Looking For A Holiday Cottage In North Wales?

The Lon Eifion Cycle Path

2012-01-30T14:45:00.000Z

If you enjoyed our article about the cycle routes of the Lleyn Peninsula read on……..

Part of Lon Las Cymru, (route number 8 on the National Cycle Network and shown on OS maps), Lon Eifion is a scenic cycle route running from Caernarfon to Bryncir. Running alongside the Welsh Highland Railway, the path skirts the western edge of the main mountains of Snowdonia with wonderful views of the Nantlle ridge and, near Penygroes, a more distant glimpse of Snowdon. Heading south there are fine views towards the Llyn Peninsula. The northern half of the path takes you past several villages: Bontnewydd, Dinas, Groeslon and Penygroes.

Starting near the impressive Caernarfon Castle, the 12.5 mile cycle path is largely level and has an excellent hard surface, and for much of its course is wider than most cycle paths - as wide in fact as some country lanes! A shorter version can be done by breaking the journey at Groeslon, where the cycle route passes by the Inigo Jones Slateworks, (a museum and café where you can see craftsmen cut, shape and polish raw slate slabs into kitchen worktops and a multitude of craft items) and then retracing your steps. It is also possible to join the route at a number of places to give a route to suit the day.

Download a pdf guide to Lon Eifion HERE

Looking for somewhere to stay near Lon Eifion?

Centrally situated for both mountains and coast, Bwthyn is a charming semi-detached traditional cottage which has recently undergone sympathetic renovation and is only a few yards away from the cycle track. Ideal for couples, it comprises a comfortable lounge/diner with TV, DVD, inset electric fire, and a double bed-settee; fully-fitted well-equipped kitchen with fridge, a very nice shower room/toilet; and one double bedroom. Duvets, bed linen, towels and all fuel charges are included in the rental, and with prices from £130 for a 2/3-night short break, is a highly-affordable holiday whatever the time of year. As an added bonus, there is free Wi-Fi access and the use of a wireless printer. There is even a shed for cycle storage.

Full details, interior photos, availability etc. see Holiday Cottage on Lon Eifion Cycle route, at y Groeslon

Wales “the greatest region on Earth in 2012”

2011-10-31T11:25:00.002Z

Wales has achieved a prestigious top-ten spot in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012, which features 10 countries, regions and cities, all handpicked by the travellers' bible’s experts as one of the most impressive places to visit next year.

Behind Wales’ selection lies the opening, in May 2012, of the All Wales Coast Path - a Welsh Government scheme costing £10m – which will run from Chepstow all the way to Queensferry in Flintshire. It will stretch some 870 miles via dramatic serrations, sandy bays and domineering castles – making 1,377km of coastline accessible.

The path will mean that, in 2012, Wales will become the only country in the world to boast a footpath running along its entire coastline.

Order your copy of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012 now.

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2011-10-18T17:16:00.002+01:00

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Cycling Routes of the Lleyn Peninsula

2011-04-06T16:41:00.000+01:00

A long finger of land, that thrusts out towards Ireland, forming the northern arm of Cardigan Bay, as Pembrokeshire does the southern, the Lleyn Peninsula is every cyclists dream location.
With some 47 miles of coastline, the Lleyn Peninsula's roads are noticeably quieter than those of its southern counterpart. Golden beaches, quaint seaside villages, large hills plunging straight into the sea, old drover's roads, green lanes, and breathtaking views of Snowdonia are all part and parcel of this beautiful piece of land.

The Mynydd Ystum Route
Start and finish point: Aberdaron
Length: 19 miles (30.5km)
Allow: 2 to 3 hours
Apart from the steep ride out of Aberdaron, and the ascent out of Rhiw towards Sarn Meyllteyrn, this route is mostly on the level. A 19-mile round-trip which begins in the picturesque fishing village of Aberdaron, it makes for some breathtaking views from Anglesey in the North, the Irish Wicklow Hills in the west, and Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay to the south. Download the map and directions as a PDF file by following the links below:
Mynydd Ystum Circular Tour (Map)
Mynydd Ystum Circular Tour (Directions)

The Garn Fadryn Route
Start and finish point: Abersoch
Length: 27 miles (43.5km)
Allow: 3 to 4 hours
Rocky Garn Fadryn is a sleepy little hamlet at the very heart of the Lleyn Peninsula. This route takes in three of Lleyn's oldest churches, wooded areas, ancient burial chambers, and the rugged north Lleyn coastline. Download the map and directions as a PDF file by following the links below:
The Garn Fadryn Route (Map)
The Garn Fadryn Route (Directions)

The Garn Boduan Route
Start and finish point: Nefyn
Length: 17 miles (27.5km)
Allow: 2 to 3 hours
Following narrow, quiet country lanes, the views of Nefyn and Porthdinllaen which unfold as you climb up the hill to Mynydd Nefyn, and views of Snowdonia thereafter will never be forgotten. Download the map and directions as a PDF file by following the links below:
The Garn Boduan Route (Map)
The Garn Boduan Route (Directions)

The Garn Pentyrch Pentyrch Route
Start and finish point: The Madryn Arms pub in Chwilog
Length: 14 miles (22.5km)
Allow: 2 to 3 hours
The remarkable feature of this tour is the Lon Goed - a seven mile avenue of beech and oak. Download the map and directions as a PDF file by following the links below:
The Garn Pentyrch Route (Map)
The Garn Pentyrch Route (Directions)

Visit Cycling North Wales for more on-road and off-road routes.

If mountain biking is more of "your thing" Coed y Brenin is home to some of the finest mountain biking in the UK with waymarked technical trails and a newly opened family route, all based from the Visitor Centre approx. 8 miles north of Dolgellau. There are also a number of waymarked all-ability and family walking trails, two running trails, a magnificent tiered childrens play area, bike hire and a stunning cafe with views to die for!

The True Taste of Wales

2011-03-08T17:52:00.003Z

Fancy staying on an organic smallholding set on the slopes above Llithfaen? Want to be able to buy seasonal soft fruit and veg fresh off the fields.......or home-made preserves, chutneys, jellies, fresh bread, traditional Bara Brith or even home made pizza, freshly-made to order? Then look no further than our Holiday Caravan at Llithfaen. The owners are the current holders of the Gwynedd Taste and Talent Awards Food Producer of the Year and regularly sell their produce at the Porthmadog Local Produce Market.

Held in the Ganolfan in Porthmadog (by the Ffestiniog Railway Station) between 09.30 and 14.00 on the last Saturday of every month, there are cakes, preserves, chocolate, beer, liqueurs, fruit and vegetables, bread, eggs, pasties, meat, fish, cheese, and artisan gifts, all locally made and sourced. Why not stop on your way home and take home a treat!

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

The Fishing Boats and Ports of Wales

2011-03-08T17:14:00.003Z

The Fishing Boats and Ports of Wales: A Way to Explore is a wonderfully inviting, user-friendly guide to the boats and the ports and coves from which they operate across the stunning Welsh coastline. In total fifty-eight ports are explored; from Newport in the South to Connah’s Quay in the North, providing a contemporary photographic record of all the registered fishing boats in the country. Together with his wife Liz, herself a gifted researcher and illustrator, Stewart Lenton provides a comprehensive guide to those places intimately associated with the fishing industry, past and present, and hopes that their celebration of the boating heritage of Wales will encourage others to appreciate its importance. Vibrant, well-presented and with a broad appeal, The Fishing Boats and Ports of Wales: A Way to Explore affords readers with an informative and accessible handbook, brought to life through its attentive commentary on the distinctive sights, sounds and sea-salt smells of these eclectic Welsh harbours.

Published by Channel View Publishing Plymouth (RRP £17.99) is is available from the official website www.fishportboats.co.uk and selected retailers.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Welsh castles 'more popular than Buckingham Palace'

2011-01-13T16:31:00.005Z

Welsh castles are 'more popular than Buckingham Palace' if a poll of more than 10,000 potential overseas visitors proves correct.

They are more than 700 years old, and built to pacify the unruly – but the castles of Wales could soon be letting down the drawbridge for thousands of foreign tourists, particularly from Poland, Russia, Italy and Germany. See the full article here

Read our article on the Castles of North Wales here

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Gwynedd Beaches Awarded Blue Flag Status

2010-05-11T11:39:00.003+01:00

A record number of beaches and marinas in Wales have achieved the prestigious Blue Flag status this year, including eight in Gwynedd.

They are:

Abersoch
Barmouth
Criccieth Traeth y Promenad
Dinas Dinlle
Fairbourne
Pwllheli-Marian-y-De
Pwllheli Marina
Caernarfon Marina

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

For more information, visit the Blue Flag website

The Castles of North Wales

2010-04-06T11:22:00.006+01:00

Wherever you are staying in north Wales, you’ll never be far from a castle!

CAERNARFON CASTLE

Standing at the mouth of the Seiont river, Caernarfon castle is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles. Built by King Edward I of England, following his conquest of Gwynedd in 1283, the sheer scale and commanding presence of it was designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome. Constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace, the fortress (with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour banded masonry) dominates the walled town. Caernarfon's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born there in 1284. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.

CRICIETH CASTLE

Cricieth's history is deeply entwined in the medieval conflict between Wales and England. Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh princes, it was founded by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn Fawr), and extended by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (Llywelyn the Last).

The original castle was a smaller but imposing structure on the summit of the hill, and was used as an administrative centre for the area known as Eifionydd, and as a fortress and prison.

However Llywelyn the Last lost control of the castle early in 1283 during Edward the First of England's second campaign against the Welsh. As Cricieth Castle was a strongly built Castle with access from the sea it suited Edward to add Cricieth to his growing list of Welsh castles and he spent large amounts of money rebuilding and fortifying it, including adding another and strengthening the "Engine Tower" which served as a foundation for a siege engine – a catapult or stone-throwing 'machine.' These improvements were put to the test a decade or so later when the castle had to withstand a long siege by the Welsh, during which supplies were brought in by ship.

It was finally destroyed, to a large part, ironically by the Welsh, during the Owain Glyndwr revolt in 1404 and was never rebuilt.

HARLECH CASTLE

Harlech Castle is a World Heritage site, which reflects its importance and remarkable state of preservation. As with most of King Edward's iron ring of Castles in North Wales, it sits high on a rocky outcrop, its seaward side defended by sheer cliffs, while a deep moat protects the other sides, and completely dominates the small town.

It was designed by Master James of St George, who personally supervised its construction, ensuring that the vast fortress was completed in just seven years (1283-1290). The castle is built to a concentric design with an impressive inner curtain wall with huge round towers on the corners, surrounded by an outer perimeter of much lower walls. The inner walls contained domestic buildings, including a great hall, and the more vulnerable east side of the castle was strengthened by a massive gatehouse that contained comfortable residential quarters.

