Also Near: Dolgellau about 10 miles East, Fairborne 1 mile south (about 16 miles by road)
Machynlleth about 22 miles South (King Arthur's Labyrinth & Craft Centre, plus Centre for Alternative Technology)
Local Attractions: Maes Artro Craft Village, Llanbedr 7m; Shell Island, Llanbedr 8m; Harlech Castle 10m; Portmeirion Italianate Village (The Prisoner) 19m; Ffestiniog Railway, Porthmadog 21m
OS Grid Ref: SH 610 160 - Landranger: 124 -
Multimap Link
Height ASL: 0 metres - CAA Limit: 60 metres
Location: On the coast of North-West Wales, on the North side of Barmouth Bay.
Directions: A496 runs North-south through Barmouth.
From the North, there is a long descent into the town centre, then look for a right turn toward the beach and over the level crossing.
From the South or East, follow the estuary toward the sea, then look for a sign Promenad (Welsh spelling) to the left, with the railway line on trestles overhead.
Parking: Pay & Display car parks along the promenade. £2 all day. You may find a space by the sea wall, but come early as it gets jam-packed on a nice day.
Facilities: Only trampolines and swings on the beach itself. Toilets, shops & amusement arcades along the prom (road train too).
Most of the shops, pubs and restaurants are on the inland side of the railway line, either side of the main road. Small theatre & market-place.
Accessibility: From the car parks, it is just a few feet to the promenade and down to the beach.
The beach is not good for wheelchairs, as the sand is very soft.
Flying Area: Enormous soft, sandy beach, maybe 200 metres from the prom to the tideline, and about 6 miles long. Some small dunes in places.
Barmouth kite festival is held at the South end of the beach, where you can also watch the boats sailing in and out of the harbour.
Comments: If you want to buggy here, I suggest Bigfoot tyres. A very clean place - council workers out (on a quad bike) cleaning the beach every morning.
Where to stay: Best B&B has to be Endeavour Guest House on Marine Parade. Check their website or call Pat & Ray Tocker on 01341 280271.
It adjoins a car park, has its own parking spaces (or you can park free in the road), and is only £20 a head, with great rooms & views and a smashing breakfast.
Where to eat: Lots of pubs and eating places in town. "Good Luck" Chinese restaurant was a disappointment - indifferent food and service.
Our top favourite is the Captain's Table, Church Street - not a big place or a huge menu, but VERY good food (+ veggie & vegan). Tel 01341 280385
Local Clubs/Contacts: John Southerton organises the Barmouth festival. Northern Kite Group were there in force.