Where mountains meet the sea

Embraced by the foothills of Snowdonia and lapped by the waters of the beautiful Glaslyn estuary, Porthmadog in Gwynedd offers visitors the best of both worlds

DID YOU KNOW?

Lawrence of Arabia fame, once lived nearby, and the Romantic poet Percy Shelley is said to have been a frequent visitor. It is easy to imagine both great men being inspired by such an idyllic spot.

The clear waters attract repeat visitors –and not just of the human kind. Returning osprey, turtles and dolphins have identified Porthmadog as an ideal spot, worth coming back to again and again.

The WHR runs along Aberglaslyn Pass, voted the UK’s loveliest spot

Oncea centre of slate production and a hub of export across the world, the 19th-century town of Porthmadog is as alive today as it was at the height of its industrial past. While the slate business has declined, this pretty place has developed to become an important shopping base for the surrounding area and a popular tourist destination.

It’s an excellent location if you’re exploring Snowdonia, at the heart of 840 square miles of the country’s most breathtaking National Park. Steam railway buffs are drawn here by the double lure of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. For an unforgettable experience, you can jump on a train at either end of town and relive the golden age of steam while taking in the spectacular scenery.

A friendly welcome

Arriving in Porthmadog is impressive from whichever direction you choose. The town is flanked on one side by a mountain known as Moel y Gest, and on the other by the wide expanse of the Glaslyn estuary, a haven for migrating birds and other wildlife.

Porthmadog is full of quirky, individual shops and tempting places to eat. Its proud heritage is matched by a strong sense of community. The Welsh language is a key part of its identity, widely spoken here, and its people are particuarly warm and friendly.

Poetic inspiration

A feature not to be missed is found if you approach from the south, along the famous Cob. This grand embankment was originally built to form a deep harbour for the great sailing ships and it also carries the railway, initially introduced to carry slate from the quarries to the harbour. The Cob was the ambitious brainchild of WA Maddocks, after whom the town was named – Porthmadog translates as ‘Madog’s port’.

While majestic Snowdon provides a stunning backdrop, this ancient seaport is rich in maritime history and boasts a coastline with beaches second to none. On the outskirts of town, the beach at Blackrock Sands stretches for miles and is a haven of peace and tranquillity. TE Lawrence, of

Endless sands and rockpools to explore…

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF www.festrail.co.uk

Porthmadog Golf Club

Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog LL49 9UU 01766 513 828 www.porthmadog-golf-club.co.uk

Porthmadog Sailing Club

The Harbour, Porthmadog LL49 9AY 01766 513 546 www.sailing-club.org

Glaslyn Leisure Centre

Stryd Y Llan, Porthmadog LL49 9HW 01766 512 711 www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru