Y Felinheli: Harbour, Slate and Water Sports

Y Felinheli can be discovered from several perspectives: through the history of a harbour that shipped slate, through water sports and along paths by the Menai Strait. These themes can give your trip different emphases. The local history takes you back to the era of Dinorwic slate mining; the Lôn Las Menai connects Y Felinheli with Caernarfon and offers views of the island of Anglesey. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to first consider whether you want to include mainly harbour and mining history, activities on the water or a walk along a trail in your stay.

Harbour and slate history

The harbour system at Y Felinheli began in 1793 with a quay used to ship the products of the Dinorwic quarries. During the era of Dinorwic slate mining, the village was renamed Port Dinorwig; after the quarry closed in the mid-1870s, the name Y Felinheli returned. In the 19th century, Y Felinheli was a busy harbour. In a busy year, more than 400 ships left the harbour, carrying goods around the world, including to Australia, America, France and Scotland. These destinations illustrate the reach of shipping at the time.

Plas Menai and water sports

Plas Menai was built for the Sports Council of Wales as a purpose-built national centre for water sports and outdoor activities, based on recommendations from the Welsh Joint Education Committee. Activities on the water include stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, windfoiling, sailing, motorboating and yachting. If you have a particular activity in mind, check the latest course and offering details in advance: courses and the availability of individual activities may change.

Paths along the Menai Strait

Lôn Las Menai is a 6.5 km path between the historic town of Caernarfon and the village of Y Felinheli. It offers views of the Menai Strait and the island of Anglesey. For route planning, the distance and scenery answer different questions: the distance gives you a sense of the route’s length, while the views describe its landscape. The Wales Coast Path route between Y Felinheli and Caernarfon follows a cycle path along the Menai Strait and is fully accessible. Path conditions can change; check the latest route information before setting out.

Community festival with events for children

The eight-day community festival Gŵyl y Felinheli includes music, sports, competitions, events for children and community celebrations. It offers a variety of programme highlights; the children’s events may be a particular point of interest for families travelling together. Dates and programme details change from year to year. If you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the details for the edition that falls during your travel dates.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Llanddeiniolen, Pentir, Dolbenmaen, Penrhyndeudraeth, Tywyn, Llanarmon, Llanrug, Aberangell

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