Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi (sometimes spelt Aberdovey) is a village in Gwynedd. It lies at the mouth of the river Dyfi, from which it derives its name. Aberdyfi is a holiday resort, traditionally popular with golfers and sailors but also with more adrenaline-driven sportspeople, and is home to Britain's Best Beach Donkey. The village marks the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park. It is set by the mouth of the river Dyfi which is a UNESCO world biosphere reserve.



By rail
Aberdyfi is served by the Cambrian Line, operated by Arriva Trains Wales. There are 2 stations, the request only at the eastern end of the village, and  (Aberdovey station), at the western end of the village.

By road
Aberdyfi is on the A493 Machynlleth to Tywyn road

By sea
Aberdyfi Harbour has facilities for visiting yachts. The Harbour Master can be contacted on +44 1654 767626.

Get around
Aberdyfi is easy to get around on foot, though some streets away from the harbour front can be quite steep.

Cycle Hire
is available in nearby Tywyn

Do

 * Walk up to the Bandstand on the hill above the village centre, for great views across the village and the estuary.
 * For a more strenuous walk, but one which will reward you with even better views, follow Copperhill St uphill from the village and keep on walking as it turns into a steep country lane. Eventually this leads to the mythical Bearded Lake (Llyn Barfog), scene of a battle between King Arthur and a monster called the Afanc. Arthur's horse left its hoofprint in a nearby rock known as Carn March Arthur. The lake is also the scene of another well-known legend regarding a local farmer and his herd of magic fairy cows. Follow signs to the nearby Echo which is mildly entertaining. If you have a car you can drive up the hill until the tarmac runs out, and leave the car. From here it's only a short walk to the lake.
 * Fish for crabs off the jetty. Hooks, Lines and bait can be bought from shops around the harbour, including Dyfi Marine (see "Buy").
 * Walk up to the Bandstand on the hill above the village centre, for great views across the village and the estuary.
 * For a more strenuous walk, but one which will reward you with even better views, follow Copperhill St uphill from the village and keep on walking as it turns into a steep country lane. Eventually this leads to the mythical Bearded Lake (Llyn Barfog), scene of a battle between King Arthur and a monster called the Afanc. Arthur's horse left its hoofprint in a nearby rock known as Carn March Arthur. The lake is also the scene of another well-known legend regarding a local farmer and his herd of magic fairy cows. Follow signs to the nearby Echo which is mildly entertaining. If you have a car you can drive up the hill until the tarmac runs out, and leave the car. From here it's only a short walk to the lake.
 * Fish for crabs off the jetty. Hooks, Lines and bait can be bought from shops around the harbour, including Dyfi Marine (see "Buy").

Sleep
There's a wide choice of B&B and self-catering accommodation. Campers may need to head north towards Tywyn.

Hotels
Self-Catering accommodation



Connect

 * Tourist Information Centre, Wharf Gardens. +44 1654 767321.

Area code
The area dialling code is 01654. To call from overseas, dial +44 1654 XXXXXX

Post Office
Aberdyfi's Post Office is at Penrhos Service Station, close to Aberdyfi train station. +44 1654 767530.

Media

 * Cambrian News. Local English-language newspaper, published weekly. Covers Ceredigion, North Powys, South Gwynedd. Renowned for its occasionally bizarre headlines.
 * Dail Dysynni. Welsh-language monthly newspaper, dedicated to the Bro Dysynni area.
 * Radio Ceredigion 96.6-97.4 FM. Bilingual community radio station, broadcasting from Aberystwyth to the Cardigan Bay area.
 * BBC Radio Wales 882 and 657 AM.

Healthcare
In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 (ideally from a landline) and request ambulance, police or fire service.


 * Bronglais District General Hospital, Aberystwyth. +44 1970 623131. The nearest Accident & Emergency unit. Open 24 hours.
 * Tywyn Memorial Hospital, Aberdyfi Road, Tywyn. +44 1654 710411/0845 8501362 (out of hours). Local Cottage Hospital. Medical cover is provided by the local GP surgery during the hours of 08:30 to 18:30. The care is then taken over by the Out of Hours Service.  The Minor Injuries Unit is open from 09:00 to 24:00 and is manned by a Clinical Practitioner.
 * Neptune Dental Surgery Neptune Road, Tywyn. +44 1654 710607. NHS and Private dentist. Has an attached dental laboratory for any denture repair work.
 * Medical Hall Aberdyfi Glandyfi Terrace, Aberdyfi. +44 1654 767227. The friendly and helpful pharmacy, right on the sea front in the village.

Beaches and coast
Due to the fact that is part of a tidal river estuary, the beach at the village itself can be subject to strong and unpredictable currents, so care should be exercised in the water. Better to head half a mile or so north, away from the river mouth. The beach stretches all the way to Tywyn and has a safe reputation due to its gently-shelving nature, though of course sensible precautions should still be taken.

General advice for safe swimming:
 * A red flag means danger. Do not enter the water if the red flag is flying
 * Consider bathing at a beach that's under lifeguard protection
 * Don't swim alone at a deserted beach
 * Don't use inflatables. They are easily swept away by strong currents
 * If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for Coastguard
 * Inquire about swimming conditions at local tourist offices prior to venturing to a beach without lifeguard cover
 * Read warning notices posted near beach access sites

Mountains
Snowdonia's mountains claim lives every year. The weather can change very quickly in this part of the World, and this is especially true in the mountains. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear, and always carry a suitable map. Ordnance Survey 1:25000 scale Explorer Map OL23 Cadair Idris and Bala Lake is ideal, alternatively the 1:50000 scale Landranger series sheets 124 Dolgellau and Porthmadog and 135 Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.

Follow the Mountain Safety Code:

Before you go
 * Learn the use of map and compass
 * Know the weather signs and local forecast
 * Plan within your capabilities
 * Know simple first aid and the symptoms of exposure
 * Know the mountain distress signals
 * Know the country code

When you go
 * Never go alone
 * Leave written word of your route and report your return
 * Take windproofs, woollens and survival bag
 * Take map and compass, torch and food
 * Wear climbing boots
 * Keep alert all day
 * Avoid disturbance to farming, forestry and field sports

If there is snow on the hills
 * Always have an ice axe for each person
 * Carry a climbing rope and know the correct use of rope and ice axe
 * Learn to recognise dangerous snow slope

Go next

 * Machynlleth is a pleasant market town with an "alternative" feel, 11 miles to the east. It hosts a regular street market every Wednesday, and is home to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The Centre for Alternative Technology, a few miles north of the town, is well worth a visit. A short distance further north lies the village of Corris, with a number of craft shops.
 * Tywyn, 4 miles to the north by train or the main A493 road (possible to walk there along the beach) is home to the World-famous Talyllyn Railway.