Harlech Castle played a key role in the last great Welsh uprising, led by Owain Glyn Dwr. In 1404, after a long siege, the castle fell to Glyn Dwr, and became his home and headquarters for the next four years. Harlech was finally retaken by the English in 1409, under the command of Harry of Monmouth, prince of Wales - the future King Henry V. Although Glyn Dwr escaped, his family were captured, and the fall of Harlech marked the beginning of the end of the great uprising.

CONWY CASTLE

With its eight huge towers, Conwy is one of the most impressive castles in Wales. It overlooks the Conwy estuary and is one of the finest examples of a medieval walled town in Europe. The castle, and the adjacent town walls, was built for Edward I between 1283 and 1287 and was the most expensive of a chain of castles that Edward built to subjugate the Welsh.

The layout of the castle was dictated by the shape of the rock on which it was built. The interior was divided into two separate wards, the outer ward containing buildings such as the Great Hall and the inner ward housing the Royal apartments.

The castle had started to fall into disrepair within a generation of its completion. Repairs and modifications were made by Edward, the Black Prince, in 1346, but this was the last major work carried out at the castle.

The views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castle's 125ft Great Hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its town walls - over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, are some of the finest in the world.

DOLWYDDELAN CASTLE

In a land of castles, Dolwyddelan stands apart not as a stronghold erected by Norman or English forces but as a fortress of the native Welsh princes.

A key mountain stronghold, the castle occupies a magnificent location deep in Snowdonia, on a ridge set against the rugged backcloth of Moel Siabod. It was built between about 1210 and 1240 by Wales's most powerful medieval prince, Llywelyn the Great, ruler of Snowdonia.

Llywelyn's stark and functional square tower, which can be seen for miles around, guarded one of the main routes through the mountains of Snowdonia. The core of the castle, the rectangular stone keep, was supplemented later in the 13th century by a stone curtain wall enclosing the courtyard.

A visit to this solitary sentinel is worth it for the views alone - the sweeping mountain vistas visible from its battlements are truly stunning.

BEAUMARIS CASTLE

Building work began in 1295 on the castle on the 'fair marsh', 'Beau Mareys' in Norman French. It was the last of the great Welsh castles built for Edward I by his chief military architect, Master James of St George.

Construction of the castle began immediately following the quelling of a Welsh uprising under Madog Ap Llewelyn. At its peak the enterprise employed around 2600 men, but by 1298 the substantial funds required had dried up and work came to a halt. Building resumed between 1306 and 1330, but at a much reduced scale, and the great plans for the castle were never completed. The lavish accommodation planned for the north gatehouse never acquired its second storey, while the block planned for the south gate never rose above its footings. None of the towers gained their turrets, and it is uncertain whether any of the buildings such as the hall, kitchens and stables were ever built.

The castle has an almost perfect symmetrical concentric layout, with a high inner ring of defences surrounded by a lower outer circuit of walls, surrounded by a moat. At the southern end was a tidal dock for shipping, protected by the shooting deck on Gunners' Walk. The castle would have been virtually impregnable, but its defences were never truly put to the test.

CASTELL Y BERE

One Welsh castle sometimes overlooked by visitors is Castell - y - Bere, once an impressive fortress built by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), Prince of Gwynedd in the 1220's, and guarded what was once a major route though the mountains.

In 1283 the castle fell to the forces of Edward I, led by Robert l'Estrange and William de Valence. The castle was refortified by the English and held until 1294 when it was attacked during a Welsh revolt led by Madog ap Llywelyn. The castle was badly damaged and subsequently abandoned.

The ruins of Castell y Bere do not rise to any great height, but they do clearly show the layout of the castle, built on a rocky outcrop in the Dysynni valley. Its isolated location in a beautiful setting makes it worth visiting for the scenery alone.

For opening times etc. please visit the Cadw website.

A Quick Guide to Snowdonia

2010-02-17T13:05:00.005Z

The Snowdonia National Park, with its mountain ranges, stretching from Conwy, in the north, to Machynlleth, in the south, surely deserves its romantic Welsh name of ‘Eryri’…’Place of Eagles’. Dominated by Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) itself, at 3560 feet, it is a diverse area of craggy peaks, high moorland, mountain lakes and rushing rivers. Inferior in height to Snowdon, but unsurpassed in rugged beauty, the nearby Tryfan, with its three peaks towers over the Ffrancon valley, guarding the Ogwen Pass; and with its Milestone Buttress, provides easy-access climbing for those who have only a short time to stay.

To the South, it is Moel Hebog, the Hawk, that forms the backdrop for the famous Cwm Pennant, praised in verse for its beauty.

Travel East, to the sheltered Vale of Ffestiniog, and there Moelwyn Mawr and Moelwyn Bach hold sway. Still further East, the Arennigs - Fawr and Fach - stand firm over the vastness of the wild high moorlands that stretch from Penmachno to Bala, and silently mourn the drowned village of Tryweryn, which lies beneath the waters of Llyn Celyn. (Only a dry summer clearly reveals the remnants of its houses, roads, fields, and bridges).

Hugging the coast from Talsarnau to Barmouth are the Rhinogydd; a high wilderness of shattered rock ledges (the hardest walking in Wales!), little lakes and tarns, crossed by ancient trackways, littered with the remains of burial chambers and stone hut circles. Here, Ysgafarnnogod - the Hare - lies forever, one eye on the sea, the other on the intruding road which runs from Dolgellau to Maentwrog. Rhinog Fawr, used to the presence of man since Prehistoric times, still carries the ancient trading route over its pass along the (incorrectly named), “Roman Steps”!

Further South, approaching the beautiful Mawddach Estuary, you come across the Clogau, where men have mined for gold since Roman times. A beautiful place of rock and woodland, it has provided the gold for the wedding rings of British Royalty. Across the Estuary lies the massive bulk of Cader Idris (Arthur’s Seat), dominating both the town of Dolgellau, and Tal -y-Llyn Lake.

George Borrow, in his book ‘Travels in Wales’, published in the 19th century, said of Snowdonia “Perhaps, in all the world, there is no region more picturesquely beautiful”. Over 150 years later, inspite of man’s intervention, with his quarries and mines, this is still an apt quotation. Even with the influx of climbers, walkers, canoeists, mountain-bikers, and such like, there are still vast areas, where the only interruption of your peace and tranquillity will be the call of raven, buzzard and curlew; or the rush of water over pebble and rock.

ABERDOVEY. A seaside town with beautiful beach, nature reserves and idyllic setting. Nearby TYWYN is home to the Talyllyn Light Railway.

BARMOUTH, at the mouth of the Mawddach is a town boasting not only the usual attractions of a small holiday resort, but also spectacular mountain and estuary walks, sailing, and other watersports. There is something here for everyone!

BALA is a small, busy market town at the northern end of Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid). The lake, 4 miles long, provides an exciting inland base for watersports of all kinds. For those with an inclination towards the “hair-raising”, the National Whitewater Centre at Tryweryn, provides the stiffer challenge of whitewater rafting and kayaking.

BEDDGELERT. ‘Gelert’s Grave’, is named in memory of Prince Llewelyn’s faithful and fearless hound, whose grave you can visit. This is an attractive little town of stone and slate, made all the more attractive by its proud inhabitants, whose earnest endeavours have brought them a Gold Award in the prestigious European Entente Floral competition, in past years! It is situated, on one hand, at the entrance to the Gwynant Valley, which leads on up to the Llanberis Pass, and to the world famous Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel, with its collectionof autographed photographs, and other memorabilia of famous mountaineers, past and present; and, on the other hand, at the head of the Aberglaslyn Pass, where the river assumes the strange green hue, which gives it its name.

BETWS-Y-COED. A popular holiday village, much frequented since Victorian times, because of its fishing and charming river scenery. Nearby are the enchanting Fairy Glen and the Swallow Falls.

BLAENAU FFESTINIOG. A slate quarrying town, now more famous for its two show caverns; and its “little train” that takes you down to the old slate port of Porthmadog, some 12 miles away.

CAPEL CURIG. A small mountain village which is home to the National Mountain Centre at Plas-y-Brenin, and much favoured by climbers and walkers.

CORWEN. A small market town and fishing resort on the edge of the Berwyns.

DOLGELLAU, situated where the Wnion and Mawddach rivers meet, is a pleasant little town of stone houses, narrow streets, and hidden alleyways, and was once the centre of the woollen trade. Its association with gold still lingers on, as you can come away from its excellent ironmongers with all the equipment needed for gold panning! A six mile drive north takes you to the Coed Y Brenin Mountain Biking Centre, where a series of graded trails will take you over mountains and deep into the forest.

HARLECH. A famous historic Welsh town with a splendid castle, sited high up on a rock, overlooking a vast expanse of sand dunes. A good centre for walking, fishing, and sunbathing!

LLANBEDR, a lovely little village on the Cwm Nantcol River, which leads up to the Roman Steps, and down to the aptly-named Shell Island.

LLANBERIS at the foot of Snowdon and the awesome Llanberis Pass, is a popular touring centre. Here you find the station for the spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway, which wends its way up to the very summit! The lakes of Padarn and Peris are also to be found here. Padarn with its accompanying country park, slate museum, and facilities for sailing, canoeing, and walking: Peris, with its unique hydroelectricity plant, hidden away inside the very mountain itself!

LLANRWST is a market town in the Conwy Valley, which boasts a fifteenth century courthouse and a bridge dating from 1636.

MACHYNLLETH. A pleasant market town, which was the scene for Wales’ very first Parliament under Owain Glyndwr in 1404. Now it houses “Celtica”, where you can experience the life of the ancient Celts in a unique museum. A few miles out along the road to CORRIS, you can visit Europe’s leading “Green Eco-Centre” - the Centre For Alternative Technology.

FOR PLACES TO STAY, VISIT THE NEFYN HOLIDAYS WEBSITE

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

A Quick Guide to our Towns and Villages

2010-02-17T12:35:00.012Z

The Lleyn Peninsula is the long finger of land, that thrusts out towards Ireland, forming the northern arm of Cardigan Bay, as Pembrokeshire does the southern. Approximately 35 miles long by 10 miles at its widest, at its very point lies Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli), burial place of 20,000 saints, which has drawn pilgrims to its now ruined monastery, along the pilgrims’ road, ever since the 6th century.

With its unique blend of scenery; rocky coves; sandy beaches; mountains; open countryside and wooded valleys, it provides the ideal setting for a varied holiday. There is also the added touch of “foreignness” with its unusual place-names and the Welsh language spoken around you, which makes the holiday that little different!

NEFYN is an uncommercialised historic little town, famous in the past for its shipbuilding and its herring fleet. Situated on the north coast of the peninsula, and to the southwest of the Rivals mountain range, it still retains much of its original character. At the end of its long sandy beach (safe for bathing) lies the harbour —Porth Nefyn— with its quay and cluster of whitewashed cottages at the water’s edge. The cliff-top walk to the neighbouring village of Morfa Nefyn gives a breathtaking panorama from Porthdinllaen to the Rivals, and out to Anglesey, and should be on your “must do” list of activities!

