Fairbourne

infobox UK place
population = 1,325
country = Wales
welsh_name=
constituency_welsh_assembly=
map_type=
official_name= Fairbourne
latitude=52.69689
longitude=-4.05241
unitary_wales= Gwynedd
lieutenancy_wales= Gwynedd
constituency_westminster= Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
post_town= DOLGELLAU
postcode_district = LL38
postcode_area= LL
dial_code= 01341
os_grid_reference= SH614130
static_

static_image_caption=Fairbourne viewed from Golwen slate quarry.
population=
map_type=location map|Wales Gwynedd|label=|position=left|float=none|long=-4.05241|lat=52.69689|caption=|width=190

Fairbourne [no Welsh language name] 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.)

Friog is a separate and very different village, and the two should not be confused.

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 dating from the Second World War and known locally as "Dragon's Teeth".

Railway and Ferry

The Fairbourne Railway [http://www.fairbournerailway.com/] has provided a link from the village to Penrhyn Point for over a century. It runs regular passenger services between April and October.

Ferries sail 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

Arriva also operate a regular bus service to Dolgellau, Tywyn and Aberystwyth

References

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

External links

* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=3498578 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Fairbourne and surrounding area]