Towns and villages
Blaenau Ffestiniog is unmistakeably built on the back of slate with the occasional blast of a siren to remind you. This rugged mining heritage inspires people in many ways – home to the former national poet of Wales, 2 male voice choirs and a silver band.
Surrounded by pasture and oak woodland Llan Ffestiniog has a rural feel with great views down the valley to the coast. When the village pub was closed and put up for sale the community got together and bought it as a co-operative to be the hub of village life.
Trawsfynydd means ‘across the mountains’, an ancient crossroads of the bronze age track from Ireland to Stonehenge and the Roman road connecting their forts. The lake, the largest in Wales by surface area, generates hydroelectricity and used to cool the reactors of the nuclear station which closed in 1991.
Maentwrog, named after the stone (Maen) thrown by giant Twrog, was built for the Tan y Bwlch estate in view from the grand house – residents were asked to refrain from hanging out their washing on a Monday so as not to spoil the view for weekend guests.
Penrhyndeudraeth, the ‘peninsula between 2 beaches’, is home to Gwaith Powdwr, where 17 million grenades were made! It’s now an easy access nature reserve and the shed for pendil balistig (the ballistic pendulum) makes a good viewing hide for birds such as nightjars.
Porthmadog is a bustling seaside town full of character and things to explore. It must be the world’s ultimate junction of heritage railways - on the ‘bucket list’ for enthusiasts. Spectacular bird watching off the Cob – might see the ospreys catch a mullet.