Abersoch

Abersoch

View of Abersoch Bay from Machroes
Abersoch
 Abersoch shown within Gwynedd
Population 910 
OS grid referenceSH312281
CommunityLlanengan
Principal areaGwynedd
Ceremonial countyCaernarfonshire
CountryWales
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post town Pwllheli
Postcode district LL53
Dialling code 01758
Police North Wales
Fire North Wales
Ambulance Welsh
EU Parliament Wales
UK ParliamentDwyfor Meirionnydd
Welsh AssemblyDwyfor Meirionnydd
List of places
UK
Wales
Gwynedd

Coordinates: 52°49′26″N 4°30′24″W / 52.8239°N 4.5066°W

Abersoch is a large village in the community of Llanengan in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a popular coastal seaside resort with approximately 1,000 inhabitants, on the east-facing south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula at the southern terminus of the A499. It is about 7 miles (11 km) south-west of Pwllheli and 27 miles (43 km) south-west of the county town of Caernarfon. The village takes its name from the river, Afon Soch, which reaches the sea in the village.

Originally a fishing port, Abersoch is now a tourist centre specialising in dinghy sailing and other watersports such as windsurfing and jet-skiing. Nearby Porth Neigwl or Hell's Mouth, is also popular for surfing; it can hold large swells in the winter which can reach 5 feet (1.5m) however south westerly prevailing winds can affect quality.

Each year since 2000 Abersoch has been host to Wakestock a wakeboarding event. The Big Air competition on the main beach is held in July.

Central Abersoch has a variety of small shops as well as bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Boat trips around St Tudwal's Islands to see the seals and other wildlife are available from the village. It is also popular for its close proximity to Snowdonia National Park, with Snowdon being visible from Abersoch Bay on clear days. There is an 18 hole golf course.

Virtually all the indigenous residents of Abersoch are Welsh language speakers.

Abersoch has a primary school for 3 to 8 year olds. The neighbouring village of Sarn Bach has a primary school for 3 to 11 year olds. The two schools between them educate 74 pupils. The closest specialist school is Ysgol Hafod Lon in Pwllheli. Year 7 pupils travel to Ysgol Botwnnog, 5 miles (8.0 km) inland, which is a Welsh speaking school. Non Welsh speakers tend to attend Ysgol Glan y Mor in Pwllheli, 7 miles (11 km) away.

Gallery

References

    External links

    Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Abersoch.
    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Abersoch.