Aberdyfi

By rail

Aberdyfi is served by the Cambrian Line, operated by Arriva Trains Wales. There are 2 stations, the request only Penhelig station at the eastern end of the village, and (Aberdovey station), at the western end of the village.

By road

Aberdyfi is on the A493 Machynlleth to Tywyn road

By sea

Aberdyfi Harbour has facilities for visiting yachts. The Harbour Master can be contacted on +44 1654 767626.

The Bells of Aberdyfi

The Bells of Aberdyfi (Clychau Aberdyfi) is a well-known folk song, popular since the mid-19th Century. The bells referred to are not those of the church in Aberdyfi itself, but those of the mythical town of Caer Wyddno, capital of the lost land of Cantre'r Gwaelod (Lowland Hundred) which was lost beneath the waves. There are numerous versions of the story, common to all is that Cantre'r Gwaelod was the most fertile land in Wales, and was protected from the sea by a series of dykes. Sluice Gates were used to allow the rivers to flow out to the sea at low tide, and the gates were shut as the tides rose. The villain of the piece in most versions is named Seithennin, a drunkard. Some versions have him as a visiting nobleman, seducing the lovely Mererid, daughter of King Gwyddno, who was responsible for closing the gates. In other versions, it is Seithennin himself who was given the job of closing the gates by his father Gwyddno, in the hope that the responsibility would make him grow up. The most obvious "evidence" for the myth is the existence of the Sarnau, long parallel causeways which stretch well out to sea just below the surface, and at some locations are exposed at low tide (local sailors are well aware of them as they can present a hazard). The Sarnau are now thought to have been caused by glacial action, but it's easy to see how they could have been thought to be manmade. The southernmost of these is Sarn Cynfelin, which extends from the coast just south of Borth, on the opposite side of the Dyfi Estuary from Aberdyfi. The town of Caer Wyddno is said to have been located close to this causeway. The petrified forests which can sometimes be seen at Tywyn and Borth beaches, when storms wash the sand away from them, also lend credence to the tales.

Aberdyfi is easy to get around on foot, though some streets away from the harbour front can be quite steep.

Cycle Hire

is available in nearby Tywyn

Taxis

Dyfi Cabs

phone: +44 7831 551538, +44 7773 385335

Artworks

phone: +44 1654 767127

address: 16 Chapel Square
Gallery of local professional artists

Aberdyfi Outward Bound Center

phone: +44 1654 767464
The golf course is the 3rd best course in Wales and is in the new Top 100 Golf Courses of the World listings for Wales (2014), after the two Royals – Royal Porthcawl and Royal St Davids.
Aberdovey Golf ClubA popular Championship links course.
Dovey Yacht Club
Walk up to the Bandstand on the hill above the village centre, for great views acrosss the village and the estuary.
For a more strenuous walk, but one which will reward you with even better views, follow Copperhill St uphill from the village and keep on walking as it turns into a steep country lane. Eventually this leads to the mythical Bearded Lake (Llyn Barfog), scene of a battle between King Arthur and a monster called the Afanc. Arthur's horse left its hoofprint in a nearby rock known as Carn March Arthur. The lake is also the scene of another well-known legend regarding a local farmer and his herd of magic fairy cows. Follow signs to the nearby Echo which is mildly entertaining. If you have a car you can drive up the hill until the tarmac runs out, and leave the car. From here it's only a short walk to the lake.
Fish for crabs off the jetty. Hooks, Lines and bait can be bought from shops around the harbour, including Dyfi Marine (see "Buy").
Dyfi Donkeys

phone: +44 7717 020344

address: Next to the Children's playground by the beach
Donkey rides for children along the beach. Aberdyfi beach had been without the traditional donkeys for many years, but they returned in 2005. Note there is a maximum weight limit of 8 stone (51 kg). In 2008 Del-Boy was named Britain's best beach donkey by The Donkey Sanctuary at their annual awards.

Hefin Richards

OpenStreetMap.org / Mark Sheffield / (WT-shared) Tarr3n at wts wikivoyage

Outward Bound AberdyfiAlso have centres in Cumbria and Scotland. They offer courses for companies, schools, families and individuals.
Kitesurfing
Aberdovey Language Teachers & Aberdovey Language TuitionLearn Welsh. 30% of the population speak Welsh.

The Gallery

address: 11 New Street
Aberdyfi has long been popular with artists and The Gallery always has a good selection of works on sale
Dyfi Marine

address: Copperhill St

Y Bwtri Blasus

address: Sea View Terrace, Aberdyfi
Cafe and delicatessen serving morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon teas. Their homemade puddings are a highlight.
The Penhelig ArmsAwarded UK Seafood Pub of the Year in 2005. Not just for fish-lovers though. You can eat in the bar or the adjacent restaurant (booking recommended).
The Britannia Inn
The Sea Breeze Restaurant

The Penhelig Arms
The Dovey Inn
The Britannia InnLovely terrace overlooking the harbour - arrive early for a seat here if the weather's good.

There's a wide choice of B&B and self-catering accommodation. Campers may need to head north towards Tywyn.