MORFA NEFYN is a pleasant quiet seaside village with its long stretch of sand, safe for bathing, and popular with families. At the far end of this bay is PORTHDINLLAEN. Owned by the National Trust, this, unbelievably now, was an important shipping centre for the Irish Trade. In 1804, seven hundred ships were anchored here, and £12,000 was raised to build new piers to improve its chances against those of the, as yet undeveloped, Holy Isle, to become the main port for Ireland. But, in 1837, with a single casting vote of the Chairman of a Commons Select Committee, its hopes were dashed. Now, all that remains of the venture is the “Whitehall”, built as a hotel in anticipation of the upsurge in travellers which never came. It stands at the water’s edge, together with the whitewashed cottages, and ... the “Ty Coch” - the last surviving inn of three which the village once supported. Beyond the village lies the sandy little cove of Lifeboat Bay, where even today the bangs of the maroons are swiftly followed by the rattle of the lifeboat down its slipway. Here too, or just around the rocky headland, grey seals can be seen basking - a sure sign of good fishing! Above, on the cliff top is the popular (and very challenging!) 27-hole Nefyn and District Golf Course, where day visitors are extended a warm welcome.

EDERN is a delightful little village, 1 mile beyond Morfa Nefyn. Public footpaths lead to the beach at Morfa Nefyn; and to those pebbly little beaches of Ty Mawr, Cwmistir, and Abergeirch, noted for its fishing.

TUDWEILIOG is a small village famous for its two good beaches — Tywyn and Porthysgaden. An enjoyable walk along the headland joins these two little coves.

DINAS is a sleepy little hamlet at the foot of Garn Fadryn. Ideal walking country.

LLANGWNNADL is a scattered village. On its outskirts is Benllech beach; beautiful, unspoilt, and with rocky cliffs. There is also PORTH COLMON, an idyllic little cove with a slipway down to the sea, famous for fishing, scuba-diving, and pleasant walks. A visit to its unique church is a must!

SARN MEYLLTEYRN nestles in the valley of the Soch; a larger community than most in inland Lleyn, drawn closely together by the steepness of its valley.

ABERDARON. A picturesque little fishing village, lies snug in its hollow, with its stone cottages and pubs, and a former Post Office designed by Clough Williams-Ellis (Portmeirion). The Cafe and Gift Shop, “Y Gegin Fawr”, is said to get its name from a communal kitchen for the pilgrims to Bardsey, but the present building is 17th century. Regular boat trips are made to Bardsey, now a bird observatory. But, pilgrims in earlier times, unable to make the crossing to Bardsey because of the weather and treacherous tidal race, made their way to Ffynnon Fair (St. Mary’s Well), where they could count their pilgrimage complete if they drank from the well’s waters and celebrated mass.

ABERSOCH, at the mouth of the River Soch, is one of the most attractive harbours on the peninsula, protected as it is by the St. Tudwals Islands. It caters well for both tourists and yachtsmen and has rapidly become one of the most important venues on the yachting calendar. With its many hotels, clubs, and inns, and its two sandy beaches, it is one of the busier resorts on Lleyn.

MYNYTHO, near Abersoch, is on the slopes of Foel Gron, and commands magnificent views on both sides of the peninsula, and northeast to Snowdonia. Good walking country, it is only two miles from Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl), and one mile from Llanbedrog.

LLANBEDROG is divided by the main road; stone cottages and houses in the wooded lee of the rocky headland, which shelters the beach; and the workaday village above the road. Here you can visit its pottery, or the art gallery at Plas Glyn Y Weddw.

PWLLHELI is truly the centre of Lleyn on a Wednesday —market day—when the Maes is thronged with people gathering around its myriad of stalls. Its Victorian railway station still welcomes travellers to its two main beaches, its redeveloped promenade, its sheltered harbour, and the new marina which hosts many prestigious international sailing events. A leisure centre caters for the more active.

CRICIETH, with its truly Welsh castle overlooking the sea, its old stone cottages, and its later Victorian terraces, has a quiet charm of its own. Its two beaches, mostly pebbly, are both safe for bathing. This is home to the famous Cadwalader’s Ice Cream!

MORFA BYCHAN and BLACK ROCK SANDS - a long expanse of golden sands with rocky coves at one end. Caravan parks and camping grounds abound.

BORTH Y GEST is a picturesque little village, safe for bathing, and good for sheltered fishing. Plenty of rock pools and magnificent views across the Cob at Porthmadog, and to the Snowdonia mountain range, make it a popular choice with young families.

PORTHMADOG, famous as the slate port for the world, still retains its links with the sea with its quayside development and busy little harbour, now devoted to pleasure craft. From the harbour runs the narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway, which once brought slate from the quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog, but now carries tourists to the quarries in its quaint little carriages. A lovely journey on a clear day with unrivalled views as the engine puffs its way up through the mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

CAERNARFON, a designated ‘World Heritage Site’, is the capital and northern gateway to the Peninsula. Its great castle, which stands at the water’s edge overlooking the Menai Straits and the mouth of the River Seiont, completely dominates the town. Built more splendidly than other castles, even Conwy, with its polygonal towers decorated with bands of coloured stone, the castle must be explored on a visit to Lleyn.

DINAS DINLLE is a small seaside village on Caernarfon Bay, ever popular with families and a good base for touring Lleyn, Anglesey, and Snowdonia. Pleasure flights are available from the nearby Caernarfon airport.

CLYNNOGFAWR is a quiet, unspoilt little village set between the mountains and the sea. At the roadside stands the astonishingly great church of St.Beuno, built on the site of the monastery founded in the 7th century. Even as late as the 18th century, calves and lambs born with the St. Beuno mark —a natural split in the ear— were offered to the church, and the money raised from their sale stored in the chest, which can now be seen in the nave.

TREFOR is situated dramatically where quarry-scarred Yr Eifl Mountain plunges into the sea. With its jetty, popular with anglers, and sheltered little harbour, this quiet, former granite-quarrying village is an ideal centre for touring Lleyn, and Anglesey.

NANT GWRTHEYRN, situated north of the village of LLITHFAEN, is the site of the National Language Centre. Originally a remote, deserted terrace of quarry workers’ houses, the cottages have now been restored to provide accommodation for residential courses at the centre.

PISTYLL. This little village overlooks the sweeps of Morfa Nefyn and Nefyn bays, and boasts a charming little medieval church, still decorated with boughs of evergreens and mosses at Christmas and other religious festivals, candlelit, and with its floor strewn with rushes.

FOR PLACES TO STAY, VISIT THE NEFYN HOLIDAYS WEBSITE

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

North Wales Maps and Travel Guides

2010-02-08T13:08:00.004Z

Looking for maps and guides to help you plan your holiday to North Wales? Then look no further than the Nefyn Holidays' Maps, Guides and DVD store.

We have searched Amazon for every guidebook and map you'll ever need to plan your holiday to our part of the world..........and whilst we were at it, we also selected a few DVD's which may be of interest, as well as some great music CD's from popular Welsh artists, (including local Nefyn girl, Duffy!).

Visit our Maps, Guides and DVD store now!

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Calling All Holiday Cottage Owners!

2009-07-07T17:21:00.004+01:00

Do you have a property to let on the Lleyn Peninsula or in Snowdonia?

Are you looking for a small, independent letting agency, who believes in a no-nonsense, friendly, and personal approach to business?

Are you unhappy with your current level of bookings?

Are you getting shoddy service from your current Agent?

If you've answered YES to any of the above, then here are are just some of the reasons why you should contact us:

Nefyn Holidays is a well-established, and reputable local business
Our service is completely free - you, the owner, pay nothing
No Registration Fees and your brochure entry is completely free of charge
We’ll keep you fully informed
We will give you a full copy of the brochure and as a result, you will know exactly how much the hirer has paid for your property. We do not believe in hiding anything from our owners
Monthly payment - in advance
We pay for cancelled bookings which are protected by our Cancellation
Protection Scheme.
Extensive client database
Over 65% of our bookings are repeat bookers
Unrestricted off-peak self-bookings
Extensive all-year round advertising in only the quality press, and on the Internet.
You do not have to make your property available all year
We are efficient
With our friendly, personal, bilingual, approach, we have, over the years, developed a reputation for good old-fashioned honesty and openness

If you're interested in receiving an Owner's Introductory Pack and/or a no-obligation visit, please get in touch, either by emailing us on info@nefynholidays.co.uk or phoning our office on 01758 720674

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

The (Very) Rough Guide To Holidays In Pistyll

2009-04-30T12:37:00.007+01:00

PISTYLL: A BRIEF HISTORY

No visit to Pistyll or Nefyn is complete without a visit to Pistyll Church.

The Church Of St. Beuno was used for worship by pilgrims on their way to Bardsey Island and pilgrims used to rest at the adjacent monastery or at the hospice on nearby Cefnydd hill.

At Cefnydd, the 20 acre Eisteddfa field next to the larger Cae Hospice field would have afforded a larger number of accommodation huts which served as a hospice for pilgrims to rest and recover from their journey, or from illness. The smaller field - Cae Hospice Pennla - was set aside for lepers who were not allowed to enter the Church, a short walk below, but who had their own little window through which they would receive the Sacrament.

The original church was of wood, plaster and thatch. Artefacts include a 12th Century font and the remains of a medieval wall painting and within the churchyard lies the remains of actor Rupert Davies, who played Maigret in the 1960s TV series.

Today, parishioners have revived the tradition of celebrating Lammas, and the Church is freshly strewn with rushes and sweet smelling wild medicinal herbs three times a year, at Christmas, Easter and the early August Lammas Festival.

At nearby Pistyll Farm, there was a medieval monastery, complete with a monastic fishpond, remnants of which can still be seen today.

As you leave Pistyll and head towards Nefyn, it's well worth stopping at the lay-by on your right, not only to enjoy the fantastic view of the twin bays of Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn, but to have a look at a "sun worshiper's stone" on which can be seen faint traces of a circle, cross and chains. Some believe that this is a pagan religious relic, (the circle denoted the sun, and the chains immortal life) but others believe that it was placed there by monks on their pilgrimage or to mark the boundary of the church land. The stone can be found, on the left, a few yards away from the lay-by, as you travel downhill to Nefyn.

PISTYLL TODAY

Pistyll today is a quiet little hamlet, the nearest shops and amenities being in Nefyn, about a mile down the road.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN PISTYLL

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in Pistyll and nearby Nefyn. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

CAMPSITES IN PISTYLL:
Penisarlon Campsite, Pistyll. Tel: 01758 721533

Ty Mawr, Pistyll 01758 720460
Wern, Nefyn 01758 720432

NEAREST SHOPS:

There are no shops in Pistyll. Nearest are in Nefyn, about a mile away:
Londis Supermarket. Plenty of parking. Tel: 01758 721333
Spar Supermarket. In Nefyn centre. Tel: 01758 720309
H.Evans Ironmongers in the High Street Tel: 01758 720893
Glenys Hairdressers Tel: 01758 721214

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
EW&SE Pritchard in Morfa Nefyn Tel: 01758 720219
In Morfa Nefyn, on the road which leads from the centre of the village to the beach.

