- 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=190Fairbourne [no
Welsh language name] is avillage on the coast of Barmouth Bay to the south of theestuary of theRiver Mawddach inGwynedd , surrounded by theSnowdonia National Park . Before theseaside 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 aseaside 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 ofbeach , backed by steeppebble 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 sheercliff s 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 bytank trap s dating from theSecond 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 fromMachynlleth toPwllheli and operated byArriva Trains Wales Arriva also operate a regularbus service toDolgellau ,Tywyn andAberystwyth 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]
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