Sense of Place - Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi is a small seaside village on the north side of the Dyfi estuary in southern Snowdonia. It is where the river Dyfi meets the green-blue waters of Cardigan Bay. The village was founded around the shipbuilding and fishing industries but is now best known as a seaside resort. It boasts a number of excellent beaches awarded the Blue Flag in 2005 and the first ever outward bound centre, which opened there in 1941. It continues to have a strong yacht club and is a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Aberdyfi is the subject of a popular Welsh folk song, ‘Clychau Aberdyfi’ or ‘The Bells of Aberdyfi’. The song refers to the legend of Cantre’r Gwaelod, a submerged kingdom beneath Cardigan Bay. The bells in the song are those of that kingdom which can be heard ringing beneath the water. The words were written by John Ceiriog Hughes in the 19th century, though the composer is unknown. The same story inspired a novel during the Victorian era by Thomas Love Peacock, entitled ‘The Misfortunes of Elphin’ (1829). Cantre’r Gwaelod also plays a major role in ‘Silver on the Tree’, the last book in Susan Cooper’s series ‘The Dark is Rising’, parts of which are set in Aberdyfi and nearby on Cader Idris.

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Beaches

Aberdyfi boasts some of the finest beaches in Britain with four miles of golden sand-dune backed shoreline running north to Tywyn. The championship links golf course lies to the landward side of the dunes. The beaches are popular with sunbathers, swimmers, surfers and fishermen.

Different World

You don't need to travel too far from Aberdyfi to find a different world - that of spectacular mountain and valley scenery. The peaks of the Cader Idris and Aran Fawddwy ranges are within easy reach and are complimented by the charm of the Dovey and Dysynni valleys nearby. An ideal area for walkers, climbers and wildlife watchers.

Ship Building

Aberdyfi was founded around its ship building industry, but these days tourists flock to the area to take advantage of the area's outstanding beauty.

Water Sports

You will find water sports galore in Aberdyfi - sailing, sail boarding, rowing, canoeing and boat trips without forgetting the yearly yachting regattas.