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
EW&SE Pritchard Tel: 01758 720219
In Morfa Nefyn, on the Edern Road. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERY:
Drs. Harris, Williams & Rhys Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166
On St.David's Road, half way between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn.

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, next to the Londis store in Nefyn. Tel. 01758 720214
Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank, Nefyn - on the mini-roundabout in the centre of town.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Nefyn Post Office next to the old well in Stryd Y Ffynnon.

PLACES TO EAT:
Light Of Bengal Restaurant, Nefyn - Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine Tel: 01758 720277/721496
Caffi Bara Menyn, Nefyn - tea and coffee shop
Y Folt, Nefyn (Restaurant in the old bank Vault) Tel: 01758 721166
Caffi'r Penwaig, Nefyn - snack bar Tel: 01758 720056
Caffi'r Ffynnon
Nanhoron Hotel, Nefyn

NEAREST TAKE AWAYS:
Chip Shop in Nefyn High Street. Tel: 01758 721164
Light Of Bengal Indian Take Away, Nefyn Tel: 01758 720277/721496
Caffi'r Penwaig, Nefyn also do some take away meals.

NEAREST PLACES OF WORSHIP:
Pistyll Church.

St David's Church. Church In Wales. On St.Davids Road, Nefyn
Roman Catholic Church, Morfa Nefyn

TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985

LOCAL BUS SERVICE:
Nefyn Coaches Tel: 01758 720904

CAR PARKING IN PISTYLL:
There is a small, free Car Park down by the Church.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road). Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.
Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

The (Very) Rough Guide To Holidays In Sarn Meyllteyrn

2009-03-07T12:41:00.010Z

SARN MEYLLTEYRN

Nestled in the valley of the Soch, Sarn Meyllteyn is a larger community than most in inland Lleyn, and is drawn closely together by the steepness of its valley. Of historical note, the graveyard of St Peters Church (St Petrus ad Vinculam) contains a neolithic standing stone, about which very little is known. The church itself was demolished in the 1990s, but the altar remains.

SARN MEYLLTEYRN TODAY:

Well worth a visit is Sarn Pottery, where potter Oldřich Ašenbryl, (an attraction in himself) welcomes you to his Gallery and Pottery of fine stoneware and porcelain. The pottery is housed in a 16th century stable with its original pebble stone floor. Two different stoneware clays are used; white and dark brown for high temperature (up to 1320 Centigrade). Porcelain is also used for one-off sculptures. The glazes are mixed from some of the locally found materials such as wood ashes and red clay from nearby Hell’s Mouth beach. The typical Sarn red glaze is achieved with the use of copper oxide. Cobalt, iron, vanadium and chrome oxides are also used for on-glaze decoration. Collectors and customers come from far and wide to visit the pottery and Sarn ceramics have been exhibited and collected all over the world. The Showroom is open every day between 9am and 5 pm.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN THE SARN MEYLLTEYRN AREA:

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

CAMPSITES IN SARN MEYLLTEYRN:
We are not aware of any campsites in Sarn. If you know of any, post your comment!

SHOPS IN SARN MEYLLTEYRN:

Post Office and Stores.

Penybont Garage - small shop/DVD rental

PLACES TO EAT;

Mill House Restaurant, Sarn Meyllteyrn. Tel: 01758 730288

PUBS:
For such a small village, Sarn has three pubs!
Ty Newydd - a popular venue for Welsh music. Tel: 01758 730747
Penrhyn Arms Hotel 01758 730218
Penybont Arms.

NEAREST GARAGES WHICH DO CAR REPAIRS:
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
Efail Rhos Garage, Rhoshirwaun. Tel:01758 760227
Tegfan Garage, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770651
EW&SE Pritchard. Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERIES:
Meddygfa Rhydbach, Botwnnog. Tel:01758 730266
Ty Doctor. Nefyn. Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn in Llanbedrog. Tel: 01758 740229. Open Mon. to Fri. 9:00 to 1:00pm and 2pm to 6pm. Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4:00pm. Closed Sunday.

Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
There is an ATM in the village Post Office.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Sarn Post Office

NEAREST TAKE AWAYS:
Chip Shop in Aberdaron

TAXIS:
If anybody knows of any taxi firms in the area, let us know!

CAR PARKING IN SARN MEYLLTEYRN:
There is a car park next to the Community Centre, just across the road from the pottery.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road). Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

A Crash Course In Welsh To Prepare You For Your Holiday On The Lleyn Peninsula!

2009-02-09T15:12:00.003Z

The Welsh language, (Y Iaith Gymraeg) spoken by over 70% of the population of Lleyn, is an ancient Celtic language, closely related to Cornish and Breton, and a distant relation of Irish, Gaelic, and Manx. It is one of Europe’s oldest living languages and is taught as a first medium from Primary School through to University level.

PRONUNCIATION.
Welsh is a phonetic language, and every letter is pronounced. There are no silent letters. Most letters have only one sound, but all vowels can be long or short. Here is the Welsh alphabet with the equivalent English sounds:

A - as in card
B - as in banana
C - as in cow
CH - as in Bach
D - as in dad
DD - as the "th" in them
E - as in sane or self
F - as in van
FF - as in cafe
G - as in garden
NG - as in long
H - as in hat
I - as in tea
L - as in live
LL - as in LLanelli**
M - as in mother
N - as in nun
O - as in ore or pond
P - as in pot
PH - as in cafe
R - as in robin
RH - as in robin and H as in Harry
S - as in song
T - as in tongue
TH - as in cloth
U - similar to Welsh "I"
W - as in cook
Y - as in under
**Put your tongue behind your top teeth and breathe out!

SOME USEFUL PHRASES.
Bore da .............................................. Good morning
Pnawn da ......................................... Good afternoon
Nos da ............................................... Good night
Da iawn ............................................. Very good
Os gwelwch yn dda .................... If you please
Diolch yn fawr ................................Thank you
Iawn diolch ....................................... Very well thank you
Dim diolch ........................................ No thank you
Croeso ............................................... Welcome
Esgusodwch fi ............................... Excuse me

ROAD SIGNS ETC.
Llwybr Cyhoeddus.......................Public Footpath
Cyfleusterau Cyhoeddus...........Public Conveniences
Dynion...............................................Men
Merched............................................Women
Araf......................................................Slow
Safle Bws...........................................Bus Stop
Swyddfa’r Post................................Post Office
Ildiwch...............................................Give Way

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Bringing Your Pet On Holiday To North Wales?

2009-02-08T09:00:00.004Z

We have already covered dog-friendly accommodation in a previous post. However, we are grateful to loyal Nefyn Holidays customers Mark and Rosemary Donlon from Cheshire, for reminding us that whilst our series of (Very) Rough Guides cover doctors surgeries and hospitals, we have made no mention of vetinary surgeries for the other members of the holiday party! Here then are the Vetinary Surgeries in the Lleyn Peninsula area:

Milfeddygon Deufor
Y Ffor
Pwllheli
Gwynedd
LL53 6UB

Tel:01766810277
They are in Y Ffor, on the Pwllheli road, not far from Bryn Beryl Hospital.

Cibyn Vetinary Clinic

Cibyn Industrial Estate

Caernarfon

Gwynedd

LL55 2BD

Tel: 01286 673026

They are on the Cibyn Industrial Estate, on the Llanberis Road.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Welsh Highland Railway Caernarfon To Beddgelert Section Due For Completion At Easter

2009-02-04T14:10:00.012Z

Imagine a railway that runs 40 miles from the north Wales coast at Caernarfon through the heart of Snowdonia, linking Beddgelert, Porthmadog and the slate mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog. A railway which starts under the walls of one of Wales’ most famous castle, runs past streams and woodlands, skirts around lakes to the foothills of Snowdon, swings around seemingly impossible bends through forests, hugs the side of the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass and races across the flatlands to Porthmadog where it joins up with one of the world’s most famous and historic narrow-gauge railways.

A whole new 'Great Railway Journey' is well on its way to being realised. The Welsh Highland Railway (Rheilffordd Eryri) currently runs from alongside Caernarfon Castle, to Rhyd Ddu, at the foothills of Snowdon. However, Rhyd Ddu is only the half-way point of this phenomenal railway project and work is now well underway to complete the railway through to Porthmadog via Beddgelert and the famous Aberglaslyn Pass. At Porthmadog, the Welsh Highland Railway will connect with the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway, offering onwards travel to Minffordd (for Portmeirion), Tan-y-Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog. In total, a breathtaking 40 mile trip from Caernarfon to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Work to complete the remaining half through to Porthmadog is now in its final stages, with reopening to Beddgelert planned for this Easter. Hopefuly, July 2009 should see the project complete with the reopening to Porthmadog Harbour.

Cyclists and walkers are well-catered for: For walkers, the railway links to some tremendous walks, not least the Snowdon Ranger and Rhyd Ddu footpaths up Snowdon or the Nantlle Ridge or Mynydd Mawr walks from Rhyd Ddu. For cyclists, the Lôn Eifon cycleway runs alongside the railway from Caernarfon to Dinas and there are dedicated bicycle-carrying wagons.

The Company's literature offers "access for all" and some carriages have extra-wide doors for standard-width wheelchairs. The stations at Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu also have ramped access routes and specially adapted toilets. For a full access statement, click here.

So, whether you're a train enthusiast, walker, cyclist, or just someone who wants to sit back and enjoy the view, don't miss the Easter opening of the next phase of this exciting project.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

A (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Rhiw

2009-02-03T15:04:00.013Z

RHIW: HISTORY

Rhiw is one of the highest villages on Lleyn and boasts one of the most magnificent panoramas in Wales: looking out over Hell’s Mouth Bay, the whole length of Wales, from Snowdon to Pembrokeshire, stretches before you.

There is evidence of an early settlement in the form of the Bryngaer hill fort, and two burial dolmens, and on the north eastern side of Mynydd Rhiw there is the site of the stone age axe head 'factory'. Some of the axe heads from this rock have been found as far afield as the southern counties of England.

Manganese was discovered at Ffrwd Y Nant in 1827, and was mined here during both world wars. The ore was shipped out of Porth Ysgo from the jetty after being transported down inclines from the mines above. The works were in use since the mid nineteenth century and the remains of the barracks can be seen today.

Now owned by the National Trust, Plas Yn Rhiw is a delightful manor house which was rescued from neglect and lovingly restored by the three Keating sisters, who bought it in 1938. The house is 16th-century with Georgian additions, and the garden contains many beautiful flowering trees and shrubs, with beds framed by box hedges and grass paths. Well worth a visit for the views alone!

RHIW TODAY:

Today, there are no shops or amenities in Rhiw. The nearest village is Aberdaron, some three miles away. Read our guide to Aberdaron here.

To the south-east of Mynydd Rhiw lies Porth Neigwl, or Hells Mouth, an impressive south-west facing, four-mile long bay popular with surfers and kayakers. A gently shelving beach, consisting mainly of medium sized pebbles at high tide but with vast expanses of sand, it is one of the best-known surf spot in north Wales. You can get the latest surf conditions here.

