Llyn.info Turns 10! (10/4/12)

It has now been 10 years since Llyn.info first went online as the A-Z Guide of the Llŷn Peninsula, today the site has grown into one of the most popular websites for the Llŷn Peninsula and receives over 4 million hits annually. A massive thank you to everyone who has supported the website over the years, without whom the site would not be where it is now.

There are some big plans in the pipeline for the coming months, so watch this space!
  
Here's to the next 10 years!
 

 
Wind Turbine Plans (9/4/12)

Opposition to a proposed wind turbine on the outskirts of Llanaelhaearn continues, and one of those against the proposals, Steve Dorling has given Llyn.info his side of the argument, which you can view and make comment on here...
 

Work Continues in Pwllheli (30/3/12)

The new road to the marina in Pwllheli is progressing well, these photos were taken yesterday (click for a larger version):

Super Spring Weather! (24/3/12)

You don't see a forecast like this very often, especially in March! Make the most of it whilst it lasts, and with the clocks going forward tonight, there will be more chance to enjoy the sunny evenings!

The forecast this evening (24/3/12) - for the latest forecasts click here...
  

Harbour Marine Park and Launch Expansion for 2012 (22/3/12)

Harbour Marine in Pwllheli are expanding their park and launch service in the town's marina for 2012 with secure storage becoming available close to the slipway. The family run company offer an excellent service with very competitive rates. For more information ring 01758 701 707 or visit www.harbourmarinepwllheli.co.uk
  

Llŷn Maritime Museum Update (22/3/12)

Whilst the Llŷn Maritime Museum in Nefyn is currently closed, they do now have a website which aims to give visitors regular updates on how the project to get the museum back up and running is going.

There is also a selection of old photographs on the website and those working on the museum would like help in identifying the groups and individuals in them - so if you can help, please get in touch with the museum via the website.

The bi-lingual website can be accessed at www.llyn-maritime-museum.co.uk
  

Donations Required For Charity Shop (22/3/12)

Linda Jones will be running a charity shop in the old Rock Shop, Pwllheli from the 2nd April for two weeks in aid of Parkinson's, MS and Huntington's disease charities - any donations would be gratefully received. If you can help, please ring Linda on 01758 740 472.
 

Latest Developments in Pwllheli (19/3/12)

Over the weekend, the large crane which has loomed large over Pwllheli was taken away:

Also an update on developments at Hafan Pwllheli (photo taken on Friday):

Another Rescue for Porthdinllaen NCI (17/3/12)

As the National Coastwatch Institution Station at Porth Dinllaen nears the second anniversary of opening the team of volunteer watchkeepers instigated another rescue operation last weekend.

Just after 12noon on Saturday 10th March a speedboat was spotted near Porth Dinllaen with apparent engine failure, the NCI advised Holyhead Coastguard who called out the Lifeboat crew and a RIB was used to recover the speedboat and both occupants who were safetly returned to the shore.
 

Developments in Pwllheli (11/3/12)

Building is progressing well in Pwllheli town centre, with Wilkinsons, Costa Coffee and Store 21 lined up to take some of the new units on New Street (click photos for a larger versions):

The new road layout at Hafan Pwllheli is also under development, the new Welsh National Sailing Academy and Pwllheli Events Centre is due to open next year:

After the work to move sand from the harbour mouth to near the golf course on South Beach, the 'sand mountain' which has stood for many years has now almost completely disappeared:

Shifting Sands in Pwllheli (27/2/12)

Once again dumper trucks are moving sand from the harbour mouth in Pwllheli along South Beach to near the golf course, as part of the never ending battle to protect the sand dunes there - the sand was dredged from the harbour mouth last year to aid navigation into the harbour and marina.

< Diggers parked at the harbour mouth

< Off loading the sand near West End
 

Half Term Events (7/2/12)

If you're wondering what to do over the half term holidays next week, the Welsh Highland Railway has a full timetable planned - and there'll be some spectacular views if the snow stays on the mountain tops. Glasfryn Parc is open as usual with their free kids bowling offer on Sunday mornings (with an accompanying adult) and free evening meal voucher when you spend £10 or more 5 times - activities for all the family in any weather! Also there's Pen-y-Berth golf driving range and the gallery is now open again at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw in Llanbedrog with their latest exhibition on show and handy tea-room - there is also a concert on the Friday evening: 'Ger Wolfe and Guest Artists'.
 

Snow (31/1/12)

Higher ground on the peninsula saw a covering of snow late on Sunday, which was still lying this morning when Steve Clayton flew over and took these photos. Steve is currently setting up a photography business called Heavens Above - one to watch out for!

Click for larger versions:

< Mynydd Carnguwch & Yr Eifl beyond

< Gyrn Ddu above Llanaelhaearn
 

Boatshed North Wales sails off with international award (25/1/12)

Boatshed North Wales.com, the used yacht brokerage based in Pwllheli Marine Centre, has just been awarded the prestigious Boatshed Broker of the Year award at a ceremony in Excel London on 10th January 2012. This 2011 award is awarded to the Boatshed office who has increased sales, given continuous excellent customer service, continued business development and growth, and who have excellent local business relationships in their community.

Boatshed North Wales is part of Boatshed.com, the largest group of international yacht brokers. Boatshed are traditional yacht brokers who use cutting edge technology. The group comprises 54 independently owned offices throughout the UK and around the world and have sold more than £28 million pounds worth of yachts in 2011.  Boatshed.com has over 450,000 registered subscribers all looking to buy a boat. Boatshed North Wales has sold over 100 boats in the last nine months.

"We are thrilled to have been presented the Boatshed Brokerage of the Year award and to have sold so many boats, despite the harsh economic climate." commented Andrew Topham, owner of Boatshed North Wales. "We have a very experienced team, covering all the marinas in North Wales, who work extremely hard. I think what makes the Boatshed business model so successful is that every boat we have for sale has been personally inspected and appraised by one of our brokers and we take up to 80 pics of every yacht for sale.  As a result our website has a very comprehensive set of details and images so buyers can view thorough and honest information about all of our boats. We've sold boats of all sizes and specifications over the last year, that have been based throughout North Wales, from small sailing boats and bowriders up to large luxury powerboats." He continued.

"Although there is no denying the recession has certainly focused the market, as long as owners present their boats well and are realistic in their price expectations, boats are selling.  We have customers travelling from all over the UK and Europe to buy boats from us which is also good for the area and brings in new visitors. I hope with Hafan Pwllheli’s recent incentives to berth holders and their commitment to dredge the Marina that more people will be encouraged to keep their boats here in Pwllheli as it’s a fantastic sailing area with brilliant facilities."

Boatshed North Wales.com is a member of the British Marine Federation and operates under its codes and practices, giving peace of mind to customers.

The Boatshed North Wales team collecting their award. Left to right: Mandy Chapman, co-founder of Boatshed.com; Mandy Wood, Andy Wood, Andrew Topham and Caroline Topham, owners of Boatshed North Wales
 

Glasfryn Parc to hold Game Evening and Cooking Demonstration (9/1/12)

Glasfryn Parc is hosting a Game Evening and Cooking Demonstration on Wednesday 18th January 2012 with Hugh Bracegirdle, the Head Chef at Plas Bodegroes.

Hugh will prepare a delicious range of dishes from locally sourced Game which everyone will have the opportunity to sample. This is an informal evening held in the relaxed atmosphere of the Dining Room at Glasfryn Parc. And don't forget, there's a licensed bar.

Many of us enjoy eating pheasant, venison or rabbit when out at a restaurant but are unsure how to prepare it at home. The focus of the Game Evening is to demonstrate quick and easy methods of cooking game. Dishes will be prepared using pheasant, venison, rabbit, partridge, pigeon and duck.

By coming to the Game Evening at Glasfryn Parc, visitors will learn how to cook quick, simple and delicious meals using a variety of seasonal Game as well as sampling every dish and having the chance to talk to Hugh, a top local chef.

Spaces are limited and pre-booking is essential. For more details and to book tickets, please either visit Glasfryn Parc or call Carol: 01766 810044 or email: siopfferm@glasfryn.co.uk.

A wide range of Game is available from Glasfryn Farm Shop including pheasant (and smoked pheasant), partridge, woodcock, duck, venison and rabbit. Also available from the Farm Shop is a selection of homemade ready meals, cuts of Welsh Black Beef and Llyn Lamb, gift and holiday hampers, award-winning burgers and bacon, sausages and locally sourced produce.

For more information, visit: www.siop-glasfryn.com.

Glasfryn Parc are also offering free kids bowling on Sunday mornings (one free child per adult playing), also a free evening meal voucher when you visit and spend £10 or more 5 times, and also free invitations and juice with children's parties - find out more at www.glasfryn.co.uk
 

~ Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! Happy New Year! ~

The Llŷn Peninsula, one of the top 10 sunniest places in Britain (and a mild Christmas ahead!) (23/12/11)

It looks like 2011 will be one of the warmest years on record, and research suggests that as the UK gets sunnier, the Llŷn Peninsula is within the top 10 sunniest locations in the country, along with St Athan, Ramsgate in Kent, Camborne in Cornwall, Bangor, London and Bournemouth International Airport.

This Christmas is set be be a mild one, with anything falling from the sky to be rain rather than snow, and it is likely to be breezy. Read more here...
 

Bardsey Postman Celebrates 40 Years Delivering Post to the Island (15/12/11)

Ernest Evans has been delivering post to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) for 40 years, following in the footsteps of his father who had previously delivered post to the island for 15 years. Read more...
 

Festive Fayre from Party Cooks (15/12/11)

It's not too late to order your mince pies (with orange pastry), chocolate roulade (gluten free) pavlovas, cakes etc now for Christmas, also our home sugar baked ham, quiches etc.

Outside catering also available.

