'''Aberdyfi''' [http://www.aberdovey.com/] (Aberdovey) is a village in Gwynedd. It lies at the mouth of the river Dyfi, from which it derives it's name. Aberdyfi is a holiday resort, traditionally popular with golfers and sailors but also with more adrenaline-driven sportspeople, and is home to ''Britain's Best Beach Donkey''. The village marks the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park.
Get in
By Rail
Aberdyfi is served by the Cambrian Line, operated by Arriva Trains Wales [http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/home.aspx]. There are 2 stations, the request only Penhelig at the eastern end of the village, and Aberdyfi, at the western end of the village.
By Road
Aberdyfi is on the A493 Machynlleth to Tywyn road
By Sea
Aberdyfi Harbour has facilities for visiting yachts. The Harbour Master can be contacted on 01654 767626.
Get around
Aberdyfi is easy to get around on foot, though some streets away from the harbour front can be quite steep.
Cycle Hire
is available in nearby Tywyn
Car Hire
Trefeddian Car Hire 01654 767863
Taxis
Dyfi Cabs 07831 551538/07773 385335
See
Do
'''Aberdovey Golf Club''' [http://www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk/]. 01654 767493. A popular Championship links course.
'''Dovey Yacht Club''' [http://www.doveyyachtclub.org.uk/index.html]. 01654 767607.
Walk up to the '''Bandstand''' on the hill above the village centre, for great views acrosss the village and the estuary.
* For a more strenuous walk, but one which will reward you with even better views, follow ''Copperhill St'' uphill from the village and keep on walking as it turns into a steep country lane. Eventually this leads to the mythical '''Bearded Lake''' (''Llyn Barfog''), scene of a battle between King Arthur and a monster called the ''Afanc''. Arthur's horse left its hoofprint in a nearby rock known as ''Carn March Arthur''. The lake is also the scene of another well-known legend regarding a local farmer and his herd of magic fairy cows. Follow signs to the nearby '''Echo''' which is mildly entertaining. If you have a car you can drive up the hill until the tarmac runs out, and leave the car. From here it's only a short walk to the lake.
Fish for '''crabs''' off the jetty. Kids love it. Hooks, Lines and bait can be bought from shops around the harbour, including Dyfi Marine (see "Buy").
Dyfi Donkeys. ext to the Children's playground by the beach. 7717 020344. very weekend May-Sep, daily during school holidays including Easter. Donkey rides for kids along the beach. Aberdyfi beach had been without the traditional donkeys for many years, but they returned in 2005. Note there is a maximum weight limit of 8 stone (51kg). In 2008 ''Del-Boy'' was named Britain's best beach donkey by The Donkey Sanctuary [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/] at their annual awards.
Outward Bound Aberdyfi. utdoor Activity Centre. 1654 767464. ttp://www.outwardbound.org.uk/. Outward Bound was one of the first Outdoor Pursuits centres in the UK. They also have centres in Tywyn.
B&B and Guest Houses
Sea Breeze. Bodfor Terrace, Aberdyfi. 1654 767449. ttp://www.seabreeze-aberdovey.co.uk/. rom 2.30pm. 0am. ouble sea view room: __75 per night inc breakfasts. 8 rooms (all en-suite, 5 have sea-views) in a seafront townhouse close to the village centre.
Cartref. n the Tywyn road, close to Aberdyfi station. 1654 767 273. ttp://www.cartref-aberdovey.co.uk/. ouble room: __75 per night inc breakfasts. 4 guest rooms (all en-suite) in a recently (2008) refurbished Edwardian house just a few minutes walk from the beach and village centre.
The Escape. ust outside Aberdovey. 1654 791 206. ttp://www.aberdovey-escape.co.uk/. ouble or Twin room from __60 per night inc breakfast. The Escape is a magnificent 4 Star Georgian Guest House / B&B of immense charm and character set in a peaceful location just outside the popular harbour village of Aberdovey.
Brig-Y-Don. alkan Hill, Aberdyfi, LL35 0NH. ust up Church Street. 1654 767 301,. ttp://www.aberdoveyaccommodation.co.uk/. ouble En-suite & Sea View Room from __65 inc breakfasts. ontact@aberdoveyaccommodation.co.uk. Brigydon is without question one of Aberdyfi's finest houses: stunning views, beautiful gardens, secure car parking and modern facilities.
Hotels
'''The Penhelig Arms''' [http://www.penheligarms.com/]. 01654 767215. Acclaimed 18th-Century Inn overlooking the estuary at the eastern end of the village.
