Barmouth in Mid Wales

Barmouth, or Abermaw or even Y Bermo as it is known in Welsh, is southern Snowdonia's most popular seaside resort with breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay and the picturesque harbour. The town's beach, Abermaw, is west facing with a mixture of sand and some fine shingle and is ideal for bathing and watersports.

The town can get busy, a land train runs along the promenade and there are traditional donkey rides, swing boats and amusement arcades. Barmouth beach is vast with good disabled access to the beach and all leisure amenities, including a full range of shops, cafes and pubs are within a short distance. There are several delightful walks of varying distance which start in Barmouth and follow routes into the hills beyond.

"With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival." These are the words of William Wordsworth who visited Barmouth in the 19th century, and it would be fair to say that today’s visitors wouldn’t disagree with him. The seaside town, that is one of Wales’ most popular resorts, is gloriously located on the Mawddach estuary and its blue flag beach is like a golden carpet laid out in front of the towering Snowdownian backdrop.

The harbour, the townhouse and the roundhouse are all situated in Barmouth’s picturesque old town that is awash with character and charm. Indeed when J.R.Tolkien visited in the early 20th century he was so smitten with it that he used it as a model for the town of Hobbiton in The Lord of The Rings. Away from the sandy beaches, donkey rides, arcades and promenades there is plenty more to see and do, including the RLNI Lifeboat Museum and the Ty Gwyn Museum, whilst the ferry to Fairbourne comes highly recommended for different view of Barmouth.

Barmouth is also the starting point for the famous 3 Peaks Yacht Race, a gruelling challenge that takes in the highest mountains of Wales, England and Scotland. For those not wishing to travel quite so far the town also serves as an excellent base to explore nearby Harlech Castle, Shell Island, Portmeirion and of course, Cadair Idris.