Take the hassle out of Christmas with Party Cooks! Please ring 01758 612 140 / 01758 613 082 or email annpartycooks2@aol.com
  

Latest from Glasfryn Parc (30/11/11)

There's plenty going on at Glasfryn Parc in the coming months:

Christmas Grotto

Come and visit our special Christmas Grotto on weekends in December and support the Wales Air Ambulance. Tickets cost £3.50 and include a visit to our magical grotto to see Santa and his little helpers and a present for each child. Parents can feel the festive cheer with a mince pie and cup of tea or coffee (included in the price). Father Christmas is obviously very busy at this time of year, but will be visiting the Glasfryn Grotto to give presents to all the girls and boys on the following dates between 12pm-4pm: Saturday & Sunday on the 3rd & 4th December Saturday & Sunday on the 10th & 11th December Saturday & Sunday on the 17th & 18th December Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th December Please call 01766 810202 for details.

Christmas Parties

Three course Christmas meal and game of bowling just £18.50 per person. Christmas Party bookings are now being taken. Adjacent to the Bowling Centre, the Dining Room seats 100 people and is the perfect place for your Christmas Party. The room has been tastefully decorated and features artwork by Carys Bryn ensuring customers will dine in comfort and style. This year's Christmas Menu is better than ever and superb value at just £15.95 for a three course meal, including table decorations and crackers. Or, why not add more festive fun, and for just £18.50 per person you can also enjoy a game of ten pin bowling? (Min. six in a group). Contact 01766 810202 for details or visit www.glasfryn.co.uk to view the menu. Glasfryn will make sure that all the details are taken care of. Transport to the main population centres can be organised at exclusive rates and cars can be left safely overnight at Glasfryn Parc. Both the Dining Room and JC's cafe are open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9am. Delicious, homemade food is served all day until 9pm but the licensed bar and ten pin bowling are open until late. Children and families are especially welcome and there is a special children's menu.

Christmas Fayre from Glasfryn Farm Shop

It's that time of year when our attention is turned to eating, drinking and having a good time.....and making sure your fridge is filled with the finest produce. Siop Fferm Glasfryn is fully stocked with a superb range of Christmas goodies and is now taking orders for Christmas Turkeys and Christmas Hampers. FREE Sausage-meat stuffing or pigs in blankets with every order for a turkey, capon, duck or goose. Our special meat Christmas Hampers make the perfect gift. Filled with fresh meat from animals raised on the Farm at Glasfryn, you can be certain of the best taste and quality. To view the hampers on offer, please visit www.siop-glasfryn.com. We offer free delivery within a 15 mile radius of Glasfryn....and can organise refrigerated delivery thoughout the UK. To order your turkey or hamper, call: 01766 810044. Siop Fferm Glasfryn is open every day from 9am - 6pm.

JANUARY - KIDS BOWL FREE

Come to Glasfryn Parc and enjoy FREE bowling for under 16's every Sunday morning from 10am - 12 noon in January and February. Please note, one free child per adult bowling; Games must commence before 12 noon; Offer subject to availability (booking strongly recommended); Not valid in conjunction with other offers. Glasfryn Parc has a traditional Sunday Lunch menu available from 12 noon serving a choice of roast joints served with seasonal vegetables which you can enjoy in the comfort of the New Dining Room. A special children's menu is also available. So if you're looking for a great family activity on a Sunday morning that won't break the bank, why not come to Glasfryn Parc? Please visit www.glasfryn.co.uk or call 01766 810202 for more details.
 

Porthdinllaen Coastwatch Station involved in catamaran crew rescue (29/11/11)

'A pair of sailors were rescued following a capsize near Porth Dinllaen on Sunday 27th November, the incident was seen by watchkeepers at the National Coastwatch Institution station at Porth Dinllaen and reported to Holyhead Coastguard. The Porth Dinllaen Lifeboat crew attended with an inshore boat as the all weather vessel was involved in the search for the missing crew from the Swanland sinking and the catamaran crew were picked up safely. Despite to poor weather conditions the lifeboat crew were also able to retrieve the yacht.

This incident occurred during a period when the Search and Rescue Services were already involved in a major incident and demonstrates the value of the National Coastwatch Institution volunteers and also how import it is to ensure a full Coastguard service is retained at Holyhead.' Martin Moore, NCI Porthdinllaen.
  

First Headline Act Announced for Wakestock 2012 (28/11/11)

Following the announcement that Wakestock will once again be held on the Llyn Peninsula a couple of weeks ago, this morning organisers announced the first headline act for the festival which will take place on the 6th - 8th July 2012. Ed Sheeran was revealed as the festival's first headliner, and a limited number of earlybird tickets will go on sale on Thursday, December 1st. More information can be found on the Wakestock website.
   

Latest on Irish Sea Search Operation (27/11/11)

During last night's stormy weather, 'the Swanland' cargo ship sank about 20 miles north-west of the Llyn Peninsula, leaving it's 8 man crew needing to be rescued. Porthdinllaen and Pwllheli Lifeboats have been involved in the search operation to find the crewmen, believed to be Russian, and at the time of writing (13:48), 2 have been rescued and air-lifted to Anglesey, one body has been recovered and there are still 5 men missing.

Keep up to date with the latest on the BBC News website: click here...
  

Children's Halloween Party @ Glasfryn Parc: 30/10/11, 4pm-6pm

Visit Glasfryn Parc on Sunday 30th October for a really special spooky Halloween! There's plenty of fang-tastic family fun to be had between 4pm – 6pm with children's fancy dress, FREE goody bags and games and prizes. And, celebrate the perfect family night out with Glasfryn's 'Bowl and Bite' offer for just £10.00 (please pre-book). The Soft Play Centre, which is just bursting with fun and activities, will also be FREE and accessible for all the witches, goblins, ghosts and spiders enjoying the 'Bowl and Bite' offer.
 

Dates for Santa Trains on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways (7/10/11)

The winter wonderland scenes of last December may not be guaranteed, but fun for those travelling on the railways with Santa surely is this festive season. More information about these special services can be found by clicking here.
 

Porthmadog Bypass to open this month (7/10/11)

The Cambrian News is reporting this week that Porthmadog's new bypass will be officially opened on Monday 17th October, more than two months early. There will also be a pedestrian crossing on the bypass to ensure the safety of those crossing between Tremadog and Porthmadog. More information from the Cambrian News.
  

Basking Shark off Abersoch Main Beach (1/10/11)

Ian Greenwood took this video clip of an approximately 6 metre long basking shark just a few hundred yards off the beach at Abersoch today. Luckily, basking sharks are harmless to humans!

 
Another busy season at the Porth Dinllaen NCI Station (29/9/11)

Find out more about North Wales' first National Coastwatch Station here...
 

Rare Dolphin Sighting from Porth Dinllaen (28/9/11)

Observers at the National Coastwatch Institution lookout at Porth Dinllaen have reported seeing a pair of Risso's dolphins feeding very close to the headland at Porth Dinllaen. Martin Moore from the NCI says "Risso's dolphins are not uncommon in the Irish Sea but close sightings like this from the shore are a rare treat. These animals differ from the more commonly seen bottlenose dolphins in their colouring and head shape and are frequently mistaken for small whales." Details of the types of dolphins seen around the Welsh coast can be found at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk where you can also report your own sightings.
 

Autumn Exhibition at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw (27/9/11)

There are plenty of local views on display in this autumn's exhibtion at Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, featuring work by Keith Bowen, Gareth Thomas, Daniel Roberson and also entrants to the photographic competition held over the summer. Find out more here...
  

Free cotton bags to reduce plastic bag use in Pwllheli (12/9/11)

Gwynedd Council have launched a scheme in Pwllheli to reduce plastic carrier bag use in the town's shops. The 'carry your bag' scheme comes less than 3 weeks before Wales becomes the first part of the UK to introduce a charge for plastic carrier bags. Amongst those who are taking part in the scheme are Gwin Llyn Wines, also Copi, Oriel Pwlldefaid, Elspeth Mills Clothing, J & L Jewellers, Tenovus, Llen Llyn, D & E Hughes, Tiggs Clothing Ltd, TE Hughes, News Plus, Cloth World, Co-op.

For more information about the 'carry your bag' scheme, click here...
 

Teams wanted for Pwllheli Raft Race (12/8/11)

The annual Pwllheli Raft Race will once again be held on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend (28th August). Money raised from this year's race will be donated to the RNLI Flood Rescue Team. Rafts should register at the Old Quay Slipway near Pwllheli Train Station at 9.00am for a 10.00am start.

For more information ring Alwyn on (01758) 614 539 or Martin on 730 625 (home) or 61 22 33 (work), or click here...
 

Summer Talks Part of Llŷn Coastal Festival (11/8/11)

Over the next three weeks, beginning tonight, a series of talks will be held in the Canolfan, Nefyn on Thursday evenings as part of the Llŷn Coastal Festival.

For more information on the talks in Nefyn, click here...

For more information on other events in the Llŷn Coastal Festival, click here...
 

New Festival for the Llŷn Peninsula (5/8/11)

Glass Butter Beach is a new multi-action sport, music and beach culture festival set in beautiful North Wales. The festival is brought to you by the founder of the 25,000 capacity Wakestock festival and is poised to achieve rapid growth and huge credibility on the festival calendar.

The line up of bands and DJ's for GBB.11 is looking awesome and combines some established acts, lots of new music and great local talent, all to be revealed over the next few weeks. Some of the acts that are already announced include RIZZLE KICKS who are currently in the charts with their single 'Down With The Trumpets'; BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH, FRIENDS ELECTRIC, PETE LAWRIE, TIM LYALL, BRANDON BLOCK, SATURDAY NIGHT HEROES, EZ & DJ BUZZWORD and DEAF BY DISCO who will be playing alongside local bands COWBOIS RHOS BOTWNNOG and THE KICKBACKS. GBB.11 will also have a real eclectic mix of entertainment to keep everyone fully absorbed including some feel good classics, acoustic sets on the beach, a bit of comedy, a movie night and lots lots more. It's all about good times both on the beach and up on the festival site with 3 stages to enjoy. The GLASS Open Air Stage, the BUTTER Tented Stage and the BEACH Stage.

The festival will focus on 4 core sports at an International level; Surf, Wake, Skate and BMX where you can marvel at some of the sports best athletes in the world as they compete for their respective titles. Professional Free Surfer Karlee-Anne Mackie from Australia has already been confirmed for the event and said: "I'm stoked to be part of this new surfing event and look forward to checking out this great surf spot in North Wales. As a free surfer I haven’t competed for several years but the festival sparked my interest with its combination of the sports, music and awesome location. I’m looking forward to a great weekend."

