Area Guide For Barmouth

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. The town grew around the shipbuilding industry, and more recently as a seaside resort. Notable buildings include the mediaeval TÅ· Gwyn tower house, the 19th century TÅ· 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 frequent visitor wrote, William Wordsworth described Barmouth thus, " I took a boat and rowed up its sublime Estuary, which many compare with the finest in Scotland. With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious Estuary running eight miles inland, and Cader Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival." 1824.