Let us tell you something about the area...............
These cottages are nestling into the side of the hill at the edge of the historic village of Penrhyndeudraeth, approximately 3 miles outside the popular harbour town of Porthmadog. They were built for the mining and fishing community that flourished here two centuries ago.
It is here, on the outskirts of Penrhyndeudraeth, that Clough William-Ellis spent 50 years building the beautiful Portmeirion to prove that architecture can be blended into the landscape. Why not visit and see if he succeeded?
The name of these cottages, Bryn Heulwen, translates as "Hill of Sunshine". Whereas we cannot guarantee exclusively sunny weather, it is true that they enjoy a microclimate all of their own. Over the winter we have seen both high winds and rain below us in the valley floor whilst there has been little or no evidence of it by the cottages.
These two cottages are located off a footpath with steps along a path all of their own. This gives them a sense of isolation even though they are located in this wonderful village with its shops, post office and pubs just a very short walk away. Parking is on the road at the bottom of the path.
Castles
Along with the hills and mountains, the panoramic view from these cottages extends across the estuary and down the coast to Harlech. Harlech Castle is visible as a dominant shape on the skyline. This was built in 1283 by King Edward I and was designed by the famous castle builder Master James of St George. It was part of a ring of castles built around the Welsh coast known as the "iron ring". It was built at the same time as Caernarfon Castle which was Edward's grandest and shows Master James' continental influence. Also modified by Edward was Criccieth Castle, although this was originally built by the great Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great some years before. All these castles are within easy driving distance of Bryn Heulwen. Criccieth and Harlech Castles can also be accessed by train.
Beaches
North Wales is well known for its sandy beaches. Bryn Heulwen is well located for many of these and most of these can be accessed by train or car with ease. The nearest is the inlet of Borth-y-gest.
A short walk along the headland from this village reveals a selection of small sandy bays which are generally very quiet.
Just around the corner lies the famous large expanse of Black Rock Sands which has on the beach parking.
Just up the coast again is Criccieth beaches, most of which are sandy, but with some rock pools at low tide and streams that are just waiting to be dammed. The breakwater here is great for fishing and there are a selection of eating places by the sea front along with the original famous Cadwallader's icecream shop.
In the other direction there is the immense Harlech sands. These often seem empty even in the height of season due to their sheer size!
Railways
For the Steam Railway enthusiast there is a huge feast of treasures here!
Taking the nearest first, there is the ground breaking Ffestiniog Railway climbing up its historic route with the station where the quarry men used to catch the train just 100 yards from the front door of the cottage. Try this as an alternative way of visiting Porthmadog - just stroll from your door a few minutes before the train is due, and flag down the old narrow gauge engine as it clanks through the station! Alternatively, take the up train to Blaenau Ffestiniog and visit the amazing Llechwedd Slate Caverns where you can descend deep into the bowels of the mountain on special trains and learn of the massive slate industry of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Just 5 minutes drive away or a short train journey is the Welsh Highland Railway at Porthmadog. Here you can see the last surviving steam engine of the original Welsh Highland along with a fascinating display of steam and diesel engines from around the world. This friendly little railway also includes a conducted tour of the engine sheds and yards as part of their ticket price.
Just to add a little confusion there is another Welsh Highland Railway, restoring the track from the other end. This railway is a lot longer and has some huge Manchester built articulated engines that have been repatriated from South Africa.
For those who like their railways to have an altitude, the Snowdon Mountain Railway at Llanberis is a must, but do get there early as it does get very busy in the season.
Whilst you are at Llanberis, check out the Llanberis Lake Railway with its fleet of miniscule ex quarry locos and its recent extension. Also, we strongly recommend a visit to the Slate Museum here (its free!) which has an excellent film show in its loco shed of how these little locos helped to remove a mountain.
For those who are a mission to see the great little trains of Wales then try the following sites: www.talyllyn.co.uk and www.corris.co.uk
Leaving the car at home? The Cambrian Coast Mainline means that you can.
The Great Outdoors
The best way to view Wales is on foot. Whether you want to explore the green lanes and footpaths that criss cross Penrhyn, wander out along the moors or be more adventurous and sample the huge selection of mountains and hills that lie within a few minutes drive you can find the peace and tranquility that has inspired generations of poets and writers. May we recommend as a warm up trying the Aberglaslyn Pass from Beddgelert just a few miles up the road.
Leisure Facilities
Well, first of all for outside. Twenty minutes drive towards Bala brings you to the White Water Centre where they do a variety of activities including white water rafting.
Four miles up the road is the Porthmadog Golf Club.
Inside? Try the new leisure centre just outside Porthmadog where there is a full size swimming pool, beginners pool, steam rooms, gym, squash and tennis courts.
And Harlech Theatre always seems to offer a full programme of interesting productions.
This is no definitive list though, as you can see on this photo we took on a trip to Black Rock Sands recently!