What sets the event apart from other well-loved music festivals is that those attending can join in! Glass Butter Beach is offering instruction and hire for surfing, wakeboarding, skateboarding, BMX, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, wakesurfing and beach volleyball. Participants will receive instruction from top riders and fully qualified instructors to either learn from scratch or improve their standard to competition level.

The festival site will also include a VIP area, fairground, great bars with seating that overlooks Cardigan Bay, a bar on the beach, surf market (retail area), half pipe for skate and BMX, boutique style food areas a mini cinema and activity area. Camping will also be available for 3,000 people with general and VIP camping on offer. This is a truly unique camping opportunity with a chance to watch the sunset overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Tickets are on sale now online via Ticketmaster or through the Glass Butter Beach Box Office on 01758 714000. Tickets are priced as follows: Adult weekend £45, Junior weekend (11 – 15) £25.  Adult weekend camping £65, Junior £40. Adult day ticket £25, Junior £15. Children 10 & under FREE. There are limited tickets available for this first year and the organisers will be giving 'Butter Cards' (a cool name for loyalty cards) to those that buy tickets for this first year so you get discounts and the chance to get your tickets first in future years. Mark Durston the organiser recognizes the importance of the local audience and stated "It is in the first years that the local audience is inherently strongest and we want to ensure they get the chance to hold on to a festival that’s theirs, even when the numbers attending grows, so they can enjoy it for many years to come".

Find out more about Glass Butter Beach at www.glassbutterbeach.com
   

Green Woodworking with Bill Pywell at Boduan Sanctuary, 6th-7th August

"To take basic hand tools and create something that’s both ornate and useful…" That was the concept that caught Bill Pywell's imagination ten years ago, when he came across a man making hazel hurdles in a wood. Since that time, Bill has become expert in green woodworking, and like the traditional craftsmen whose skills he now teaches, he works in the woods where he gathers his materials.

Bill has created a shelter in Boduan Sanctuary, where he plans to run courses for anyone who is interested in green woodworking. There, people can learn to make useful and beautiful things such as gates, stools and bowls from timber gathered in the wood.

"I always works outdoors," he said, "so the green timber doesn't crack. I'll explain the specialist tools like the draw knife and then people can have a go at making the things they want. "I've fallen in love with Boduan Sanctuary wood," Bill confessed. I love working here, it's so peaceful.”

Bill will explain how to coppice trees so that they continue to produce timber indefinitely, and how to use unseasoned wood. He doesn't normally buy in anything, even nails, preferring to use dowels and wedges to hold the wood together.

Come and join Bill on Saturday or Sunday, 6th and 7th August. Sessions will begin at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm each day, but participants are welcome to stay as long as they like. If you intend to stay all day, bring food and drink and outdoor clothing. Boduan Sanctuary Wood is on the B4354, six miles north of Pwllheli. Directions are given on the Eternal Forest Trust website at www.eternalforest.org. For further information about the green woodworking day at Boduan Sanctuary Wood, please ring Arabella Melville on 01758 612006 or 07968 167204, or email am@eternalforest.org.

Bill Pywell working in Boduan Sanctuary Wood

French Market to Visit Glasfryn Parc (14/6/11)

A little piece of France is visiting the Llŷn Peninsula on Sunday 19th June. Glasfryn Parc will be hosting a traditional French Market consisting of stallholders from France who regularly travel to the UK to sell their goods and products. The French Market will be open from 9.00am - 4.00pm. The open-air stalls will sell a wide range of high quality, traditional French items. These include local and regional cheeses, freshly baked bread, patisserie products, olives and dried fruits, handbags, jewellery, provencal soaps, crafts, and more.

Glasfryn Farm Shop will also have a stall selling farm-reared Welsh Black Beef, lamb, homemade ready meals, sausages (including gluten free), the award winning traditionally cured Cig Moch Pen Llyn bacon and their Great Taste Gold Star home-made Welsh Black Beef burgers. "We are looking forward to once again welcoming the French Market to Glasfryn Parc and hope that visitors will enjoy all the different and unusual products on offer." Commented Jonathan Williams-Ellis, owner of Glasfryn Parc.

Le Marche de France, has been established for ten years now and is regularly holding French Market events in the whole of the UK. With genuine French traders coming each week from Normandy, Marche de France is one of the only few genuine French market teams touring the UK, with produce coming direct from the producers. This guaranties not only the origin of the food, but also the quality and freshness of the food presented at the events.

The French Market will be held at Glasfryn Parc just outside Pwllheli on the A499 - look out for the flags! There is ample free parking and entrance to the parc is also free. For more information, please visit www.glasfryn.co.uk
  

Stock Needed for RNLI / NCI Shop (14/6/11)

Stock is needed for the RNLI and NCI Charity Shop in Nefyn which is located opposite Spar. Books, household goods, good as new and sportswear are all needed. Why not have a spring clean and help save a life?!

The shop will be open Thursdays 10am - 1pm and Saturdays 9.30am - 4pm for drop offs - although a phone number is on the shop window outside of these hours. The shop will be open everyday throughout August, so come down and grab yourself a bargin!
  

Festival Weekend (10/6/11)

This weekend sees the start of the Criccieth Festival as well as the Abersoch Jazz Festival. The Criccieth Festival runs for 10 days and there is a wide variety of events taking place around the town. You can find out what is going on where by visiting the Criccieth Festival website, here...

The Abersoch Jazz Festival runs this weekend, and the highlight for many will be the parade through the village. Next year will see the festival take a break, so it's worth making the most of this year's celebrations. For more information visit their website or ring 01758 712 929.
   

Dolphins off St. Tudwal's Islands (7/6/11)

Yesterday whilst out on a friends boat, we saw a large pod of dolphins between St. Tudwal's Island West and the mainland - there are some photos in our daily photos section, please click here, or take a look at the videos below...

Llŷn Land and Seafood Festival, 28th - 29th May

Next weekend will see the Llŷn Land and Seafood Festival take place at Hafan Pwllheli Marina, with an array of local producers all coming together to highlight the fantastic local produce on offer in our area.

There will also be cooking demonstrations and wine talks as well as children's activities including free face painting and interactive sessions.

More information can be found here...
  

Gŵyl Gwanwyn at Boduan Sanctuary Wood, 19th - 22nd May

How would you feel about painting your own coffin? That's what respected local artists Eleanor Brookes and Su Walls will be doing at this week's Spirit of the Wood festival in Boduan Sanctuary near Pwllheli, along with three other artists - Su Woods, Ros Bissell and Arabella Melville - who will be working together, decorating a third cardboard coffin from the morning of Friday 20th until it's ready to auction on the last afternoon of the festival, 22nd May. "It's not morbid at all," says Arabella, "It's about connecting the cycles of life, acknowledging that life can't continue unless it's balanced by death. So really it's all about life."

The vibrant life of the wood in Spring time will be the inspiration for a series of workshops and performances throughout the four days of the Festival. There will be poetry, art, music, storytelling and green woodworking, all in the beautiful woodland environment.

At 2.30 on Saturday afternoon (21st May) there will be a special buzz - an illustrated performance by prize-winning poet Anneliese Emmans Dean (www.theBigBuzz.biz), who is coming from York to create a show about the insects in the wood. Anneliese's Big Buzz appeals to people of all ages; it's funny, clever, very entertaining - and it’s educational too!  Absolutely not to be missed.

On the Thursday and Friday, the workshops will be for adults, but we are expecting children over the weekend, and there will be plenty for everybody to do. There will be drinks and light refreshments, and the main paths through the wood are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.

There is a nominal charge of £5 per day for those who want to join workshops - but we advise people to book their places because some of the teaching sessions are popular and numbers will be limited.

All the events will take place in Boduan Sanctuary Wood, Boduan, near Pwllheli; details are shown on our website, www.eternalforest.org. For more information ring 01758 612 006 or 07968 167204 or email eft@eternalforest.org.
 

Farmers Markets at Glasfryn Parc (29/4/11)

Farmer's Markets at Glasfryn Parc - Saturday 7th May Glasfryn Parc continues to fly the flag for local producers with the regular monthly Farmers Markets held at the Parc on the first Saturday of each month. The next market takes place on Saturday 7th May from 9.30am - 3pm.

This is a great opportunity for people to show their support to local suppliers and producers and to sample and enjoy locally produced food, drink and crafts.

Over twenty local producers will be selling a wide range of fresh products including free-range pork from Traed Moch; farm-raised beef and lamb from Siop Fferm Glasfryn; handmade chutneys and preserves made by Celtic Kitchen; delicious speciality pate from Llond Bol; tempting sponge cakes by Sally's Kitchen; Chris Jones' fantastically fresh and seasonal fruit and veg; free-range eggs from Wyau Desach and exquisite confectionary handmade by Cariad Siocled.

There will also be a selection of craft stalls including handmade soap, lotions and potions by Llyn Herbs and slate crafts by Llechen Las. A full list of producers can be found on www.glasfryn.co.uk

< The next Farmers Market is 7th May
 
 

Portmeirion to play host to A Midsummer Night's Dream (19/4/11)

The beautiful setting of Portmeirion is the play host to performances of a Midsummer Night's Dream from 28th April - 5th May. Local performing arts programme, CITCOM (casting in the community), which has members from across North Wales and beyond, will be presenting the performances with famous astrologer Russell Grant directing.

Tickets are £12 for adults, or £10 for concessions, and can be booked on 01766 772 337.
For more details, please click here...
 

Update on Dredging (19/4/11)

Work is now well underway to dredge Pwllheli Harbour Mouth, as these photos from this evening (Tuesday) show:

< Dredging from the shore

< Extending the 'sand mountain'
  
 

Dredging Starts at Pwllheli Harbour Mouth (17/4/11)

Thanks to Steve Pollitt for sending us this photo of the work to dredge Pwllheli Harbour Mouth which started yesterday and willl continue until Friday. Harbour users are being urged to take care whilst navigating the channel whilst work is underway. The dredging will hopefully enable boats to pass each other along this stretch of the channel again.