B&B and Guest Houses

Sea Breeze

address: 6 Bodfor Terrace, Aberdyfi
8 rooms (all en-suite, 5 have sea-views) in a seafront townhouse close to the village centre.
Cartref4 guest rooms (all en-suite) in a recently (2008) refurbished Edwardian house just a few minutes walk from the beach and village centre.
Brig-Y-Don

phone: +44 1654 767301

address: Balkan Hill, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NH
Stunning views, beautiful gardens, secure car parking and modern facilities.
Smugglers Cove

address: Smugglers Cove, Frongoch Boatyard
Self catering holiday cottage with 7 bedrooms

Hotels

The Penhelig Arms

phone: +44 1654 767215

address: 27-29 Terrace Road
Acclaimed 18th-Century Inn overlooking the estuary at the eastern end of the village.
Trefeddian HotelHalf a mile or so out of town, on a hillside above the main coast road heading towards Tywyn. The largest hotel in the area with 59 rooms, overlooking the golf course. Heated swimming pool, tennis courts, 9-hole putting green, snooker room, beauty salon. WTB 3-star.

Self-Catering accommodation

Aberdovey Hillside Village

phone: +44 1654 767522

address: Church St
"The Village" is a cluster of specially designed houses and apartments which blend naturally into a south-facing hillside with views. Pet friendly, with landscaped grounds which lead into the open countryside. The shops and beaches are within 300 m.

Tourist Information Centre, Wharf Gardens. +44 1654 767321.

Area Code

The area dialling code is 01654. To call from overseas, dial +44 1654 XXXXXX

Internet

Tywyn Library

address: Neptune Road, Tywyn.

Post Office

Aberdyfi's Post Office is at Penrhos Service Station, close to Aberdyfi train station. +44 1654 767530.

Media

Cambrian News. Local English-language newspaper, published weekly. Covers Ceredigion, North Powys, South Gwynedd. Renowned for its occasionally bizarre headlines.
Dail Dysynni. Welsh-language monthly newspaper, dedicated to the Bro Dysynni area.
Radio Ceredigion 96.6-97.4 FM. Bilingual community radio station, broadcasting from Aberystwyth to the Cardigan Bay area.
BBC Radio Wales 882 and 657 AM.

Healthcare

In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 (ideally from a landline) and request ambulance, police or fire service.

Bronglais District General Hospital, Aberystwyth. +44 1970 623131. The nearest Accident & Emergency unit. Open 24 hours.
Tywyn Memorial Hospital, Aberdyfi Road, Tywyn. +44 1654 710411/0845 8501362(Out of Hours). Local Cottage Hospital. Medical cover is provided by the local GP surgery during the hours of 08:30 to 18:30 hours. The care is then taken over by the Out of Hours Service. The Minor Injuries Unit is open from 09:00 to 24:00 hours and is manned by a Clinical Practitioner.
Neptune Dental Surgery Neptune Road, Tywyn. +44 1654 710607. NHS and Private dentist. Has an attached dental laboratory for any denture repair work.
Medical Hall Aberdyfi Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi. +44 1654 767227. The friendly and helpful pharmacy, right on the sea front in the village.

Beaches and Coast

Due to the fact that is part of a tidal river estuary, the beach at the village itself can be subject to strong and unpredictable currents, so care should be exercised in the water. Better to head half a mile or so north, away from the river mouth. The beach stretches all the way to Tywyn and has a safe reputation due to its gently-shelving nature, though of course sensible precautions should still be taken.
General advice for safe swimming:

A red flag means danger. Do not enter the water if the red flag is flying
Consider bathing at a beach that's under lifeguard protection
Don't swim alone at a deserted beach
Don't use inflatables. They are easily swept away by strong currents
If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for Coastguard
Inquire about swimming conditions at local tourist offices prior to venturing to a beach without lifeguard cover
Read warning notices posted near beach access sites

Mountains

Snowdonia's mountains claim lives every year. The weather can change very quickly in this part of the World, and this is especially true in the mountains. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear, and always carry a suitable map. Ordnance Survey 1:25000 scale Explorer Map OL23 Cadair Idris and Bala Lake is ideal, alternatively the 1:50000 scale Landranger series sheets 124 Dolgellau and Porthmadog and 135 Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.
Follow the Mountain Safety Code:
Before You Go

Learn the use of map and compass
Know the weather signs and local forecast
Plan within your capabilities
Know simple first aid and the symptoms of exposure
Know the mountain distress signals
Know the country code

When You Go

Never go alone
Leave written word of your route and report your return
Take windproofs, woollens and survival bag
Take map and compass, torch and food
Wear climbing boots
Keep alert all day
Avoid disturbance to farming, forestry and field sports

If There is Snow On The Hills

Always have an ice axe for each person
Carry a climbing rope and know the correct use of rope and ice axe
Learn to recognise dangerous snow slope

John Lucas

Machynlleth is a pleasant market town with an "alternative" feel, 11 miles to the east. It hosts a regular street market every Wednesday, as well as being home to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The Centre for Alternative Technology, a few miles north of the town, is well worth a visit. Just a short distance further north lies the village of Corris, with a number of craft shops.
Tywyn, just 4 miles to the north by train or the main A493 road (possible to walk there along the beach) is home to the World-famous Talyllyn Railway.

Aberdyfi

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By road

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