Barmouth

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Coordinates: 52°43′19″N 4°03′18″W / 52.722°N 4.055°W / 52.722; -4.055

Barmouth
Welsh: Abermaw
Barmouth.jpg
Barmouth across the Mawddach estuary
Barmouth is located in Gwynedd
Barmouth

 Barmouth shown within Gwynedd
Population 2,230 
OS grid reference SH613158
Principal area Gwynedd
Ceremonial county Gwynedd
Country Wales
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town BARMOUTH
Postcode district LL42
Dialling code 01341
Police North Wales
Fire North Wales
Ambulance Welsh
EU Parliament Wales
UK Parliament Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Welsh Assembly Dwyfor Meirionnydd
List of places: UK • Wales • Gwynedd

Barmouth (Welsh: Abermaw (formal); Y Bermo (colloquial)) is a town in the county of Gwynedd, north-western Wales, lying on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Cardigan Bay.

The town is served by Barmouth railway station.

Contents

[edit] History

The town grew around the shipbuilding industry, and more recently as a seaside resort. Notable buildings include the mediaeval Tŷ Gwyn tower house, the 19th century Tŷ Crwn roundhouse prison and St John's Church. There is also a new Lifeboat Visitors' Centre, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, and take a look at the RNLI 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 Bridge, 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 path and walk way that 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."

The Arousal Cafe

Barmouth is (geographically) one of the closest seaside resorts to the English West Midlands and a large proportion of its tourist visitors, as well as its permanent residents, are from Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Dudley and other parts of the Black Country.

One of Barmouth's star attractions for the last 25 years or so 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.

[edit] Sport

Barmouth has one major association football team: Barmouth & Dyffryn United, the team competes in the Welsh Alliance league and is generally well supported by residents.

[edit] Notable people

[edit] References

  1. ^ Etherington-Smith, Meredith (1992-08-18). "Obituary: Tommy Nutter". London: The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/obituary-tommy-nutter-1541027.html. Retrieved 2009-10-09. 

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Barmouth
Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Barmouth.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Barmouth&oldid=471226114"
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