< Working as the tide runs in

< Several metres of sand has built up
    

Shop to Raise Funds for Porthdinllaen Lifeboat & Coastwatch Stations (17/4/11)

The RNLI shop will be opening again by popular demand in the centre of Nefyn from Wednesday 20th April until Saturday 7th May, located opposite the Spar.

There will be RNLI gifts for sale - all proceeds of these goods will go directly to the Porthdinllaen Lifeboat.

 There will also be good as new items for sale - from books to wetsuits, glasswear to childrens clothing and toys, so go along and grab yourself a bargin! All funds taken from the good as new sale will be shared between the Porthdinllaen Lifeboat and Porthdinllaen National Coastwatch Station, this is the only Station of it's kind on the Llyn Peninsula.
 

Excellent Easter Forecast (17/4/11)

The last few weeks have been much drier than average, and at times much warmer too. This trend looks likely to continue throughout this week and over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with temperatures rising into the low 20's celsius! The following long bank holiday weekend is still a bit too far away to predict with any real accuracy, but let's hope the fine weather continues on until then too!

Keep up to date with the forecast at www.llyn.info/weather
  

Aberdaron Drama, Porthpenwaig, to start Sunday on S4C (15/4/11)

Porthpenwaig is S4C's new drama which will air over the next 8 weeks on a Sunday night. The series, which was filmed in Aberdaron from September last year until February, stars local actors alongside well known faces from other Welsh dramas.

The series will have English subtitles - or Welsh subtitles which are useful for those learning! There's plenty more information on the S4C website: www.s4c.co.uk also in their learners section, click here...
  

Dredging to start at Pwllheli Harbour Mouth (15/4/11)

Diggers and trucks are now in place at Pwllheli ready to commence work to dredge and widen the channel into the town's harbour and marina. The work is to start on Monday and the land-based dredging should allow boats to pass once again as they leave and enter the harbour.

Work to deepen the channel is also being called for by both users of the harbour and marina as well as business owners who rely on them for their trade. There is no word yet from the council on when, or if this will happen - more from the BBC...
 
< Diggers and trucks at Pwllheli Harbour
 

Repair Works at Abererch (31/3/11)

Work is underway to repair storm-damaged sand dunes between Pwllheli and Abererch. Boulders are being placed along the dunes which has several feet of sand washed away from them in places, when winds of 90mph battered the peninsula about 6 weeks ago.

< Work to strengthen sand dunes
  

Low tide cuts off Marina (20/3/11)

This weekend's very low tides have shown just how much Pwllheli harbour has silted up, with even small boats getting stuck in the channel.

For the first time, the 2011 handbook for Hafan Pwllheli is unable to boast 24 hour access to the marina.

< Pwllheli Harbour at low tide
 

Nant Gwrtheyrn re-opens after £5 million revamp (17/3/11)

Yesterday, Wales' First Minister Carwyn Jones opened a revamped National Language and Heritage Centre at Nant Gwrtheyrn. The centre now offers 4 star accommodation and continues to run it's Welsh language courses for adults.

The access road down to the village has been improved, as well as better footpath links to the beach and old quarry port. The centre's function facilities, for weddings and conferences, have also been improved.

Find out more about Nant Gwrtheyrn on their website, click here...
 

Storm Damage on Vital Sand Dunes (14/2/11)

Last week's 90mph winds and high tides have battered sand dunes at Pwllheli and Abererch, with several feet of sand being removed from the dunes, and supporting piles at Abererch being broken up and scattered across the beach. These photos from Sunday 13th show the extent ofthe damage:

< South Beach, Pwllheli

< Abererch Beach

< Sand Dunes at Abererch
  

Stunning Snowdrops at Plas-yn-Rhiw (14/2/11)

Saturday's beautiful sunshine was perfect for a walk through the gardens at Plas-yn-Rhiw, which, at this time of year, is full of snowdrops. To view more photos click here...

< Snowdrops at Plas-yn-Rhiw
 

Glasfryn Parc to host second Wakeboard Open (9/2/11)

Glasfryn Wake Parc will host the Spring Wakeboard Open on Saturday 2nd April 2011. The fun and grass root style contest is designed for all standards of riders and there will be five divisions to cater for everyone.

Glasfryn Wake Parc will be cracking the champagne on their brand new wake park features. Not content with the awesome Relentless Leviathan and Kicker they have teamed up with Industry Wake Parks to create three new features - two wall rides and a new flat bar The wall rides will be positioned to each side of the start dock on the smaller System 2.0 meaning you can hit the walls instead of turning around. This is the first obstacle of its kind in the UK and is only possible since the invention of the System 2.0. The walls will have stall pipes at the top so riders can either stall or ollie out of the top before re-entering the wall and continuing to ride. The new features mean Glasfryn Wake Parc will now have 2 System 2.0's, The Relentless Leviathan, a kicker, two wall rides and a flat bar.

< New wall rides at Glasfryn Wake Parc

Even if you have only just learnt to ride the Spring Wakeboard Open is for you. It is all about getting riders together and helping each other progress, learn new tricks and most importantly have fun and meet like minded people. What a great way to start the season.

There will be evening entertainment at the Glasfryn Parc activity centre which includes a bar, ten pin bowling and live music. The famous Glasfryn Go-Karts will be open throughout the day and there will also be the monthly Glasfryn Farmers Market. There will be around 20 stalls selling a wide range of local produce including farm-raised meat, seasonal fruit and veg, preserves, chutneys, cakes, locally pressed juice, confectionary, eggs, slate crafts, pate and more. Glasfryn Wake Parc will be open from 5th March 2011 and to make sure you can get your practice in, they have a special offer on for all of March, buy 5 rides and get 1 for free!

Glasfryn Wakeparc opened in July 2010 and is the first wake park to open in Wales. It is part of Glasfryn Parc, a large activity centre on the A499 just outside Pwllheli, North Wales, and is only 15 minutes from Abersoch. During the Spring Wakeboard Open all of Glasfryn's other activities will be available including their go karts, quad bikes, ten pin bowling, soft play centre, bar, cafe and a farmers market from 10am - 3pm. And don’t forget, there’s plenty of free parking and everyone's welcome to come along and watch.

More info can be found at www.glasfryn.co.uk, including an entry form to download if you're interested in taking part - or ring 01766 810 202.

Glasfryn Parc is to hold it's Spring Wakeboard Open on the 2nd April.
 

Learn Welsh with a free taster course (30/1/11)

A beginners course in Welsh is due to start this week in Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Pwllheli. The first 10 hours are free as a taster to the course which will run two evenings a week. The first session is to be held on the 3rd Feburary between 7-9pm.

If you're interested, you can get more information on 01248 382 752.
 

Money to promote the culture heritage that has 'inspired RS Thomas and Duffy' (12/1/11)

Funding of £700,000 has been awarded to projects on the Llyn Peninsula which help to promote the unique culture and heritage in the area. The BBC article explains the importance of the peninsula in inspiring the work of poets such as RS Thomas and more recently, ssinger Duffy. More from BBC News...
 

£550,000 holiday home near Abersoch is UK's most expensive (12/1/11)

A beachfront holiday home on the Warren has sold for £550,000 - the most expensive in the UK, and for what site owners admit is still a 'static caravan'. More from BBC News...
  

Starlight Players Panto (11/1/11)

The Starlight Players are putting on their annual pantomime this weekend in the Memorial Hall, Cricieth. Tickets are available for 'Panto at the O.K. Corral' on the door or at Crafty Needles on the High Street in Cricieth. For more info, please click here...
    

Oops! (2/1/11)

Peter Gill took this photo this morning at the Pulrose island on the edge of Pwllheli this morning, where a car has gone straight off the road and into the river - hopefully nobody was hurt...

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - Happy New Year! (31/12/10)

A glimpse down this news page will give you an insight into 2010 on the Llŷn Peninsula, from unusually heavy snowfall to major developments along our coast, and wakeboarding to footpaths! It's been a busy year on Llyn.info too, with over 3.7 million hits on the site over the last 12 months. A big thank you to all who have supported the website during 2010 - Llyn.info would not be possible without the fantastic support given by so many.

2011 will see preparations for Llyn.info's 10th Birthday in 2012, so look out for more news on this through the year to come! In the meantime, however you're celebrating, have a very Happy New Year - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
 

Nadolig Llawen - Merry Christmas! (25/12/10)

Nadolig Llawen (Merry Christmas!) to all of our visitors and supporters.

Although the snow may not be falling, it is still a white Christmas across most the peninsula with the snow still lying from last week.

There will not be any daily photos today, but you can keep up to date with the latest views across Llyn via the webcams, and take a look at our weather page if you're thinking of travelling over the festive period. Snow may preceed milder weather during the start of next week, but it looks set to get colder again towards the New Year:

> Webcams
> Weather
  
 

Snow Update (19/12/10)

The snow isn't going anywhere fast - but looked beautiful in the sunshine today! Main roads are passable with care, whilst minor roads remain untreated and very icy indeed.

There is uncertainty about whether or not schools will be open tomorrow or not for the last day of term. 

Here's an unusual sight, with children sledging on the beach in Abersoch today, taken by Steve Pritchard:

Sledging on Abersoch Main Beach.
  

More Snow (18/12/10)

More snow this morning has again blanketed the peninsula, adding to yesterdays accumulations and affecting those which got off more lightly yesterday like Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn. Side roads are treacherous and great care should be taken driving on them. Whilst the worst of the snow now looks to have passed, the cold weather looks set to continue right up until Christmas.

Get the latest updates about council services which have been affected by the weather here...
  

Snow (17/12/10)

Almost everywhere on the peninsula has woken to a thick blanket of snow this morning. Schools across Gwynedd are closed and the gritters are out clearing the roads. In places upto 4 inches has fallen with the chance of more in the next 24 hours - pretty though!

Two sets of daily photos online here...
  

ASAP Minibus back on the road! (04/12/10)

ASAP taxis have announced that they now have their 8 seater minibus back on the road after having mechanical work undertaken on it. Early booking is advisable for Christmas parties and also New Year's Eve. Contact Steve on 07799 648 092.
  