Often deserted, the beach at Porth Ysgo is an almost hidden bay situated between Rhiw and Aberdaron. Accessed via a hundred or so steps, and quite hard to find as there are no clearly defined parking areas, it is well worth a visit. On the South side of the bay, there is a myriad of old mine workings, and to the west of the bay is Porth Cadlan. Here and on the fields above it, King Arthur is thought to have fought his thirteenth battle. To get there head from Rhiw towards Aberdaron and turn off when you see the sign for Porth Ysgo. When you come to a farm with a small pond, the car park is on the right.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN RHIW:

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the Rhiw and Aberdaron area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

CAMPSITES IN RHIW

Treheli Farm. Tel: 01758 780281

Spectacularly situated with panoramic views across the bay.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

A (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Rhoshirwaun

2009-01-18T17:38:00.007Z

RHOSHIRWAUN: HISTORY

Near Aberdaron, on the low hill of Mynydd Ystym, stand the remains of Castell Odo. Pottery found on the site, is thought, by some, to date to the late Bronze Age. Two excavations have been carried out on the site, and have revealed that there were, in fact, two separate settlements -and Iron Age settlement of wooden round houses on the hilltop, and a later settlement of stone houses, (possibly Roman), some of which can still be seen today.

RHOSHIRWAUN TODAY:
Rhoshirwaun is a small, quiet linear village, strung out along the B4413 approximately two miles north east of Aberdaron. Rhoshirwaun today is an excellent base for holidaymakers thanks to its central position and proximity to three excellent beaches:

Whistling Sands (Porth Oer) is one of the most well-known beaches on Lleyn, largely thanks to the fact that the sand actually "squeeks" under your feet!

Aberdaron beach is a long strech of sand with the odd large rock here and there. All local services are easily accessed from the beach. Good for surfers when conditions allow. Around the corner from Aberdaron is Porth Meudwy, from where you can take a boat trip to Bardsey (Ynys Enlli).

Porth Ysgo is nestled within the cliffs between Porth Neigwl/Hell's Mouth and Aberdaron. Quite a steep descent to it, but well worth the effort!

OTHER INTERESTING BITS!

In 2004 a small, inspired group of friends purchased a neglected parcel of land in the village and began to transform the landscape through the planting of thousands of trees, reinstating hedgerows and wetland habitats and sculpting new eco buildings out of stone, earth, thatch and timber harvested locally. On what used to be a bare, windswept site there are now a patchwork of small gardens and flowered meadows, paths that lead to secluded roundhouses, to a subterranean hall where stories and songs and the arts are celebrated, to workspaces for the sharing of fine craftsmanship and a community garden for people to cooperatively grow herbs and vegetables in a sustainable, life-enhancing way. This is the Felin Uchaf Centre - a holistic educational centre for exploring ways of living and working in creative partnership, with each other and the environment. They run courses and workshops on everything from sustainable building skills (such as green oak timber framing, thatching, and building with lime and straw-bale construction) to sculpting and traditional rural furniture making.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN THE RHOSHIRWAUN AREA:

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

CAMPSITE IN RHOSHIRWAUN:
Cefn Hedog, Rhoshirwaun. Tel: 01758 760551

SHOPS IN RHOSHIRWAUN:
There are no shops in Rhoshirwaun. Nearest are in Aberdaron, some two miles away.

NEAREST GARAGES WHICH DO CAR REPAIRS:

Efail Rhos Garage, Rhoshirwaun. Tel:01758 760227

Tegfan Garage, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770651

Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.

EW&SE Pritchard. Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219

NEAREST PETROL STATIONS:

Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.

EW&SE Pritchard, Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219.

Llanbedrog Filling Station

Abersoch Filling Station

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERIES:
Meddygfa Rhydbach, Botwnnog. Tel:01758 730266
Ty Doctor. Nefyn. Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

Fferyllwyr Llyn in Llanbedrog. Tel: 01758 740229. Open Mon. to Fri. 9:00 to 1:00pm and 2pm to 6pm. Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4:00pm. Closed Sunday.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Aberdaron Post Office inside the Spar. Tel: 01758 760234

PLACES TO EAT:

There are no eating places in the village. Nearest are in Aberdaron, Sarn, or Tudweiliog.

NEAREST TAKE AWAYS:
Chip Shop in Aberdaron

TAXIS:
If anybody knows of any taxi firms in the area, let us know!

CAR PARKING IN RHOSHIRWAUN:
There is no car park in the village.

The (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Aberdaron

2009-01-17T15:08:00.023Z

ABERDARON: HISTORY

A picturesque little fishing village, which lies snug in the hollow of the river Daron, Aberdaron is probably best known for its associations with the Pilgrim's Route to Bardsey. “Y Gegin Fawr” (pictured opposite), is said to get its name from a communal kitchen for the pilgrims to Bardsey, but the present building is 17th century.

Early pilgrims, unable to make the crossing to Bardsey because of the weather and treacherous tidal race, made their way to Ffynnon Fair (St. Mary’s Well), where they could count their pilgrimage complete if they drank from the well’s waters and celebrated mass.

Aberdaron also boasts a Post Office (now relocated) designed by Clough Williams-Ellis of Portmeirion fame. It is also known for being the home of the parson of St Hywyn's church - the highly regarded Welsh poet R.S.Thomas, and there is an exhibition in the Church that commemorates his time as Vicar. Sheltered by a gravestone-scattered hillside, the present Church of St Hywyn dates from 1137 and replaced a wooden building dating from the 5th Century.

ABERDARON TODAY

A small, sleepy village in winter months, Aberdaron comes to life in the summer, and thanks to its long stretch of sandy beach, has become popular with holidaymakers.

Regular boat trips are made to Bardsey, now a bird observatory by Enlli Charters. The Highlander II sails from Pwllheli and Porth Meudwy, taking in some of the most stunning scenery the UK has to offer. The voyage from Pwllheli to Bardsey takes in the southern extremity of the Llŷn Peninsula ending at the historic Bardsey with its Abbey ruins, Bird Observatory and wide variety of flora & fauna.

Mordaith Llyn Ltd (Bardsey Boat Trips) also run a daily service, and are the only boat trip service run from Aberdaron by local people. With over seventy years of experience of boat handling in Bardsey Sound, Colin Evans' family have been lobster fishermen and Bardsey Island farmers for generations. So if you want an informative, friendly trip to remember, give them a call!

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN THE ABERDARON AREA:
NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

OTHER ACCOMMODATION:
Ty Newydd Hotel Tel: 01758 760207
The Ship Hotel Tel: 01758 760204
Pen Y Bwlch B&B Tel: 07814 637629

CAMPSITES IN ABERDARON:
Caerau Farm, Aberdaron. Tel:01758 760481
Cefn Hedog, Rhoshirwaun. Tel: 01758 760551
Cyndyn, Aberdaron. Tel:01758 760 301
Dwyros, Aberdaron. Tel:01758 760295
Fferm Gwythrian, Aberdaron. Tel: 01758 760343
Morfa Mawr, Aberdaron. Tel: 01758 760264
Mur Melyn, Aberdaron. Tel: 01758 760522
Mynydd Mawr, Aberdaron. Tel: 01758 760223
Tir Glyn, Aberdaron. Tel: 01758 760248

SHOPS IN ABERDARON:
Spar Stores & Post Office Tel: 01758 760234. Locally produced meat for the barbeque, dairy produce, fresh vegetables & groceries.
Eleri Stores. Tel: 01758 760233. Newsagent, wines & spirits, fresh ice cream, suntan lotions etc. Fishing Tackle & Frozen Bait available.
Wendon a Glasfor Beachside Shops. Gifts, Toys & Beachgoods
Hen Blas Cafe, Gift Shop and Gallery

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.

NEAREST PETROL STATIONS:
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
EW&SE Pritchard in Morfa Nefyn.
Llanbedrog Filling Station
Abersoch Filling Station

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERIES:
Meddygfa Rhydbach, Botwnnog. Tel:01758 730266
Ty Doctor. On St.David's Road in Nefyn - half way between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.
Fferyllwyr Llyn in Llanbedrog. Tel: 01758 740229. Open Mon. to Fri. 9:00 to 1:00pm and 2pm to 6pm. Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4:00pm. Closed Sunday.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Aberdaron Post Office & Stores. Tel: 01758 760234

PLACES TO EAT:
Penbryn Bach, Uwchmynydd. Small & intimate restaurant offering local fresh fish & meat dishes. Tel: 01758 760216 Variable opening hours. Booking esential.
Y Gegin Fawr, Aberdaron. Once a communal kitchen where 13th century pilgrims could claim a meal on their way to Bardsey Island. Tel: 01758 760359
Ty Newydd Pub
Ship Inn

NEAREST TAKE AWAYS:
Chip Shop in Aberdaron

TAXIS:
If anybody knows of any taxi firms in the area, let us know!

CAR PARKING IN ABERDARON:
Pay And Display car park in the centre of the village just by the bridge.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road). Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday. Or Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

NEAREST PUBLIC CONVENIENCES:

There are two sets of public toilets in Aberdaron. One by the car park and the other along the promenade.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Golf Courses, Golfing Holidays & Golfing Breaks In North Wales

2009-01-16T15:44:00.010Z

Golfers are certainly spoilt for choice here in North Wales. The golf courses at Nefyn, Abersoch, Porthmadog and Harlech are well-known to all, but what about the more intimate experiences offered by some of the lesser known clubs such as Cricieth, Ffestiniog or Dolgellau?

Nefyn Golf Club is a unique 26 hole championship course where you can see the sea from every tee and every hole offers a risk or reward challenge. Eight holes are played on the now world-famous, well photographed ‘Point’, sometimes described as North Wales’ ‘Pebble Beach’.
A narrow peninsula with the holes bounded on one side by secluded coves, rocky outcrops and the sea and on the other by a glorious stretch of sandy beach and a pub; a backdrop of the Snowdonia range to the east and, on a clear sunny evening, 57 miles away, the Wicklow mountains of southern Ireland to the west.
Nefyn is a golf course that can be enjoyed by golfers of every standard because in the case of so many of its holes, it invites the golfer to create the challenge – in a phrase, ‘you can do it the easy way or the hard way, the risk or reward is of one’s own making!’

Pwllheli Golf Club combines gentle mature parkland and tree lined fairways with a true test of links golf and is perfect for pin-point hitters and wayward golfers alike.
The course measures 6,108 yards par 69 with a SSS of 70 for the men and 5,224 yards par and SSS of 71 for the ladies. The course is flat and is suitable for golfers of all ages and abilities. From the course and clubhouse, there are superb views of Snowdonia and over Cardigan Bay to the Cambrian Mountain range.

Porthmadog Golf Club has been described as one of the most enjoyable tests of seaside golf on the British Isles. And it’s not hard to see why! The mixture of heathland and natural links weave menacingly through the sand dunes along Tremadog Bay, providing a real test of golf. Expect stunning panoramic views along the Llyn Peninsula.

