Fairbourne
Gwynedd, Wales

Incorporating
Arthog
Fairbourne
Friog
Llwyngwril
Rhoslefain

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Situated in the North West of Wales surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park.

The countryside around Arthog on the lower reaches of the Mawddach Estuary's south shore is wooded and gentle in comparison with the rugged beauty of the nearby mountains. From the village of Arthog, access is offered, via public footpaths to the famous Arthog Falls, Cader Idris and Cregennan Lakes.

One of the most popular walks in Wales, passes through Arthog, the 4.5 Mile nature walk along the edges of the Mawddach Estuary between Arthog and Penmaenpool, where many species of sea birds and ducks can be seen. The route has been made available by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, converting the old disused railway track into a nature trail which has been made suitable for wheelchairs at the Arthog end.

At the Penmaenpool end, the old Railway Signal box has been converted into a nature information centre and Bird Observation Room by the R.S.P.B. At the Arthog end, the path stops on the south side of the Barmouth viaduct. This half mile long viaduct spans the Mawddach Estuary. One side of the bridge carries the railway while the other side forms a footway which affords some magnificent views.
 

Fairbourne

This small seaside resort has grown steadily in recent years. Back in the 1890's there were very few  houses in the locality until Mr McDougal of the flour family appeared on the scene and it is reported that the locals wished to keep the name "Ynys Faig" when it came to giving the village a name. This was the name used by both the farm and Ynys Faig Hall now renamed Fairbourne Hotel which are both situated at the entrance to the village.

There is a safe sandy beach with rock pools at either end of the two mile stretch of  golden sands. Some 200 meters from the beach are a number of shops all catering for the visitor. Situated close to the shops are both connecting bus and British Rail Station.

Overlooking the village is the western end of Cader Idris Mountain Range with the Friog Slate Quarry very prominent. Access into these hills is by public footpath in Friog but to the Blue Lake which is within the complex of the Slate Quarry and on private land, access is by agreement of the land owner.

Running through the centre of the village and along the sea front to Penrhyn Point is the Fairbourne and Barmouth Steam Railway. The terminus is next to the British Rail mainline station, Passengers can catch the narrow gauge railway to Penrhyn Point, board a ferry across to Barmouth and return either on foot across the Barmouth Bridge or by British Rail.

From Fairbourne, visitors can take a day out on  British Rail to either Pwllheli or Aberystwyth. There is also a local bus service that runs to Dolgellau and Tywyn where there are connections to further afield places.

For those visitors keen on water sports, one can enjoy Canoeing, Windsurfing, Water Skiing and Sea Fishing. Boat owners wishing to launch their boats either into the sea or River Mawddach can do so at strategic points.

For the Mountaineers, in addition to the mountain range of Cader Idris, both the Rhinog, Arran and Snowdon ranges are within a short distance of travel by car, bus or train. There are also areas within easy reach of Fairbourne for Rock Climbing.

For the less energetic but still wishing to enjoy the scenic views of the locality there are local walks or even the Precipice Walk just outside Dolgellau. You could also enjoy local views in particular of the Mawddach Estuary by going to one of the Trekking Centres, and take a ride on either a pony or a horse.

For those wet weather days, there are Leisure Centres both at Barmouth and Tywyn where there is also a swimming pool. To the north of Dolgellau the Forestry Commission have a visitor and exhibition display at their Coed y Brenin Maesgym Centre.
 

Friog At Friog we have the noted Panteinion Falls and the Blue Lake. The Falls are accessible by a public right of way, and the Blue Lake by agreement with the landowner.

Llwyngwril  Two miles south of Fairbourne, the historic village of Llwyngwril is  definitely worth a visit. The friendly community boasts a 16th century church and adequate shops for supplies. The sandy area on it's sheltered beach provides safe bathing for children and it's rock pools are a delight to all.

The 17th century Quakers burial ground can be seen on the way to the beach, whilst the track opposite passes by the ancient Quaker's cottage before climbing the mountain where views of the bay are outstanding.

Ask locally where to find the old mill on the Gwril and the iron fort (Castell-y-Gaer). The ancient  mountain road above the village runs to Dolgellau and south to the Dysynni valley and Bird Rock (without touching the main road).

A quiet stroll alongside the picturesque River Gwril will reveal it's wild flowers and numerous bird species.

Rhoslefain  Rhoslefain, an adjoining hamlet, has easy access to a bathing beach once used by smugglers for landing salt.