Father Christmas gives Wales Air Ambulance a helping hand (30/11/10)

Father Christmas will once again be visiting his magical grotto at Glasfryn Parc on the first three weekends in December from 12pm - 4pm...opening on Saturday 4th December.

This year, Santa's Elves elves have been working harder than ever to find fantastic presents for all the little children who visit him. Tickets are £4.00 each with proceeds going to the Wales Air Ambulance.

There is also a Farmers Market at Glasfryn Parc on Saturday 4th December from 10am - 3pm. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with the wonderful selection of local produce on sale including food, drink, crafts and Christmas gifts.

For more details, please visit www.glasfryn.co.uk, email info@glasfryn.co.uk or call 01766 810202

Father Christmas will be at Glasfryn Parc the first three Saturdays in December.
  

Partycooks Celebrate 25 Years! (16/11/10)

Partycooks in Pwllheli cater for all types of function, and this festive season there is an extra celebration taking place as they mark their 25th year in business.

Once again they are offering both outside catering and parties in their own venue near South Beach, Pwllheli. Also on offer are their speciality mince pies as well as Christmas cakes and an array of other festive fayre.

For more information, please click here...

Partycooks are again offering their range of festive fayre.
 

Welsh Wakeboard Open Attracts Capacity Entries (12/11/10)

The first ever Welsh Wakeboard Open was held at Glasfryn Wakeparc on Saturday 6th November and was a huge success, seeing many wakeboarding stars of the future take their turn on the Sesitec System 2.0 cable. This was the first wakeboarding competition to be held at a permanent System 2.0 wakeparc in the UK. The event attracted 41 entries - a full capacity number of competitors - including riders who tried wakeboarding for the first time this summer to more experienced riders who have been practicing air tricks for years.

Both cables were running all day so that competitors were able to practice on the smaller lake before taking their turn on the competition lake and showing off their skill on the Relentless Leviathan rail and kicker.

The event was divided into five divisions: Juniors (under 16), Ladies, Rookies, Men's Open and Wakeskate with the following results:

Juniors: 1st Tom Bradley; 2nd Taylor Knight; 3rd Jordan Phillips

Ladies: 1st Sarah Hughes; 2nd Robyn Seymour-Jones; 3rd Sarah Killip

Rookies: 1st Marc Jackson; 2nd Sebastian Kearns; 3rd Andy Huddleston

Wake Skate: 1st Callum Warren; 2nd Jamie Nicol; 3rd Ifor Jones

Men's Open: 1st Toby Yeo; 2nd Nick Lang; 3rd Jamie Nicol

Rookies winner Marc Jackson, 21, from Mynytho said: "It was a brilliant day with a great crowd. I only started cable wakeboarding in July and am thrilled to have won the Rookies division as the competition was hot – the biggest class of the day with 16 entries."

The Relentless Pro Wakeboard Team was on site all day performing demos and helping out with coaching tips for all the riders. The team included former Wakestock Champion Jonty Green, past Rococo Tour winners Matt Crowhurst and Lee Debuse, plus James Young who has just finished 3rd in the WWA Worlds.

"I am thrilled that the event went so well and the Welsh Wakeboard Open attracted so many competitors and spectators. It was good to see both cables running non-stop all day and everyone having such a great time." Said Jonathan Williams-Ellis, owner of Glasfryn Wakeparc.

The day was rounded off with a spectacular fireworks display, live music from The Revivals and DJ Dan Jordan and prize-giving. The raffle in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance raised over £200 and Sarah Killip from Abersoch won the first prize of a pair of tickets to Wakestock.

Welsh Wakeboard Open Juniors Winner, Tom Bradley
 

Bonfire Night Events (4/11/10)

There are plenty of events planned for tomorrow night, although the weather forecast looks pretty bad, it might just dry up in time! Here are just some of the events taking place:

Porthdinllaen RNLI Bonfire and Fireworks Display
National Trust Car Park, Morfa Nefyn from 7pm
In aid of RNLI, refreshments available.

Pwllheli Bonfire and Fireworks
CANCELLED BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER
Yr ynys (the island), Ffordd-y-Cob, 6pm-8pm.

Bonfire and Fireworks at the Ship Inn, Llanbedrog
6pm - 11.30pm (Fireworks at 7pm).

And on Saturday night:

Bonfore and Fireworks at Glasfryn Parc
5pm onwards
Follows the Welsh Wakeboard Open during the day
Refreshments available and shuttle bus to Pwllheli and Abersoch.

Wherever you end up this bonfire night have fun and take care!
  

First Train to Run Completed Welsh Highland Railway (30/10/10)

Today will see the first two trains run the newly completed Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, via Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert. The journey takes approximately and hour and a half.

The first train is due to arrive in Porthmadog at 11.25am with the second arriving at 1.40pm.

More from the BBC...
  

Rating Llyn's Footpath Network (15/10/10)

An access report is being compiled which is to highlight the general state of public footpaths across the Llyn Peninsula and the rest of Gwynedd.

If you have any views on the state of our local footpaths, please contact Guto Jones before Monday 25th October. You can email him on enquiries@llynwalkingholidays.co.uk or 07812 129 532.

How would you rate the Llyn Peninsula's footpaths?
  

Welsh Wakeboard Open at Glasfryn Parc (10/10/10)

Glasfryn Wakeparc is pleased to announce the creation of a brand new event, the Welsh Wakeboard Open. Taking place at Glasfryn Parc on Saturday 6th November 2010 the event will include two System 2.0s, the Relentless Leviathan and a kicker.

The day event will be rounded off with a fireworks display, bonfire and onsite party with live music acts. Entry and parking for spectators is free of charge all day and evening.

The Welsh Wakeboard Open is a grassroots event which is aimed at all standards of riding, there will be five divisions; juniors (under 16), ladies, rookies, open men and wakeskate. The best crash of the day will also be awarded with a prize! Even if you have only just learnt to ride the Welsh Wakeboard Open is for you. It is all about getting riders together and helping each other progress, learn new tricks and most importantly have fun and meet like minded people.

Just before dusk the Glasfryn Big Air will take place on the brand new 10m high Sesitec System 2.0 which is perfect for doing air tricks due to its short running length, super tight cable and extra height! Each competitor will have two attempts to go as big as they can. Winner takes all.

The Relentless Pro Wakeboard Team will be on site all day performing demos and helping out with coaching tips for all the riders. The team includes former Wakestock Champion Jonty Green, past Rococo Tour winners Matt Crowhurst and Lee Debuse, plus James Young who has just finished 3rd in the WWA Worlds.

The day will be rounded off with a bonfire, fireworks display and party all taking place on site at Glasfryn Parc. The licensed bar will be open till late and great locally produced food will be available all day and evening. The bonfire will be lit at 5pm and donations to the Welsh Air Ambulance will be welcome. Following the fireworks display there will be live music acts and the wakeboard prize giving. A shuttle bus will be running from Glasfryn Parc to Pwllheli and Abersoch between 9pm and midnight so if you want to have a few drinks there is a way home. Free and secure overnight parking is available at Glasfryn Parc so you can pick up your cars the following day.

Glasfryn's farmers market also takes place from 10am-3pm on the same day. For more information, or an entry form, please see www.glasfryn.co.uk

Gimblet Rock Caravan For Sale (10/10/10)

A 2010 luxury static caravan is for sale on Gimblet Rock, next to Pwllheli Harbour. The three bedroom caravan was bought for £56,000 but is now greatly reduced. More information and the owners contact details can be found here...

Weather looks up for the week ahead! (5/10/10)

Now we are into October, you wouldn't expect to see a forecast like this for the week ahead, but let's hope it's true, and the high pressure over Europe does head west...

To see the latest 8 day forecast, please use the link at the bottom of our weather page: www.llyn.info/weather
    

National Trust succeed in buying into Aberdaron (5/10/10)

Following a well publicised campaign to raise funds, the National Trust has bought Henfaes, a holiday-let, adjoining car park and land in Aberdaron, with hopes to turn it into a 'centre of coastal tourism excellence', creating 7 new jobs in the village.

More from the BBC...
  

Halloween @ Glasfryn Parc (22/9/10)

There's lots of spooky Halloween fun to be had at Glasfryn Parc on Saturday 30th October.

Celebrate the perfect family night out with our 'Bowl and Bite' offer - enjoy a delicious homemade meal plus a game of bowling for just £10.00... and children eat for FREE.

The Soft Play Area, which is just bursting with fun and activities, will also be FREE and accessible for all the witches, goblins, ghosts and spiders enjoying our Bowl and Bite offer.

There'll be loads of fang-tastic family fun from 5.00pm - 7.00pm with children's fancy dress, FREE goody bags for all the little spooks and loads of games, activities and prizes.

For further information, visit www.glasfryn.co.uk, email info@glasfryn.co.uk or call 01766 810 202.

Spooky goings-on at Glasfryn Parc
     

Dolphins off Morfa Nefyn (18/9/10)

Ian Greenwood has been out with his camera this morning and captured these dolphins off Morfa Nefyn beach:

Dolphins can often be spotted off the coast of the Llyn Peninsula, but concern has been raised over the summer months with boats are getting too close to dolphins and are staying with them for too long. Offenders can face possible fines - and large fines at that. The Marine Conservation Society has issued guidelines for boat users, which are summarised in our wildlife section, click here...
 

Llŷn from Ireland (16/9/10)

Following a trip to Ireland this summer I have been looking for views back to Llŷn and have found some thanks to Michael Connaughton. See Llŷn from a completely different angle in our latest feature! Click here...
 

It's Shearwater, but not as we knew it! (16/9/10)

Alan Gray is back taking passengers along the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula on an all new boat, 'Shearwater' - and I joined him on one of his trips! Find out more...
  

Glasfryn Showcases Local Produce in London (13/9/10)

Siop Fferm Glasfryn brought their delicious farm-raised meat to a wider audience last week, attending the 11th Speciality & Fine Food Fair at Olympia, London, as part of a group of Welsh producers exhibiting on the Welsh Assembly Stand.

