8 Things you didn't know about Aberdyfi
1 Bells of Aberdovey is a popular song which refers to the village. The song is based on the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod (the Bottom or Lowland Hundred). This ancient sunken kingdom 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, this 370 foot long structure was built so that ships could load and unload whatever the state of the tide. Major exports were slate and oak bark. Ship building was based in seven shipyards in Penhelig where 45 sailing ships were built between 1840 and 1880. It continued in commercial use for coal until 1959. It was after prolonged negotiations from 1968 to 1971, which include a rebuild which led to its present use which is mainly recreational, 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 it was in fact built by horse and carriage in 1808. The sea has by now eroded much of it but it is still a beautiful place to take a stroll and reflect on life.
5 Llareggub poet Dylan Thomas wrote Under Milk Wood, the story of a sleeping fictional Welsh town in 1945 while staying in New Quay, and 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? Have you noticed that the name is a semordnilap?
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. Never the less 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 opened its first school in Aberdovey in 1941. Its founding mission was to give young seamen the ability to survive harsh conditions at sea 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, has a long history, founded in late 1882 it 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 the selection of newspapers available. Free Wi-Fi is also available but why would you when you have that spectacular view?