Fairbourne

Fairbourne
240px Fairbourne viewed from Golwen slate quarry
Fairbourne  Fairbourne shown within Gwynedd
Population	1,174
OS grid reference	SH614130
Principal area	Gwynedd
Ceremonial county	Gwynedd
Country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	FAIRBOURNE
Postcode district	LL38
Dialling code	01341
Police	North Wales
Fire	North Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
EU Parliament	Wales
UK Parliament	Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
List of places UK Wales Gwynedd

Fairbourne is a village on the coast of Barmouth Bay to the south of the estuary of the River Mawddach in Gwynedd, surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park. Before the seaside resort was built the coastal area was known as Morfa Henddol, while the outcrop now occupied by the Fairbourne Hotel was called Ynysfaig. Fairbourne was founded as a seaside resort by Arthur McDougall (of flour making fame.) It is in an area listed by Gwynedd council for managed retreat due to rising sea levels

The original Fairbourne Golf Club (now defunct) was founded in the early 1890s. The club disappeared in the early 1960s.

Attractions

Beach

The Blue Flag beach at Fairbourne is a two-mile stretch of beach, backed by steep pebble banks, which exposes a vast amount of golden sandy beaches from mid-tide level. At the northern end the beach joins the Mawddach Estuary, while at the southern end of the beach is squeezed between sheer cliffs and the sea. The beach is an attractive venture for people exercising their dogs, however, during the summer months there is a dog ban enforced on the central area. There is sufficient access to the beach for those visitors with prams and/or wheelchairs, making this a welcoming rural location for all. The beach is fronted by tank traps known as "Dragon's Teeth" dating from the Second World War.

Railway and Ferry

The Fairbourne Railway has provided a link from the village to Penrhyn Point for over a century. It runs regular passenger services between April and October.

The Barmouth Ferry sails from the seaward end of the Fairbourne Railway to Barmouth/Abermaw.

Transport

Fairbourne railway station is served by the Cambrian Coast Railway, which runs from Machynlleth to Pwllheli and operated by Arriva Trains Wales

Lloyds Coaches also operate a regular bus service to Dolgellau and Tywyn

References

• W.J.Milner Rails through the Sand. Rail Romances, Chester, 1996. ISBN 1-900622-00-9

External links

• www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Fairbourne and surrounding area