The Speciality & Fine Food Fair is the definitive event for showcasing artisan food and drink to trade buyers. Delis, farm shops, independent retailers, restaurants, hotels, caterers and wholesalers are looking to source fine food with provenance, local sourcing and quality at the top of their agenda. The market leading reputation that Speciality & Fine Food Fair has earned over the last 11 years means this is where they look first. With almost 600 suppliers, the 2010 event was hailed a fantastic event by exhibitors and visitors alike.

"The Speciality & Fine Food Fair was a fantastic opportunity to get our products in front of a wider audience and meet some key trade buyers. We had a number of serious enquiries and were grateful for the support from WAG which facilitated a strong presence of Welsh producers." commented Jonathan Williams Ellis.

"Our cuts of Llŷn Lamb and our Great Taste Gold Star Welsh Black beefburgers, generated significant interest." he continued.

Siop Fferm Glasfryn is open seven days a week from 9.00am - 6.00pm and sells a wide range of farm-raised meat to both retail and trade customers. A regular farmers market is held at Glasfryn on the first Saturday of each month. For further information, please visit
www.siop-glasfryn.com or call 01766 810202.
    

High Tides (10/9/10)

We've seen some pretty impressive high tides over the last couple of days. I took the photos below this morning and this wasn't predicted to be as high as last night's tide (although this morning's windy weather may have affected this):

Tidal Flooding at Afonwen

High water at Hafan Pwllheli
 

Seal basks in Attention! (10/9/10)

A seal which has recently been photographed by Tony Bruce of Enlli Charters has been catching BBC headlines.

Tony, who runs boat trips out to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) from Pwllheli and Porth Meudwy says that the seal has well and truely made himself at home on the dinghy!

The seal who has made a dinghy off Ynys Enlli (Bardsey) is home! Photo: Tony Bruce www.enllicharter.co.uk

More from the BBC...
   

Autumn Walks Programme (1/9/10)

The Gorwel Walking Group are organising guided walks across the Llyn Peninsula this autumn, and all are welcome to join.

Sustainable Abersoch Cynaliadwy (SAC) are helping to promote these walks, as well as those provided by the Llyn Ramblers and more information can be found on the SAC website here...
 

Body found in the sea off Morfa Nefyn (1/9/10)

After an extensive search by rescue services right around the coast of Caernarfon Bay following the disappearance of a woman on her kayak from near Rhosneigr over the weekend, a body was found last night near Morfa Nefyn. It is not yet known if the body is that of missing kayaker Elizabeth Ashbee from Shrewsbury, but search operations have now been called off. Formal identification of the body is expected later today.
 

Whale Towed Away (25/8/10)

Following yesterday's rough seas, the calmer weather today allowed the body of the Minke Whale which washed up near Hafan-y-Mor on Sunday to be towed to Pwllheli where it was taken away by road.

More from the BBC...
  

Whale Washed Up (23/8/10)

A 25ft Minke Whale was washed up into a small cove on the Pen-y-Chain headland near Hafan-y-Mor (Haven) yesterday.

The cause of death of this young whale is thought to have been starvation and the body will be moved to a more accessible beach for disposal once the wind drops, which is likely to be on Wednesday.

More from the BBC...
 

Llyn Beef Burgers Scoop Gold! (10/8/10)

Glasfryn Farm Shop's Welsh Black Beef burgers have been awarded a Gold Star in the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2010/2011.

The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is the acknowledged benchmark for speciality food and drink. It has been described as the Oscars of the Food and Drink Industry and the epicurean equivalent of the Booker Prize.

The Welsh Black Beef burgers, handmade by Garry Oliver and Paul Randall, the two full-time butchers at Glasfryn Farm Shop, are made from cattle which have been raised on the farm at Glasfryn. Customers can therefore be confident of both the quality and provenance of their food. "We are delighted to have been awarded a prestigious Gold Star from the Great Taste Awards and are thrilled that the judges clearly enjoyed our Welsh Black Beef burgers as much as our customers do." commented Jonathan Williams Ellis.

Glasfryn Farm Shop's Welsh Black Beef burgers are a popular choice from the menu at Glasfryn Parc where food is served every day of the year (except Christmas Day) from 9am until late in the cafe and Dining Room. The burgers are available to buy from the Farm Shop, all good independent retail outlets on the Llyn Peninsula (including Spar) as well as several hotels and restaurants. RRP for six 4oz burgers is £3.99.

Visitors to the regular monthly Farmers Market held at Glasfryn Parc, which features over 20 local producers selling food, drink and crafts, can also sample the burgers from Glasfryn Farm Shop’s stall. The next market is on Saturday 7th August from 10am - 3pm.

Glasfryn Farm Shop’s Award Winning Welsh Black Beef burger - more info at www.siop-glasfryn.com
 

Pwllheli Raft Race Teams Wanted! (9/8/10)

The Pwllheli Lions Club are once again organising their annual raft race which will take place in the inner harbour at Pwllheli on Sunday 29th August, and if you would like to enter a raft, please contact either Alwyn on 01758 614 539 or Martin on 01758 730 625 / 01758 612 233.

For more information please click here...
 

Porthdinllaen RNLI Open Day (9/8/10)

Yesterday saw the RNLI Open Day at Porthdinllaen Lifeboat Station and crowds on both the shore and on boats in the bay were treated to a display by the lifeboat and RAF rescue helicopter performing training exercises.

There are more photos and a video from the event here...
 

NSPCC Hack to return to Llyn (7/8/10)

TV presenter and keen outdoors enthusiast Julia Bradbury is calling on members of the public in North Wales to play their part in ending child cruelty by taking part in the charity's HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) in the Llyn Peninsula on Saturday 18 September. The event, one of eight taking place across the UK, is a 24-mile sponsored challenge walk which starts and finishes in the beautiful seaside village of Aberdaron.

The Llyn Peninsula HACK is in aid of the Charity's Child's Voice Appeal. The Child's Voice Appeal will help to expand the NSPCC's vital helpline services - ChildLine the UK's free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and the NSPCC Helpline for adults concerned about a child.

The registration fee is only £15 per person and the walk is for over 18s only. The registration deadline is 6 September. For further online registrations and payments, please log on to www.nspcc.org.uk/hack or contact  the NSPCC Cymru/Wales appeals office on tel: 020 3188 3658 or e-mail: walesappeals@nspcc.org.uk

For further details of each route please log on to www.nspcc.org.uk/HACK
 

Volunteers Needed at Boduan Sanctuary (28/7/10)

The Eternal Forest Trust, a Pwllheli-based charity, is best known for providing woodland burials and dedications, but this is only one facet of its work.  Its motto, "Connecting the Cycles of Life", reflects its concern with all the plants, birds, butterflies and other life-forms in the wood.

The Trust has been awarded a grant by Environment Wales to create new paths for visitors to Boduan Sanctuary Wood, near Pwllheli. The first new path will provide access to the stream that runs alongside the wood, across ground that's carpeted with bluebells in the Spring. Work on this path began on Sunday 25th July, when a group of volunteers started to lift bluebell bulbs from the route for transplanting into other parts of the wood.

The heavy work will be done by professionals, but The Charity is seeking more volunteers to help move plants during August and September. Volunteers lifting bluebell bulbs near the stream in Boduan Sanctuary Wood.

If you would like to find out more or think you can help:
Phone: 01758 612006 or 07968 167204
Visit: www.eternalforest.org
 

Steam Trains Return for 2010 (26/7/10)

The success of steam trains on the Cambrian Coast line to Pwllheli in previous years has meant that this year the service along the full stretch of the line has been extended to three days a week. Trains will run from Machynlleth to Porthmadog Monday to Friday until August 30th, and to Pwllheli each Monday, Wednesday and Friday during this period.

The first train arrived in Pwllheli today.

Find out more by on the West Coast Railways website...
  

Wakeparc is one of a kind in Wales (20/7/10)

The first Wakepark in Wales opened at Glasfryn Activity Parc near Pwllheli on Friday 16th July 2010 with a
Sesitec System 2.0 cable-tow. Wakeboarding behind the Sesitec System 2.0 is ideal for absolute beginners as well as the more experienced rider.

"I am delighted that we've been able to establish the first wakepark in Wales at Glasfryn Parc. This should be a real boost for North Wales. To ensure we've
had the best professional guidance, we've worked closely with the team at Alliance Wakeboard, the leading experts in the wakeboarding industry." Commented Jonathan Williams Ellis, owner of Glasfryn Parc.

"The perfect conditions provided by the fresh-water lake at Glasfryn Parc, which is protected by mature trees, means that this is the ideal location to learn how to wakeboard. No need to rely on a boat or waiting for perfect conditions at sea. The cable can be used whatever the weather and is the most accessible way to get into wakeboarding. Wakeboarding is one of the fastest growing sports and I'm delighted that visitors to Glasfryn Parc can now try this for themselves." He continued.

Glasfryn Wakeparc is committed to providing great wakeboarding for complete beginners and experienced riders alike. There are two fantastic obstacles in place for the more experienced rider to try out their skills. For those looking to learn air tricks, there is a ramp.... And Glasfryn Parc is delighted to have the Relentless Leviathan rail.... the very one that was used by the pro-riders in Wakestock 2010.

Booking is recommended to avoid disappointment but you can just rock up and ride (depending on availability). Visitors are welcome to just go along to watch. To book your session, please call 01766 810 202 or email info@glasfryn.co.uk.

For further information: www.glasfryn.co.uk
 

Chwilgig '10 (20/7/10)

This year's Chwilgig is currently being organised, and a weekend full of top Welsh bands and other activities is promised. The event will start with a concert in Chwilog Village Hall on Thursday 26th August and then move on to the Madryn pub for three further nights of entertainment. More information can be found on the event's Facebook page, please click here...
 

Summer Storm Batters Llyn (16/7/10)

Last night the Llyn Peninsula, along with much of North West Wales, was battered by one of the worst summer storms for years. Winds of over 80mph combined with a very high tide causing boats to come adrift from their moorings in Porthmadog and Borth-y-Gest, whilst boats stored on the top of Abersoch Main Beach were also damaged.

