Aberdaron

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General view

The bridge at Afon Daron and Afon Cyll-y-felin

Aberdaron is a small former fishing village at the tip of Wales's northern peninsula, the Lleyn Peninsula. According to the UK census 2001, the population of Aberdaron equated to 987 people. Also, the census reveals that 76% of the population speak Welsh fluently, with the highest percentage of speakers being in the 20-24 age group, and the 10-15 age group, where 100% are able to speak Welsh.

Beyond it lies Ynys Enlli (known in English as Bardsey Island), in legend the island of 20,000 saints and now a favourite bird-watching place. Nowadays, Aberdaron's main trade is tourism and its beach was awarded the Blue flag rural beach award in 2005. The bridge, which stands at the confluence of the Afon Daron and Afon Cyll-y-felin, is often photographed. The poet R. S. Thomas was vicar of the church which stands right next to the shore. At times the congregation could not hear the service for the sound of the wind and waves.

The village today is a very busy place during the summer months. Aberdaron has become a very popular location for both sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts. Aberdaron is also home of a Seventh-day Adventist Church Christian youth camp named for the village, located half a mile from it. Many cottages are now holiday homes.

There are two hotels - "The Ship" and the "Ty Newydd"; numerous B & Bs; two tearooms / cafes - "Yr Hen Best" and "Y Gegin Fawr" and a centrally located car park, ideal for the beach or the many heritage walks. There are also a small number of the usual seaside shops selling buckets and spades and other beach items.

Following the road some 3km to the south west and you come to Mynydd Mawr, (SH 145255). There is a picnic site with magnificent views looking seaward towards Ynys Enlli. There is a road to the summit that is owned by the National Trust, and footpaths. A former Coastguard lookout point provides fine views over Bardsey Sound and Ynys Enlli, and is a fine location to view the sunset on clear evenings, particularly in June. At night, South Stack Lighthouse is also visible in the distance. At the foot of Mynydd Mawr is Ffynnon Fair (St Mary's Well) - the last stopping off point of pilgrims crossing to Enlli.

Perhaps one of the most interesting of all the beautiful beaches around Aberdaron is Porth Oer (SH 167300). This bay is about 2km from Aberdaron, and has smooth white sand that whistles as you walk on it. The English name for the cove is Whistling Sands.