Abersoch Golf Club is a hidden gem located on natural sand dunes and bordering wetland which is a site of special scientific interest, all within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Areas of the course are out of bounds as it is a habitat for rare mosses and orchids. An 18 hole course with a mixture of both links and parkland with many testing holes and wonderful views overlooking Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia mountain range.

Royal St. Davids, Harlech Played against the stunning backdrop of the mountains of Snowdonia this championship links course is widely regarded as one of the hardest par 69s in the world. It’s not hard to see why, when two holes rarely travel consecutively in the same direction - making club selection a problem even in the lightest of wind conditions.
The 15th is possibly the finest bunkerless hole in the country. The greens are fast, firm and true as a result of best practice in turf management. Sink your final putt in the shadow of Harlech Castle, and then retire to the clubhouse to reflect on why Ian Woosnam puts Royal St David’s in his five best British golf courses.

Caernarfon Golf Club is a true links course of championship standard, played out alongside the magnificent scenery of the north Wales Coast.
There’s quite a landmark to help you position your opening tee shot - simply take aim at Snowdon and give it your best! A relatively flat course has tree-lined fairways, so it’s a gentle walk.
Within walking distance of Caernarfon Castle, the course was extended to 18 holes in 1981 and celebrates its Centenary this year.

Cricieth Golf Club is a hidden gem! The 18 hole, par 68 golf course is an undulating course on high ground, with generous fairways and with natural hazards (e.g. sheep) leading to greens of varied character.

It is an interesting course which offers a challenge to most golfers, but is also more relaxing for family holiday golf. There are magnificent views from all over the course, but the 16th tee is special, as an almost 360 degree panoramic view embraces the Llyn Peninsula, Cardigan Bay, Cambrian Mountain Range and the summit of Snowdon.

Ffestiniog Golf Club is situated on the outskirts of Ffestiniog Village about 900 feet above sea level, was formed in 1893, and is one of the highest and oldest golf courses in Wales.
With picturesque views of Ffestiniog and of the surrounding area, this has many natural features and hazards. The par 68 course measures 4,602 metres from the Gents Tees and 3,878 metres from the Ladies Tees.
The club has a a friendly, informal environment and is maintained by its members on a voluntary basis. Ffestiniog is by no means a championship standard course and does not claim to be any other than it is - a very enjoyable course that is unlike any other.

Dolgellau Golf Club is a par 66, 9 hole course which starts with three well designed holes in an atmosphere of peaceful tranquillity.

It then offers six more against a background of spectacular, panoramic views of Cader Idris and the Mawddach estuary.It is hilly but somehow doesn't feel like it!

The serene beauty and grandeur of the varied landscape in this part of Mid-Wales is breathtaking.

Nefyn Holidays have holiday cottages within easy reach of all the above courses and are ideal for a golfing break at any time of year.

The (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Llangwnadl

2009-01-13T15:50:00.021Z

LLANGWNADL HISTORY

Llangwnadl (sometimes spelt Llangwnnadl) derives its name from St. Gwynhoedl and was one of the most important places on the Pilgrim's Route as the Saints made their way to Bardsey.

Llangwnadl Curch should be on every visitors "to do" list when visiting the area. The original building was made of wattle, mud and timber, until Norman times when a stone building was erected. The first edifice was simple, being rectangular with a small window above the altar and a door in the west wall. During the Middle Ages the Shrine of Gwynhoedl became more and more popular and the popularity of the route made it necessary to enlarge the church, and therefore the south aisle was added and the arcade built. A large perpendicular window was also placed in the east wall, and a smaller window in the south wall and also the doorway was built in the south wall as it is today. The field adjacent to the Church, is to this day, called Cae Eisteddfa ,which means the place to sit and rest.

In the Church there is a stone connected with Gwynhoedl which is reputed to be his tombstone. It was discovered during the renovations of 1940, when the plaster was removed off the walls. It can be seen in the south wall of the Church, and on it is cut a Celtic Cross. No doubt that the cross was originally painted, as traces of red colouring are still visible; this stone has been dated to around the year 600 A.D. Another relic of those early years is a bronze sanctus bell, an early Celtic Quadrangle bell dating back to the 6th century. Unfortunately the original bell is no longer in the Church, but can be seen at the National Museum in Cardiff.

Perhaps the most interesting feature in the Church are the pair of Latin inscriptions on the pillars in the north Arcade: one records the burial here of St. Gwynhoedl:
S GWYNHOEDL IACET HIC.

The other records the building of the Aisle in 1520:
HEC EDES EDIFICATA EST IN ANO DNT IHRO

One peculiarity is the employment of the letters IHRO to represent Arabic numerals in the date, a passing fashion of first half of the 16th Century, which spread to this country from the Continent. On this pillar a mason's mark can also be found.

Up until the start of the 19th century, when road and rail links improved, the bay at Porth Colmon was an important landing place for all types of goods for this part of Lleyn, and evidence of this can still be seen today.

LLANGWNADL TODAY:

Today, following the closure of its Post Office and shop, Llangwnnadl has no centre as such. However, thanks to the scattering of hidden little coves, and beautiful stretches of secluded beaches, it remains a popular area with holiday makers and divers.

Porth Colmon is a delightful little cove, a natural harbour with a small slipway for the launching of small craft. At low tide the bay opens out to join Penllech beach, (which we have already covered in our Guide to Tudweiliog). Plenty of rock pools for crabbing, and popular with fishermen. Access is via the narrow country lane signposted off the B4417 or by walking across Penllech beach. If you want to stay, literally on the beach at Porth Colmon, then click HERE to take a look at this delightful cottage in a unique location.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN LLANGWNADL:
NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

CAMPSITES IN LLANGWNADL:
Pen-y-Bont Bach, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770252
Llecyn, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770347

NEAREST SHOPS:
The Post Office at Tudweiliog sells basic provisions.
Otherwise Londis in Nefyn, Spar in Aberdaron, or the village shop in Sarn. (These villages will be covered in later posts).

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
Tegfan Garage, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770651
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
Efail Rhos Garage, Rhoshirwaun. Tel:01758 760227
EW&SE Pritchard. Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
EW&SE Pritchard, Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERIES:
Meddygfa Rhydbach, Botwnnog. Tel:01758 730266
Ty Doctor, Nefyn. Tel: 0844 815 1166

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.
There are also ATM's at the Post Offices in Sarn and Botwnnog, though these have restricted opening hours.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Tudweiliog Post Office.
Waterloo House, Sarn Meyllteyrn.

PUBLIC HOUSE:
Ty Newydd Hotel, Sarn Meyllteyrn Tel: 01758 730747. A popular venue for Welsh musicians.

NEAREST PLACES TO EAT:
The Lion Hotel, Tudweiliog. Tel: 01758 770244.
Penrhyn Arms Hotel, Sarn Meyllteyrn. Tel: 01758 730 218
Mill House Restaurant, Sarn Meyllteyrn. Tel:01758 730288

TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985

CAR PARKING IN LLANGWNADL:
There is no car park in the village.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road).Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

A TREAT WHILST ON HOLIDAY:
Selective Seafoods. Tel: 01758 770397
Supplying locally caught, fresh Crabs and Lobsters, Sea Bass, and Mackerel in season.

Pet Friendly Holidays In North Wales

2009-01-12T16:18:00.012Z

Looking for a self-catering holiday cottage where pets are welcome?

Hate the idea of leaving your dog behind or at the kennels?

Does your dog pine for the entire time you're away and then sulks for days following your return?

If you've answered YES to any of the above questions, then look no further than the Nefyn Holidays web site, where you'll find a wide choice of around fifty or so pet-friendly holiday cottages, bungalows, and farmhouses.

The quiet country lanes and the beaches of the Lleyn Peninsula are just ideal for dog-walking. Dogs can be taken onto all beaches in Gwynedd throughout the year. However, between the 1st of May and 30th September sections of some beaches have dog exclusion areas:

Abersoch, Aberdaron, Aberdyfi, Abererch, Barmouth, Criccieth, Dinas Dinlle, Fairbourne, Harlech, Llandanwg, Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands), Nefyn, Porth Dinllaen, Pwllheli, Porthoer (Whistling Sands) and Tywyn.

Dogs are allowed on the beach either side of these restriction areas, which are clearly sign posted. Maps illustrating these areas are present on notice boards located at the beach entrances. Dogs must also be kept on a lead at all times on the promenades, and owners are expected to clean up any mess after their dog, or risk a maximum fine of £1000. Dog fouling bags are available from the Council's Beach Supervisors, which are on duty on most of the above beaches between the middle of June and the first week in September.

For more info, contact the Council's Maritime Officer on 01758-704066

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

The (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Tudweiliog

2009-01-10T10:47:00.028Z

TUDWEILIOG: HISTORY

Standing on top of a hill, the parish Church of St Cwyfan dominates the village and is well worth a visit. Re-built in 1849 on the site of an older medeival structure, the 14th century font from the original church was removed and now sits on the front lawn at Cefnamlwch. Medeival stone corbels were also taken to Cefnamlwch and can be seen in a wall near the gatehouse. The bell is inscribed 'Tydwielog /1734 made in Dublin" and there are memorials in the churchyard - Francis Jones of Llangoed 1680, and Jane Trygarn 1683.

Another noteable feature not to be missed is the Coetan Arthur (Arthur's Quoit) dolmen at Cefnamlwch - a chambered tomb on the N. side of Mynydd Cefnamlwlch.

TUDWEILIOG TODAY
A small, quiet village, Tudweiliog today is a popular base with holidaymakers because of its proximity to three excellent beaches:

Towyn Beach (Porth Towyn) is very sandy, with the odd rock towards each end of the beach. The sand "squeaks" when you tread on it, rather like its more famous neighbour, the Whistling Sands at Porth Oer. There is a car park in a field on the opposite side of the road at the furthest end of Towyn Farm from the gate which leads you over the field to the beach. There are many small coves to the right was you walk across the field, accessed down the steep grassy slopes from the coastal path.

Penllech Beach has masses of sand. It has its own car park, set back some 500m from the beach and there is then a short walk, following a stream down to the shore. On high tides there is not much beach left so care should be taken to ensure you are not cut off.

Porth Ysgaden is a delightful little cove, very popular with divers.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN TUDWEILIOG:
NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in Nefyn. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

OTHER ACCOMMODATION:
Lion Hotel. Village pub offering B&B. Tel: 01758 770244

CAMPSITES IN TUDWEILIOG:
Towyn Farm. Tel: 01758 770230.
Tyddyn Sander. Tel: 01758 770420
Porthysgaden Farm. Tel: 01758 770206
Penrallt Campsite; Tel: 01758 770654
Hirdre Fawr Farm. Between Edern and Tudweiliog. Tel: 01758 770278

SHOPS IN TUDWEILIOG:
The Post Office sells basic provisions, otherwise Nefyn Londis is your best bet.