With trees in full leaf, branches were pulled down, and many roads were lined with green fallen leaves and branches today, some blocked by much larger branches.

Power cuts affected many parts, including Pwllheli, and in places such as Llangybi, it was this afternoon before power was restored.

Damaged boats @ Abersoch: Dianne Williams

Awnings down at Pen-y-Berth: Dianne Williams

Find out more:
BBC News
Abersoch.co.uk
 

Wakeparc to open at Glasfryn (14/7/10)

Glasfryn Parc's newest attraction will be it's wakeparc, offering wakeboarders at all levels (including beginners) the chance to try out their skills on the lake in their grounds.

The opening of this facility, which will be the only one of it's kind in Wales, comes less than a fortnight after this years Wakestock festival in nearby Pwllheli. Visit Wales signs at the event called the peninsula the Wake District, and this really seems to be case!

The wakeparc opens on Friday 16th of July 2010 and there is more information on the Glasfryn Parc website: www.glasfryn.co.uk
 

Warning to Conserve Water this Summer (13/7/10)

Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) has written to all households on the Llyn Peninsula informing them of the drought current situation. This year so far has been the driest since 1929 for our area and the Tecwyn Uchaf reservoir near Trawsfynydd which supplies the peninsula is about two thirds full. The water supplier says this is the first drought year for this area in over 15 years.

With water usage rising during the warm weather, Dwr Cymru is asking everyone to not waste water, and there is more information at www.dwrcymru.com
 

Unveilings at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw (11/7/10)

The Summer Exhibition for 2010 was opened today in Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog by Elfyn Llwyd AS/MP. The gallery is holding it's Summer Exhibition until September 5th, and work from 36 artists is on view, including Welsh Artist of the Year, Elfyn Lewis.

Also unveiled at the opening was a new donation box, created by craftsman Berno Brosschot, originally from the Netherlands, who has lived on Llyn for many years and is a fluent Welsh speaker.

There's more information about Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, as well as it's volunteer friends who help keep the gallery running at www.oriel.org.uk

Elfyn Llwyd AS/MP places the first donation into the new collector, alongside Steve Taylor who enabled the box to light up when money is donated, Berno Brosschot who created it and gallery director Gwyn Jones.
 

Well Done Pwllheli (11/7/10)

As testiment to how well last weekends Wakestock Festival was organised and to the welcome offered to visitors by local people, it was touching to see a letter from a group of students in Birmingham in this weeks Caernarfon and Denbigh Herald:

'We write on behalf of a group of 10 students at Birmingham University, who enjoyed a superb Wakestock weekend.
Thank you Pwllheli for your welcome. Now, we have first hand experience of the true meaning of "croeso".
The entire Principality should be proud of Pwllheli, a seaside gem blessed with a plethora of small independant shops and businesses - all with courtious staff.
Thanks also to the Conservative Club, where we wolfed our daily breakfasts in regal style.
Finally, a special thanks to the dedicated council staff, who kept the town centre conveniences in pristine condition throughout the long Wakestock weekend. We'll return and keep doing so.
Goodbye Wales' super hospitality and warmth.'
Gary Spall, Anne Henry, Wynne S. Muffett
Aston, Birmingham
(Taken from Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald, July 8, 2010)

Pwllheli is clearly doing something right, and let's hope this continues for many years to come!
 

Wakestock Results (4/7/10)

It's been a busy weekend for festival goers at this years Wakestock with plenty of action during the day in Pwllheli and Abersoch and of course there has been fantastic music well into the night on the festival site in Penrhos!

Over the last 3 days, the competition has been fierce in Pwllheli, and tonight Phil Soven has been announced as this years winner for the men, and Amber Wing for the women - well done!

> Daily Photos from Friday
> Daily Photos from Saturday
> Photos from festival site
> John Wormald's photos
 

Wakestock Weekend Lineup (30/6/10)

Wakestock is almost upon us, and if you're wondering what's on when, then hopefully our quick guide will point you in the right direction:

Welsh Learners trip to Cardiff (24/6/10)

Welsh learners from Llyn enjoyed an end of term trip to Caerdydd (Cardiff) to learn about the Welsh Assembly and of course, the capital city of Wales.

A few members of the group (including myself!) were lucky enough to meet and have a panad with Tim Rhys-Evans, conductor of 'Only Men Aloud' - a South Wales choir which found fame on the BBC's Last Choir Standing programme:

If you are interested in learning Welsh, then the following links and contacts may help:

Bangor University Courses:
A programme of part time and more intensive courses in centres across North Wales
 
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Pwllheli:
Part time courses across the area - 01758 701 385
 
Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen:
National Language and Heritage Centre offers more intensive courses
 
LearnCymraeg.org:
Info for Welsh learners across North Wales
 

Help Care for our Coast (20/6/10)

With the glorious weather we're having at the moment, it's no wonder the beaches have been busy. Our fantastic coastline is something which undoubtedly needs taking care of, and there are a couple of events taking place in the next couple of weeks to do just that.

There's a beach clean and fun on Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) on the 26th June from 11am onwards - please dress to suit the weather if you fancy going along!

Also there's some bracken bashing taking place in Abersoch on June 29th and July 6th from 7pm both days. Meet at the Golf Road Car Park if you'd like to join in - organisers ask that you go along with a stick! (Bracken bashing organised by Sustainable Abersoch Cynaliadwy).

Of course, everyone can do their bit this summer by not leaving any litter on the beaches (or anywhere else other than a bin!) and by generally taking care not to harm the environment around them.
 

Midsummers Night Photos (20/6/10)

As I found out last night, it was indeed the shortest night of the year and there was still a glimmer of daylight at 1am! It was also the final night of the Criccieth Festival, with fireworks from the castle causing a fire on the dry hillside, not helped by the wind. Check out the photos in our daily photos special update.
 

Abersoch 10K Success (6/6/10)

For a second year, the Abersoch 10K run proved very popular yesterday. There was also a 3K beach run, and hundreds took part in the races, for which the weather was kind.

For results, click here...
For photos by John Wormald, click here...
 

Timothy Spall filming at Porthdinllaen (4/6/10)

As part of a series of programmes tracking his journey around the coast of Britain, Timothy Spall has been filming today in Porthdinllaen. Thanks to Ian Greenwood for these photos:

Refurbished Self Catering Cottage Available Now(4/6/10)

If you're looking for a quality self catering holiday cottage, check out Bryn Tirion. The cottages lies in the peaceful village of Tudweiliog which has an award winning pub and also a shop/post office, the nearest beach is about a mile away.

The cottage has recently been completely refurbished and offers comfortable accommodation for upto 4 people, with a large parking area to the front.

With availability for summer 2010, why not book a last minute holiday in Bryn Tirion? For more information see their website: www.bryntirion.com

Seal in Hafan Pwllheli (3/6/10)

As promised, here is a photo of the seal who came into the marina yesterday. He was seen at several places around the marina, often with fish in his mouth!

Llyn Enjoys Heat Wave! (25/5/10)

Since the low cloud and sea fog cleared last Thursday, it's been sunshine all the way for most of the peninsula with temperatures into the twenties and light winds over the weekend - its been better than many resorts in the Mediterranean!

Extra photos are now online from Sunday, probably the best day. The good weather seems to have enticed people out with their cameras! Daily photos available from Saturday and Sunday.

The weather looks to be cooling down now as we head towards the Bank Holiday, but as ever, it can be very hard to predict the weather we will actually get here on the Llyn Peninsula!
 

Special Offer Walking Holidays (21/5/10)

Llyn Walking Holidays have on offer a limited number of places on fully inclusive, guided walking holidays starting on either the 1st or 17th July for 7 days.

An ideal opportunity to enjoy some of the best scenery in the country! Please contact Llyn Walking Holidays on 07812 129 532 to check availability and book, or click here to email for more information.

There is also more information on the Llyn Walking Holidays website.
 

New Shearwater Arrives at Pwllheli (14/5/10)

For those, like me, who have been waiting for the arrival of the new Shearwater which will resume wildlife cruises around the coast of the peninsula - good news! She is now moored up in Hafan Pwllheli.

Skipper Alan Gray is equally excited: "We brought her back yesterday. She is fantastic, went out this morning in a huge swell with the MCA from Liverpool, who, because we are in their operating area have to issue us with the passenger certificate. They (and us) were very impressed with the way she handled everything - fantastic!!"

"The voyage up from Padstow, was incredible, taking just under 9 hours." Alan says that they were accompanied by Common Dolphins along the way which are different to the bottlenose and occassionally Rissos varieties we see around the coast of Llyn.

The new "Shearwater" moored up in Hafan Pwllheli
 

Dating Old Welsh Houses Update (14/5/10)

We featured this new project back at the start of the year, and several months on there have been many developments which are outlined in the project's newsletter, which can be read here...
 

Farmers Market & Classic Trials (14/5/10)

Glasfryn Parc is delighted to be hosting regular Farmer’s Markets and welcoming a wide selection of local producers to the monthly markets. These are taking place on the first Saturday of each month. The next market is on Saturday 5th June from 10am - 3pm.

There will be over twenty local producers selling a wide range of fresh products including farm-fresh meat, paté, chutneys, preserves, cheese ice-cream, confectionary, freshly baked cakes and loads more. There will also be a selection of craft stalls including handmade herbal products, slate crafts and greeting cards.

On the 5th June, Glasfryn Parc will also be welcoming the 130 classic cars taking part in the Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial. Each of these classic beauties, including Bentleys, Porsches, Morgans and Healeys dating from the 1920's, will take a turn on the go-kart track for a timed trial between 10am - 1.30pm. (Unfortunately there will be no go-karting from 10am - 1.30pm on 5th June. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but hope that our visitors enjoy watching the spectacle of the classic cars and visiting the Farmer's Market.)

For more information, please see Glasfryn Parc's website at www.glasfryn.co.uk.

Farmers Market at Glasfryn Parc
 

Sioe Nefyn Highlights Online (11/5/10)

If you missed the programme on S4C showing highlights from this year's Sioe Nefynon which aired on Sunday night, it is available for the next month online at:

http://www.s4c.tv/clic/e_level2.shtml?programme_id=369979868

English subtitles are available by clicking the owl logo in the bottom right corner.
 

