Join us as we explore some of North Wales' hidden gems. We will be walking some of the most beautiful trails in the country and reporting on news, events and activities; both weird and wonderful. We will be trying and testing activities you might not have known North Wales has to offer, some within our comfort zone and others which are very far out!
We've had a busy year here in Aberdaron for both Edge of Wales Walk and Manaros. During the spring we were busy with the filming of our new promotional video. This was produced in partnership with Anglesey Walking Holidays and Walkalongway in Pembrokeshire to encourage walking holidays around the entire coastline of Wales.
The early summer saw the annual RS Thomas Festival take place in and around Aberdaron. Peter has enjoyed Thomas' poetry for years and now serves as treasurer for the RS Thomas and ME Eldridge Society which organises the festival. We were particularly honoured this year to have the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, as our guest of honour.
The organisers and speakers at the 2017 RS Thomas Festival including Dr Williams in the back row and the Society Chair Susan Fogarty in the yellow top. Just behind them you can see the beautiful wooden gate that Peter had commissioned from Dafydd at Felin Uchaf. As you can see we've also replaced the rather ramshackle fence that used to be there.
The festival events were well attended, including this talk by Dr Williams at the village school Ysgol Cryd y Werin.
We were very lucky with the weather during August when Peter's adult children and grandchildren came for their annual summer holiday in Manaros. All the little ones had a fantastic time playing on the beach and in the sea.
We had 3 big groups of walkers this year, from Austria, the UK and Italy. The Llyn is fairly well set up for large groups thanks to hotels like the Woodlands Hall in Edern and the local coach hire companies such as CJS, Nefyn coaches and Berwyn coaches. However, we have plans to improve the offering even further for 2018. More on that later...
This was our Italian party from the walking club Walden Viaggi a Piedi
They mostly had excellent weather here, even in September, as shown in their crossing of Hell's Mouth at low tide.
The weather was good enough to visit Bardsey Island.
Now that the busy season is over we have time to make plans for 2018, and this year we have some big plans! Peter is planning to renovate 1 Dolfor, our office in Aberdaron, completely and convert it into B&B accommodation. We will be able to put up an extra 8 walkers in addition to the 8 in Manaros so we will be an ideal location for walking groups. You can see some of the architect's plans below.
The plan for the new downstairs with a large wheelchair accessible bedroom suitable for families.
We plan to have three ensuite bedrooms upstairs.
With regards to Manaros, we have decided to list it on Sykes holidays website as well as our own. Per their recommendations we have reduced our out-of-season prices, so if you are looking for a good value break it would be a good idea to book early, which you can still do on our own website www.aberdaroncottage.co.uk or over the phone on 01758 760 652.
We'll be sure to keep our blog up to date with any more news and events in Aberdaron but, in the meantime, we would like to wish you and yours Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
