St Cadfan, who founded monasteries throughout Wales, including
the final resting place of 20000 saints, Bardsey Island. Two early tombstones,
from around 5-6th century, The Senacus Stones, can be viewed at the church. The
Welsh poet, R.S.Thomas, was the parish priest at St Hywyn’s for over a decade,
much of his poetry inspired by the solitude to be found in this part of The Lleyn
Peninsula. Over the years St Hywyn’s has been restored a number of times due to
weathering and its proximity to the sea.
Most importantly, Aberdaron
was (and is) the last stopping off point for pilgrims, on their journey to Bardsey
Island. After a long journey on the Pilgrims Trail, Aberdaron was a place to take
refreshments, spiritual guidance and a good night’s sleep before the final sea
crossing to the island. Modern day pilgrims still take the journey, weather permitting,
to the holy island, embarking from nearby Porth Meudwy. Fine views of the island
can be seen from Mynydd Mawr, a small hill overlooking Bardsey Sound.
Before departing for Bardsey Island, 13th century pilgrims were given a free meal
at Y Gegin Fawr (The Big Kitchen) in Aberdaron, this attractive stone built building
still offers food; just don’t expect it for free!
The beach at Aberdaron
is a south west facing sandy beach, gently shelving with safe bathing and popular
with both bathers and water sports enthusiasts. Occasionally, conditions are suitable
for surfing. Another nearby beach of note is Porth Oer, popularly known as Whistling
Sands, due to the squeak emitted on the dry sand when walking across it. Further
west, the coastline consists of mainly cliffs punctuated by the occasional secluded
rocky cove.
Five miles east of Aberdaron, is the National Trust owned
property, Plas Yn Rhiw, a small manor house, parts of which date from the 16th
century. The delightful gardens offer lovely views across Cardigan Bay.
Aberdaron is an ideal base for those visitors that need to escape from the pressures
of modern living. The local area offers fine hill walking, secluded beaches and
quiet country lanes. Virtually as far west on the Lleyn peninsula as one can go,
the pace of life here is very relaxed and reminiscent of another era. Paradise
for those seeking peace and solitude. | |
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Top Beaches |  |
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Aberdaron Beach | | Bardsey is heart-stoppingly
beautiful and well worth a visit - there are self-catering cottages available
on the island, or you could just go for a day-trip. | |
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Abersoch | | Such high self-esteem isn't
really justified, but at high tide the harbour is attractive, and the long swathe
of the beach-hut-backed Town Beach is a fine spot, even if it is barely visible
under towels at busy times. | | |
| Aberystwyth
| | Aberystwyth is an essential stop
along the Ceredigion coast. Being rooted in all aspects of Welsh culture, it is
possibly the most enjoyable and relaxed place to gain an insight into the national
psyche. | | |
| Cricieth
| | When sea-bathing became the Victorian
fashion, English families descended on the sweeping sand and shingle beach at
Cricieth (sometimes Criccieth), five miles west of Porthmadog, a quiet, amiable
resort which curiously abounds with good places to stay and great restaurants,
making it a good touring base for the peninsula and Porthmadog. | |
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|
Dale | | Dale , fourteen miles west of
Haverfordwest, can be unbearably crowded in peak season, but it is a pleasant
enough village, whose east-facing shore makes it excellent for watersports in
the lighter seas. | | |
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Caerfai Bay | | A mile due south, accessed
along the signposted lane from the main Haverfordwest road just near the school,
popular Caerfai Bay provides a sandy gash in the purple sandstone cliffs, rock
which was used in the construction of the cathedral. | |
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Porth Clais | | Supposedly the place
at which St David was baptized, Porth Clais was the city's main harbour, the spruced-up
remains of which can still be seen at the bottom of the turquoise river creek.
Today, commercial traffic has long gone, replaced by a boaties' haven. |
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Llandudno | | Llandudno has an undeniably
dignified air, its older set of promenading devotees often huddled in the glassed
frontages of once-grand hotels, content to sit and watch the more rumbustious
younger visitors. | | |
|
Marloes | | Only a mile away from the
village, the broad, deserted beach is a safe place to swim, and looks out towards
the island of Skokholm. | | |
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Traethmawr beach | | Newport's nearest
beach, the Parrog, is complete with sandy stretches at low tide. On the other
side of the estuary is the vast dune-backed Traethmawr beach, reached over the
town bridge down Feidr Pen-y-Bont. | |
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