8 Things You Didn't Know About Aberdyfi
1. "The Bells of Aberdovey" - This is a popular song referring to the village. Based on a legend, it is about Cantre’r Gwaelod (the Bottom or Lowland Hundred), an ancient, sunken kingdom which is said to have occupied a tract of fertile land lying between Ramsey Island and Bardsey Island in - what is now - Cardigan Bay. The legend supposes that the bells of the submerged lost kingdom can be heard ringing below the waves on the beach at Aberdyfi.
2. The jetty - Erected in 1887, the jetty is a 370 foot long structure which was built so that ships could load and unload, whatever the tide. Major exports were slate and oak bark. 45 sailing ships were built between 1840-1880 at seven shipyards in Penhelig. The jetty continued to be used commercially for coal until 1959. After prolonged negotiations from 1968-1971 (during which time, it was rebuilt), it started being used recreationally, and this remains the case today - although a few local fishing boats still use it.
3. The ferry - It has been suggested that there was a ferry from Ynyslas to Aberdyfi as early as the 12th Century. At one stage, there were three ferries in use; Y Ferry Fawr (the big ferry) for cattle and heavy vehicles, Y Ferri Ganoi (the middle ferry) for slow traffic, and Y Ferri Fach (the small ferry) for transporting people. It was taken over by the Welsh Coast Railway in 1563, using steam boats every hour for sixpence a trip. This company changed its name to the Cambrian Coast Line with the idea of taking over until a rail bridge was built over the estuary. The plans never came to fruition and the ferry was sold in the early 20th Century.
4. Roman Road - Although known by this name, Roman Road was in fact built by horse and carriage in 1808. The sea has eroded much of it, but it is still a beautiful place to take a stroll and reflect on life.
5. A potential Aberdyfi poem...? - While staying in New Quay in 1945, Llareggub poet, Dylan Thomas, wrote "Under Milk Wood", the story of a sleeping fictional town in Wales. Although a few places have laid a claim to being the inspiration, none have ever been confirmed. Can you find the house in Aberdyfi that has this fictional name?
6. Picnic Island - This is, in fact, a misnomer as it was a small peninsula which is now separated from the mainland after being cut off by the railway line in 1863. Nevertheless, it has a small, grassy area on high ground with magnificent views and the benefits of a couple of benches, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
7. Outward Bound - Outward Bound opened its first school in Aberdovey in 1941. Its founding mission was to give young seamen the ability to survive harsh sea conditions by teaching confidence, tenacity and perseverance. Since then, it has gone on to help over 1.2 million young people unlock their full potential through their unique approach to learning and adventure in the wild.
8. The Literary Institute - Founded in late 1882, the Literary Institute was formerly an old bath house and a meeting place of the Plymouth Brethren. This unique and iconic building is one of only a few reading rooms which remain open in the UK and the snooker/billiards section remains extremely popular. The reading room is open daily (except Sundays) and the public are invited to enjoy the peace and tranquillity whilst reading a selection of newspapers. Free Wi-Fi is also available, but why would you want that when you have such a spectacular view?