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
EW&SE Pritchard. Tel: 01758 720219. In Morfa Nefyn, on the road which leads from the centre of the village to the beach.

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
EW&SE Pritchard Tel: 01758 720219 In Morfa Nefyn, on the Edern Road. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERIES:
Ty Doctor. On St.David's Road in Nefyn - half way between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166

Meddygfa Rhydbach, Botwnnog. Tel:01758 730266

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Tudweiliog Post Office & Stores. Tel: 01758 770283

PLACES TO EAT:
The Lion Hotel. Tel: 01758 770244. CAMRA Regional Pub Of The Year

NEAREST TAKE AWAYS:
Chip Shop in Morfa Nefyn - on the Pwllheli road.
Light Of Bengal Indian Restaurant in Nefyn

TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985

CAR PARKING IN TUDWEILIOG:
There is no car park in the village - on-street parking only.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road).Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

LOCAL HAMPER DELIVERY SERVICE:
Y Bwtri. Local deli. Will deliver welcome hampers of quality Welsh products to your holiday cottage in advance of your stay. Tel: 01758 613113

If there's anything we haven't covered........TELL US!

When all the Guides are completed, they'll be available for downloading as a printable booklet for you to bring with you on holiday. So don't miss out - subscribe to this feed now!

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

The (Very) Rough Guide to: Holidays in Edern

2009-01-07T09:57:00.031Z

EDERN: HISTORY

The following extract was taken from Samuel Lewis' fascinating, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales. Printed in 1849 it provides detailed topographical accounts of places, parishes and counties in Wales.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

"EDERN (EDEYRN), a parish, in the union of Pwllheli, hundred of Dinllaen, county of Carnarvon, North Wales, 7 miles (W. N. W.) from Pwllheli; containing 624 inhabitants. This parish comprises 1360 acres. It is situated on the shore of Carnarvon Bay, and has an excellent harbour called Porth-Dinllaen, whence steamers and sailing vessels ply regularly to Liverpool with pigs, poultry, and eggs, bringing back coal for the supply of the neighbourhood. A new line of road from Capel Curig was made to this port early in the present century, by Mr. Madocks, with the view of its becoming the station for the Irish mail-packets; but Holyhead still retained the preference. That gentleman also greatly improved the pier at Porth-Dinllaen, the construction of which was commenced in the reign of George I., who gave £600 towards defraying the expense. Some further and more recent particulars of the port are given under the head of Nevin. The living is a discharged rectory, with the perpetual curacies of Pistill and Carngïwch annexed, rated in the king's books at £8. 5. 10.; present gross income, £362, with a glebe-house; patron, the Bishop of Bangor: the tithes of Edern have been commuted for a rent-charge of £175; and there is a glebe of five acres, valued at £10 per annum. The church, dedicated to St. Edeyrn, is a small edifice, displaying some features in the early style of English architecture, and is lighted by six windows, of which one at the east end consists of three lancet-shaped lights. At Groesfordd, a short distance from the village, is a place of worship for Calvinistic Methodists. A Church school was established in 1846, and there are two Sunday schools, both connected with the Calvinistic body."

EDERN TODAY

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN EDERN:

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the Edern area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

OTHER ACCOMMODATION:

Woodlands Hall Hotel

CAMPSITES IN EDERN:
Caer Odyn Caravan Park. Tel: 01758 720846

SHOPS IN EDERN:
Siop Heulwen/Post Office
Arwyn Williams. Butcher and general stores. Tel: 01758 720227

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
EW&SE Pritchard. Tel: 01758 720219. In Morfa Nefyn, on the road which leads from the centre of the village to the beach.

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
EW&SE Pritchard Tel: 01758 720219 In Morfa Nefyn, on the Edern Road. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERY:
Drs. Harris, Williams & Rhys. On St.David's Road in Nefyn - half way between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Edern Post Office, Stores & Off-licence. Tel:01758 720946/720580

PLACES TO EAT:
The Ship Inn/Y Llong. Former village pub now bistro/restaurant. No pre-booking available. Tel: 01758 720559
Woodlands Hall Hotel Orchard Bar/restaurant with a dedicated playroom for children of all ages. Tel: 01758 720425

NEAREST TAKE AWAYS:
Chip Shop in Morfa Nefyn - on the Pwllheli road.
Light Of bengal Indian Restaurant in Nefyn

TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985

CAR PARKING IN EDERN:
There is no car park in the village - on-street parking only.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road).Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

LOCAL HAMPER DELIVERY SERVICE:
Y Bwtri. Local deli. Will deliver welcome hampers of quality Welsh products to your holiday cottage in advance of your stay. Tel: 01758 613113

A DEFINITE "MUST DO" WHILST YOU'RE IN EDERN:
Walk to the hidden, deserted little cove of Bryn Gwydd.

The (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Morfa Nefyn

2009-01-05T14:46:00.048Z

MORFA NEFYN: HISTORY

Situated midway along the north coast of the Lleyn Peninsula, just over a mile away from its larger neighbour Nefyn, lies MORFA NEFYN, a quiet, pretty seaside village which, together with Porth Dinllaen, forms an almost perfect semi circle with headlands at either end and backed by low cliffs. Archaeologists have dated the remains of Trwyn Dinllaen Iron Age Hill Fort, on the headland to the west, at around 100BC, Morfa Nefyn’s earliest known settlers. See here for an aerial photo of the fort. A walk along the headland today shows little evidence of their existence, (the Fort is obscured by the modern Nefyn Golf Course), but is compensated for by the magnificent views across the bay and towards the mountains of Yr Eifl. The Iron Age settlers certainly knew how to choose their spot!

Morfa Nefyn’s heyday was in the nineteenth century, with coastal trading and fishing being the main industries and the reason behind the village’s growth. Speculation persisted in the early part of the century about the possibility of making Morfa Nefyn the gateway port to Ireland, but it narrowly missed out in a government vote, when Holyhead was chosen instead.

MORFA NEFYN TODAY

One of its main attractions today is the long sheltered sandy beach, which offers safe bathing, boating, water sports and excellent walks across the beach to the picturesque village of Porth Dinllaen and Lifeboat Bay. It has, quite understandably, become a firm favourite family seaside holiday destination for those seeking an alternative to the busier resort of Abersoch.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN MORFA NEFYN

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in Morfa Nefyn. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

OTHER ACCOMMODATION IN MORFA NEFYN:
Fairway Country Hotel Tel: 01758 721888
Terfyn B&B. Small family-run guest house. Tel: 01758 721332
Llys Olwen B&B Tel: 01758 720493
Glascoed B&B Tel: 01758 720 151
Nantmor B&B. Small B&B, ideal for couples. Very near the beach and golf course. One en-suite double room. Non-smoking. Good, hearty breakfast. Contact Mrs. Dolwen Williams on 01758 720616

CAMPSITES IN MORFA NEFYN:
Greenacres. Small family run site between Morfa Nefyn and Nefyn. Flat fields and short mown grass - the perfect place to pitch your tent! Tel: 01758 720564

SHOPS IN MORFA NEFYN:
Park Stores. Great little local shop in the centre of the village. Newspapers, bakery, butchers etc. Great for your barbecue stuff! Will deliver within Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 721124

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
EW&SE Pritchard in Morfa Nefyn Tel: 01758 720219. In Morfa Nefyn, on the road which leads from the centre of the village to the beach.

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
EW&SE Pritchard Tel: 01758 720219In Morfa Nefyn, on the Edern Road. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERY:
Drs. Harris, Williams & Rhys. On St.David's Road, Nefyn - half way between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166

NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Morfa Nefyn Post Office, Stores & Off-licence. Tel:01758 720224

PLACES TO EAT:
The Bryncynan Inn. Family-friendly pub by the roundabout on the Morfa Nefyn to Pwllheli road.
The Cliffs Inn. Popular pub on the beach road.
Fairway Country Hotel.
Ty Coch Inn. Literally on the beach at Porth Dinllaen. Limited menu but what a location!

TAKE AWAY IN MORFA NEFYN:
Chip Shop on Morfa Nefyn to Pwllheli road.

PLACES OF WORSHIP IN NEFYN:
St Mary's Church. Church In Wales.
Roman Catholic Church, Morfa Nefyn
Capel Moreia

TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985

LOCAL BUS SERVICE:
Nefyn Coaches Tel: 01758 720904

CAR PARKING IN MORFA NEFYN:
There is only one car park in the village - a fee paying one which is owned by the National Trust. It's primarily for the use of people going down to the beach.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road).
Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.
LOCAL HAMPER DELIVERY SERVICE:
Y Bwtri. Local deli. Will deliver welcome hampers of quality Welsh products to your holiday cottage in advance of your stay. Tel: 01758 613113

A DEFINITE "MUST DO" WHILST YOU'RE IN MORFA NEFYN:
Walk across the beach from Morfa Nefyn to Lifeboat Bay to see the grey seals.......and don't forget your camera!

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

The (Very) Rough Guide To: Holidays In Nefyn

2009-01-05T10:42:00.032Z

HISTORIC NEFYN

Nefyn is an uncommercialised historic little town, famous in the past for its shipbuilding and its herring fleet. It's sheltered little harbour - Porth Nefyn - with its quay and cluster of whitewashed cottages at the water's edge, still provides shelter for a handful of small, local fishing boats.

The borough emerged late in the I2th or early in the I3th century on what must have been one of the largest manors of the Princes of Gwynedd, and work on manorial buildings is recorded in I306-7. Some of its street and place names echo its important past e.g. Stryd y Plas (Palace Street), Bryn Mynach (Monks Hill). Visited by Edward I in I284, it was the scene of a 'Round Table' or jousting tournament celebrating his conquest of Gwynedd. A group of fields extending from below Iorwerth Villa towards Capel Seion (about 300 yds. N.-S. by 80 yds., with a steep bank on the W., center at SH 30774027) is now known as Cae Iorwerth ('Edward's Field') and are accepted locally as the scene of the tournament. In the Tithe Award Schedule of I838-42 these fields formed part of a larger area named Cae Thomas and contained a rope-walk which may have been the cause of artificial leveling. In I833 its supposed location was given as a circular earthwork near the Edern road, but no trace of this remains.

There is documentation of work on manorial buildings in 1306-7,but the only surviving structure earlier than the I8th century, however, is a small motte, Y Twr (situated just behind the Indian restaurant) although there is no evidence that the town was ever fortified.

After being bestowed the Royal Charter in 1355 by the Black Prince, Nefyn gained "town" status, and soon became an important centre on the Peninsula. Such was the volume of herring landed by the fleets of small boats here, that the surplus was used as fertilizer. The fish were sold in threes (mwrw), hence the three herrings on the coat of arms. There are still buildings called Tai Halen (Salt Houses) in Stryd Y Plas and to this day other inhabitants of Lleyn sometimes refer to people from Nefyn as Penwaig Nefyn (Herrings of Nefyn)! More information about the herring fleet can be found here.

