Barmouth
Barmouth (Welsh: Abermaw (formal); Y Bermo (colloquial)) is a town in the administrative county of Gwynedd, traditional county of Merionethshire, north-western Wales, lying on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Cardigan Bay. It is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales.
History
The town grew around the shipbuilding industry, and more recently as a seaside resort. Notable buildings in the town include the mediaeval Ty Gwyn tower house and the 18th century Ty Crwn roundhouse prison. There is also a new Lifeboat Visitors' Centre, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, and take a look at the lifeboat from the viewing gallery. The busy harbour plays host to the annual Three Peaks yacht race. The famous mountaineer and sailor Bill Tilman lived in Barmouth for many years.
Barmouth Viaduct, which takes the Cambrian Line over the River Mawddach, was also formerly at the end of the GWR Ruabon Barmouth line, which passed through Bala and Dolgellau. The southern end of the bridge is now the start of the Mawddach Trail, a cycle and walk way which utilises the old trackbed.
Ferries sail from Barmouth to Penrhyn Point, where they connect with the narrow-gauge Fairbourne Railway for the village of Fairbourne.
William Wordsworth, a visitor to Barmouth in the 19th century, described it thus: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival."
Barmouth is the closest seaside resort to the English West Midlands and a large proportion of its tourist visitors, as well as its permanent residents, are from the areas of Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Dudley and other parts of the Black Country. One of Barmouth's star attractions in recent years has been the Arousal Cafe. Originally the 'Carousal Cafe', the letter C was stolen soon after the sign was put up. The owner replaced the C numerous times, only to find it stolen again. He has since ceased his attempts to fix the sign.
Famous sons and daughters
- Herbert Tudor Buckland Architect b.1869, d.1951