'''Trefeddian Hotel'''[http://www.trefwales.com/]. 01654 767213. Half a mile or so out of town, on a hillside above the main coast road heading towards Tywyn. The largest hotel in the area with 59 rooms, overlooking the golf course. Heated swimming pool, tennis courts, 9-hole putting green, snooker room, beauty salon. WTB 3-star.
Contact
'''Tourist Information Centre''', Wharf Gardens. 01654 767321.
Area Code
The area dialling code is 01654. To call from overseas, dial +44 1654 XXXXXX
Internet
<listing name="Tywyn Library" alt="" directions="In Tywyn, 4 miles to the north" address="Neptune Road, Tywyn. " phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="Opens 10-5.30 (Mo/Th/Fr), 10-7 (Tu), 10-12.30 (Sa). Closed for lunch 1-2pm." price="4 PC's with free broadband internet access."></listing>
Post Office
Aberdyfi's Post Office is at Penrhos Service Station, close to Aberdyfi train station. 01654 767530.
Media
'''Cambrian News'''. Local English-language newspaper, published weekly. Covers Ceredigion, North Powys, South Gwynedd. Renowned for it's occasionally bizarre headlines.
'''Dail Dysynni'''. Welsh-language monthly newspaper, dedicated to the Bro Dysynni area.
'''Radio Ceredigion''' 96.6-97.4 FM. Bilingual community radio station, broadcasting from Aberystwyth to the Cardigan Bay area.
'''BBC Radio Wales''' 882 and 657 AM.
Stay Safe
Healthcare
'''In an emergency, dial ''999'' or ''112'' (''ideally from a landline'') and request ambulance, police or fire service.'''
'''Bronglais District General Hospital''', Aberystwyth. 01970 623131. The nearest Accident & Emergency unit. Open 24 hours.
'''Tywyn Memorial Hospital''', Aberdyfi Road, Tywyn. 01654 710411/0845 8501362(Out of Hours). Local Cottage Hospital. Medical cover is provided by the local GP surgery during the hours of 08:30 to 18:30 hours. The care is then taken over by the Out of Hours Service. The Minor Injuries Unit is open from 09:00 to 24:00 hours and is manned by a Clinical Practitioner.
'''Neptune Dental Surgery''' Neptune Road, Tywyn. 01654 710607. NHS and Private dentist. Has an attached dental laboratory for any denture repair work.
Beaches and Coast
Due to the fact that is part of a tidal river estuary, the beach at the village itself can be subject to strong and unpredictable currents, so care should be exercised in the water. Better to head half a mile or so north, away from the river mouth. The beach stretches all the way to Tywyn and has a safe reputation due to it's gently-shelving nature, though of course sensible precautions should still be taken.
'''General advice for safe swimming''':
A red flag means danger. Do not enter the water if the red flag is flying
Consider bathing at a beach that's under lifeguard protection
Don't swim alone at a deserted beach
Don't use inflatables. They are easily swept away by strong currents
If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for '''Coastguard'''
Inquire about swimming conditions at local tourist offices prior to venturing to a beach without lifeguard cover
Read warning notices posted near beach access sites
Mountains
Snowdonia's mountains claim lives every year. The weather can change very quickly in this part of the World, and this is especially true in the mountains. Make sure you are wearing suitable clothing and footwear, and always carry a suitable map. Ordnance Survey 1:25000 scale Explorer Map OL23 ''Cadair Idris and Bala Lake'' is ideal, alternatively the 1:50000 scale Landranger series sheets 124 ''Dolgellau and Porthmadog'' and 135 ''Aberystwyth and Machynlleth''.
Follow the '''Mountain Safety Code:'''
'''Before You Go'''
Learn the use of map and compass
Know the weather signs and local forecast
Plan within your capabilities
Know simple first aid and the symptoms of exposure
Know the mountain distress signals
Know the country code
'''When You Go'''
Never go alone
Leave written word of your route and report your return
Take windproofs, woollens and survival bag
Take map and compass, torch and food
Wear climbing boots
Keep alert all day
Avoid disturbance to farming, forestry and field sports
'''If There is Snow On The Hills'''
Always have an ice axe for each person
Carry a climbing rope and know the correct use of rope and ice axe
Learn to recognise dangerous snow slope
Get out
'''Machynlleth''' is a pleasant market town with an "alternative" feel, 11 miles to the east. It hosts a regular street market every Wednesday, as well as being home to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The Centre for Alternative Technology, a few miles north of the town, is well worth a visit. Just a short distance further north lies the village of Corris, with a number of craft shops.
'''Tywyn''', just 4 miles to the north by train or the main A493 road (possible to walk there along the beach) is home to the World-famous Talyllyn Railway.