The weather vane that sits atop St Mary's church (later developed into a maritime museum but is no longer open to the public) is in the shape of a ship, again testament of Nefyn's seafaring past.

Another landmark of historical note is Ffynnon Fair (St. Mary's Well) an ancient well in the centre of the town.

NEFYN TODAY

SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN NEFYN.

NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in Nefyn. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.

OTHER ACCOMMODATION IN NEFYN:
Nanhoron Hotel
Caeau Capel Hotel

CAMPSITES IN NEFYN:
Ty Mawr, Pistyll 01758 720460
Wern, Nefyn 01758 720432

SHOPS IN NEFYN:
Londis Supermarket. Will deliver in Nefyn. Plenty of parking. Tel: 01758 721333
Spar Supermarket. In Nefyn centre. Tel: 01758 720309
H.Evans Ironmongers in the High Street Tel: 01758 720893
Glenys Hairdressers Tel: 01758 721214

NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
EW&SE Pritchard in Morfa Nefyn Tel: 01758 720219
In Morfa Nefyn, on the road which leads from the centre of the village to the beach.

NEAREST PETROL STATION:
EW&SE Pritchard Tel: 01758 720219
In Morfa Nefyn, on the Edern Road. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.

NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERY:
Drs. Harris, Williams & Rhys Tel: 0844 650223 or 0844 815 1166
On St.David's Road, half way between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn.

NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214
Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.

NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank - on the mini-roundabout in the centre of town.

NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Nefyn Post Office next to the old well in Stryd Y Ffynnon.

PLACES TO EAT:
Light Of Bengal Restaurant - Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine Tel: 01758 720277/721496
Caffi Bara Menyn - tea and coffee shop
Y Folt (Restaurant in the old bank Vault) Tel: 01758 721166
Caffi'r Penwaig - snack bar Tel: 01758 720056
Caffi'r Ffynnon
Nanhoron Hotel

TAKE AWAYS IN NEFYN:
Chip Shop in Nefyn High Street. Tel: 01758 721164
Light Of Bengal Indian Take Away Tel: 01758 720277/721496
Caffi'r Penwaig also do some take away meals.

PLACES OF WORSHIP IN NEFYN:
St David's Church. Church In Wales. On St.Davids Road.
Roman Catholic Church, Morfa Nefyn

TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985

LOCAL BUS SERVICE:
Nefyn Coaches Tel: 01758 720904

CAR PARKING IN NEFYN:
There are 2 free car parks in the centre of town - one just off the High Street between and Stryd y Plas; the other down Y Fron. If you're going to the beach, then there's free a car park on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Nefyn to Morfa Nefyn road), just past the Police Station. See Google Map of Nefyn.

NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road). Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.

NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.
Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).

NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.

A DEFINITE "MUST DO" WHILST YOU'RE IN NEFYN:

Walk the cliff-top path between Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn.......and don't forget your camera!

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

The (Very) Rough Guides To: Holidays On The Lleyn Peninsula

2008-12-28T14:35:00.016Z

Over the next few weeks we hope to bring you a series of our own (Very) Rough Guides to The Lleyn Peninsula.

Done on a village-by-village basis, each Guide will include some interesting facts and figures about that particular village, and, rather uniquely, will cover all the practical stuff that you won't find elsewhere: shops, Post Offices, banks, ATM's, local markets, doctors surgeries, hospitals, pharmacies, local taxis, pubs, take-aways, petrol stations, where to go to get your car fixed or a puncture repaired etc. etc.

The whole idea behind these Guides (and this Blog) is to bring you everything you need to plan your holiday, all in one place. If you're a regular visitor to Lleyn, and think you've got something useful to contribute to our Guides, please feel free to leave a comment (though as we cater for family holidays, they will be moderated!)

Written by Nefyn Holidays, the Guides will be added one by one, so please be patient

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Porth Dinllaen: An Unspoilt Idyll Just Waiting To Be Discovered.

2008-12-23T14:50:00.018Z

AS FEATURED IN "TIMOTHY SPALL "SOMEWHERE AT SEA" on BBC4

Situated towards the end of a vast sweep of sandy shell-strewn beach, and overlooked by low cliffs, this picture postcard village is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. With its whitewashed houses, and red-brick pub, standing literally at the water’s edge, there can be no more beautiful a location in the whole of the UK.

A natural harbour, it was, quite unbelievably now, once a vitally important shipping centre for the Irish Trade, and in 1804, over seven hundred ships were anchored here. With the advent of the industrial age, £12,000 was raised to build new piers to improve its chances against those of the, as yet undeveloped, Holy Isle (now the busy ferry port of Holyhead) to become the main port for Ireland. However, in 1837, with a single casting vote of the Chairman of a Commons Select Committee, its hopes were dashed and now, all that remains of the venture is the "Whitehall", built as a hotel in anticipation of the upsurge in travellers which (thankfully) never came; and the "Ty Coch" - the last surviving inn of three which the village once supported. The Whitehall is no longer a hotel, but the Ty Coch continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.

The present Ty Coch was built in 1823, out of red brick which is thought had been used as ballast for a ship which had taken granite from the port to Holland. However, it is thought that there was an earlier building on the site, possibly dating back to the sixteenth century, and this is evidenced by the presence of windows and a fireplace in the cellar. Rather amusingly, for the first five years of its life it was the vicarage for the vicar of Edern, and it was only after a vicarage was built next to the church in the village itself, that eventually the vicar moved out, leaving his housekeeper, Catherine Ellis, to open the building as an Inn in 1842, to supply refreshment to the shipbuilding workforce who worked on the beach.

So unique is the pub’s setting, that Craig Rosenberg chose it as one of the locations for his 2004 film "Half Light" which starred Debi Moore.

Further along the headland lies the narrow little cove of Lifeboat Bay, home to the Porth Dinllaen Lifeboat, which has been saving lives on this stretch of coastline since 1864. In December of the previous year, eighteen ships had been sheltering in the bay in anticipation of a severe storm. The shelter offered by the port’s natural harbour, however, offered no protection from the gale force northerly wind, and all the ships were driven ashore and wrecked. Robert Rees, a local man, tied a rope around his waist and, with the help of four other men, succeeded in saving the lives of twenty eight sailors from the stricken vessels. Following the tragedy, the Rev. Owen Lloyd Williams of Boduan, wrote to the R.N.L.I. reporting on the results of recent gales, and asked for a lifeboat station to be established at Porth Dinllaen. The R.N.L.I.'s inspector of lifeboats, visited the area the following February, and recommended the forming of a lifeboat station, which was formally approved at a meeting of the management in March 1864. The first boathouse was built at a cost of £140 and this was quickly followed by the arrival of the very first lifeboat, the 36 foot long, 12-oar, Cotton Sheppard, in August. Costing just £250, she was carried free-of-charge from London to Caernarfon by rail, and then sailed to Porth Dinllaen.

Carrying on this tradition today, it is still local men (and one young woman) who, when the maroons boom out, rush down to the station to man the lifeboat. But it is now the 47 foot long Hetty Rampton, that rattles down the slipway, and races across the bay at 18 knots, engines roaring.

Just beyond the Lifeboat Station, on Carreg Ddu rock, there is a fine vantage point from which to view the local grey seal colony, which can often be seen basking on rocks just a few feet away; a sure sign of good fishing.

The whole of north Lleyn has been identified as an area diverse in both habitats and species and Porth Dinllaen has been designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A dive in 2005 by Seasearch (a volunteer underwater survey project for recreational divers who wish to contribute to conserving the marine environment) identified the Omalosecosa Reef, the Miller Pinnacle, abundant seagrass beds, and the extremely rare cup coral. In addition, many species of sponge were observed, including the golf ball sponge (Tethya aurantium).

The divers also found several real golf balls, no doubt gone astray from the Nefyn and District Golf Course, which is situated on the headland above the bay. In an unique cliff top setting, golf has been played here since 1907 and today, is a very challenging 27 hole links course, where every hole calls for accurate shot making if your ball is not to end up in the sea below!

Porth Dinllaen has been protected by the National Trust since 1994 and now, a total of sixteen houses, the Ty Coch Inn, and the RNLI station are all under the care of the Trust, and the natural harbour is populated with fishing boats and pleasure boats.

To visit Porth Dinllaen take the B4417 road to Morfa Nefyn and follow the signs to the National Trust car park (just off the Golf Road). From here there are steps down to Morfa Nefyn beach from where you can walk across the sands to Porth Dinllaen. It is also possible to park in the golf club car park and walk across the course itself. For those afforded the luxury of a four-wheel drive vehicle, it can be possible, at low tide, to drive across the wet sand, passing behind some old warehouse buildings on your way, though given the number of would-be off-roaders which get stuck, perhaps this is an option best avoided!

Whichever mode of transport you take, you’ll be rewarded with the magnificent views across the bay towards the Rivals mountains, which plunge dramatically into the sea at Trefor, and the simple pleasure of just being in this idyllic paradise.

Dying to see the place for yourself? Visit the Nefyn Holidays website and book yourself a cottage in nearby Morfa Nefyn or you can even rent a cottage, complete with moorings, on the beach itself!

One word of warning though……..its beauty and atmosphere addictive and one visit is never enough!

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales

Discover Hidden Wales: The Lleyn Peninsula

2008-12-12T21:57:00.008Z

Wales’ best-kept secret, the Lleyn Peninsula (Penrhyn Llŷn in Welsh:) is the long finger of land, that thrusts out towards Ireland, forming the northern arm of Cardigan Bay, as Pembrokeshire does the southern. At its very point lies Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli), burial place of 20,000 saints, which has drawn pilgrims to its now ruined monastery, along the pilgrims’ road, ever since the 6th century.

Approximately 35 miles long by 10 miles at its widest, it is a unique and beautiful part of north Wales, renowned for its natural charm and mild climate. So spectacular is its coastline that acres of it have been protected by the National Trust and much of it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its large number of protected sites - including a National Nature Reserve at Cors Geirch, a National Heritage Coastline and a European Marine Special Area of Conservation, as well as twenty Sites of Special Scientific Interest - confirms the Peninsula as one of the most scientifically important areas in the whole of the UK. A haven for wild flowers, rare butterflies, and birds, its indigenous flora and fauna attracts naturalists from far and wide.

It is this unique blend of unspoilt scenery; rocky coves; sandy beaches; mountains; open countryside, and wooded valleys, which makes Lleyn such a popular destination for both tourists and holiday home owners. There is also the added touch of "foreignness" with its unusual place-names and the Welsh language spoken around you, which makes the holiday that little different!

Often referred to as Snowdon’s Coastline, the Lleyn Peninsula offers many opportunities for the more active; walking, cycling, sailing, yachting, surfing, fishing, shooting, and golfing. For the lazy ones among you, there are miles of unspoilt, sandy coastline and safe bathing.

If you want to experience the delights of this area of Wales, why not start by visiting the Nefyn Holidays website and finding yourself a cosy country cottage from which to discover hidden Wales.

Posted by Nefyn Holidays
Holiday Cottages in North Wales