Blue Flag Beaches for 2010 Announced (11/5/10)

This year's blue flag awards have been annouced for beaches which meet the strict criteria for cleanliness needed to be able to fly the well known flag.

Beaches around the peninsula that have been given the award this year are:

Criccieth's Prominade Beach
Marian-y-De Pwllheli (South Beach)
Abersoch
Dinas Dinlle

Awards are also given to marinas which also meet the strict critera, and Hafan Pwllheli has once again been awarded the blue flag.
 

Election 2010 (7/5/10)

The Llyn Peninsula, as part of the constituency of Dwyfor-Meirionydd, remains with Plaid Cymru's Elfyn Llwyd as it's MP in Westminster. There was however, a considerable swing towards the Conservatives.

Full results from the BBC...
 

Classic Trial coming to Glasfryn Parc (28/4/10)

On Saturday 5th June, Glasfryn Parc will be welcoming all the particpants in the Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial who will be coming to the Parc for a timed trial.  Each of these classic beauties, including Bentleys, Porsches, Morgans and Healeys dating from the 1920's, will take a turn on the go-kart track. The timed trials will take place from 10am - 1pm. Please note that there will be no go-karting on the morning of Saturday 5th June.

This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to the Parc to see these spectacular cars at such close quarters and talk to the owners, drivers and event organisers. For more information on the Three Castles Classic Welsh Classic Trial, please visit www.three-castles.co.uk

New Walking Packages on Offer (28/4/10)

Llyn Walking Holidays have added some new special walking holiday packages to their range. The new packages are for larger groups or couples/individuals who would like to be part of a larger group on specific dates. Find out more at www.llynwalkingholidays.co.uk
 

Fantastic Dolphin Sighting (19/4/10)

It seems that the dolphins too are enjoying the super spring sunshine which we are still basking in here on the Llyn Peninsula.

John Wormald of Totally Abersoch posted a link to the photos on Facebook earlier saying "My boat driver, Paul "Mad Dog" McCann got these shots yesterday just off St Tudwal's West Island. He doesn't often get anything in focus so these aren't bad for him. Look out for the light grey baby."

You can view the photos by clicking here...
 

Llyn Basks in Beautiful Spring Weather (11/4/10)
 
Spring has finally sprung, with temperatures soaring to nearly 20°C in the sunshine over this weekend - a late treat for those who are finishing their school holidays today, whilst for those who have another week, the weather looks like it will stay fine and sunny for a few more days to come.

The light winds and warm sunshine are a world away from the snow and gales that battered the peninsula little over a week ago! Let's hope this fantastic weather is a sign of a good summer to come!


New Shearwater Launched in Cornwall (4/4/10)
 
The new Shearwater is now afloat in Padstow, Cornwall - it was hoped she would be in Pwllheli by now, but the bad weather during last week has prevented sea trials and certification - hopefully this will happen in the next couple of weeks and we'll see her arrive in Pwllheli soon.

The new Shearwater afloat in Padstow
 
 
Coastwatch Station Officially Opens (3/4/10)
 
The new coastwatch station at Porthdinllaen officially opened today - from where volunteers will monitor the surrounding waters on the north coast of the peninsula, and work with the coast guard and RNLI in their rescue efforts.
 
The station was opened by the wife of Maldwyn Jones, who drowned a couple of years ago and was discovered in the bay at Morfa Nefyn. It is hoped that the service provided by the station will help avoid similar tragedies in the future.

The official opening of Porthdinllaen Coastwatch Station
 
 
Criccieth Festival Programme Released (3/4/10)
 
This year sees the 23rd Criccieth Festival, bringing a wide variety of events to the town over a 9 day period in June. Earlier this week the programme was launched and a new 'business friends' scheme announced.
 
To take a look at the programme, or to find out how to support the festival by becoming an individual or business friend, please see their new website - click here...
 
 
Stormy end to March (31/3/10)
 
They say March can come in like a lamb and out like a lion, and that has certainly been the case this year, with the dry and settled first half of the month - so dry that fires were burning all over the place - and today, gales along with heavy rain, sleet and snow battered the peninsula.

Stormy scenes at Morfa Nefyn

A dusting of snow on Yr Eifl
 

Guided Walks on offer this Easter (24/3/10)

If you would like to get out and walk this Easter but are not sure where to go, why not join a guided walk and discover more of our beautiful local area? There are three walks on offer from Llyn Walking Holidays:

 

Dating Old Welsh Houses - can you help? (4/1/

10)

This exciting new project is currently taking place in Llyn and other parts of Gwynedd in the spring of 2010. Funds have been raised from the Llyn AONB SDF, Cist Gwynedd RDF, the HLF and other grants. NOW we need additional OLD BUILDINGS whose owners would like them to be considered for FREE dating. The building should be thought to have been built before the early 1600s; they need to have original timbers, preferably roof timbers and beams. We use specialist dendrochronologists to take samples for tree ring dating; other specialists then prepare a record of the building and its timbers which owners would receive free. Please get in touch soon if you would like to know more!

We also need additional VOLUNTEERS to come for a day's FREE training and then work in small groups, with help, to discover the history of these houses and their families through documentary research. The next training day in Gwynedd is on 11th January 2010. Later we will need help with our website, displays, material for schools, preparing and giving talks and guided visits.

We have a quarterly Newsletter, a "Dendro Project" Friends organisation, and we are about to launch a website (www.datingoldwelshhouses.co.uk). All our printed material is bilingual.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION please contact us at datingoldwelshhouses@uwclub.net.


Local Guided Walks this Winter (4/1/10)

Sustainable Abersoch Cynaliadwy are promoting a programme of walks in January/February in conjunction with Rhodwyr Llyn/Llyn Ramblers (Thursdays) and Gorwel/Horizon (Wednesdays). Mostly easy walks of 4-6 miles length around the peninsula. All welcome.

More information/Mwy o wybodaeth...


Wintry Weather (1/1/09)

Snow has fallen on much of the peninsula this afternoon and evening, leaving a good covering in many places. There have been some tricky conditions on the roads with one car ending up on it's roof in a hedge next the A497 near Llanystumdwy.

Tonight also saw lightning off the west coast, visible from much of the peninsula. The wintry weather and bright full moon has created a very white scene tonight!


New Year's Day Sea Dips (1/1/10)

The cold January weather didn't put people off taking part in sea dips around the peninsula today. In Abersoch and Morfa Nefyn crowds of people watched as those brave enough the enter the water made a run for it, many in fancy dress and raising money for the RNLI.

Luckily the dips took place before the sleet and snow came in this afternoon!

Abersoch - thanks to Michelle Lines for these photos:





Morfa Nefyn:






Blwyddyn Newydd Dda - Happy New Year (31/12/09)

As 2009 draws to a close it is interesting to look back over the past 12 months whilst also looking ahead to the next 12. A glance down this news page will give you a quick recap of how the year unfolded, from Llyn.info's relaunch in March to a glorious Easter, and a not so glorious August but with plenty going on - there was then more fine weather into autumn, capped off with some snowy weather more recently. During the last 12 months Llyn.info has received 2.85 million hits and this figure is one that continues to rise.

Hopefully the next year will be a good one, 2010 will see Llyn.info's 8th Birthday and there's bound to be plenty going on throughout the year.

If you would like to contribute to Llyn.info, please do not hesitate to get in touch, just email webmaster@llyn.info - we look forward to hearing from you.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda at pawb sy wedi cefnogi Llyn.info!
Happy New Year to everyone who has supported Llyn.info!


Snow! (19/12/09)

Parts of the peninsula have been covered in snow this morning, with up to a couple of inches in places - look out for daily photos later! (Daily photos here...) The snow stretched from Llanbedrog eastwards and north to Boduan, leaving the west and north coasts clear.

There have been a few reports of accidents on some of the roads in affected areas, and more snow and ice is forecast for the rest of the weekend.


Snow in Chwilog this morning


Festive Fun Run in Pwllheli (3/12/09)

This year's Lions Club Festive Fun Run is in aid of the Pwllheli Football Club under 16s. ANYONE can run, walk, wheel themselves, be pushed or simply exercise the dog around the very short course. The only rule is that some sort of Chrismas fancy dress must be worn. Sponsor forms are available from Yale and Hemmings. There will also be bucket rattling for those who wish to come along and watch to donate money. The more there the merrier, and the sillier the costumes the more people will enjoy it!

More info...   Yn Gymraeg...


Vote to Protect our Coast (2/12/09)

The Marine Conservation Society has a facility on it's website where visitors can vote on selected sites around our coast that they think should be protected. There are three sites around the coast of Llyn that are listed: Cricieth, St. Tudwal's Islands and off Porthdinllaen. Find out more and vote at: http://www.yourseasyourvoice.com/mpa/?region=6#


Santa to visit Glasfryn Parc (30/11/09)

Make a magical start to the festive season by visiting Glasfryn Parc. Father Christmas and his elves will be ready to meet all the children and give them a present from 12pm - 4pm on the first three weekends in December. There will be a free homemade mince pie and glass of mulled wine (or tea or coffee) for each accompanying adult. Tickets are £4.00 each. Santa's grotto at Glasfryn Parc is being run in aid of the RNLI and you can find out more at www.glasfryn.co.uk


Festive Events (30/11/09)

This week sees two towns on the peninsula offically turn on their Christmas lights with late night opening in many shops on the night of the celebrations. Tuesday 1st December will see celebrations in Pwllheli, whilst Thursday 3rd December is Croeso 'Dolig in Cricieth.


Local Producer Wins "Food Oscar of Wales" (22/11/09)

Siop Fferm Glasfryn has beaten 26 other entries from across Wales to win the prestigious True Taste Farm Enterprise Award.

Wales' True Taste Food & Drink Awards are managed by the Welsh Assembly Government and is in its 8th year of operation. The awards have become widely recognized in the food and drink industry and with consumers alike as providing evidence of good quality produce. Regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the Welsh food and drink industry it has helped establish the credibility of a Welsh food brand within the retail sector and with consumers generally.

The judging for the Farm Enterprise Award was based on evidence of awareness of market requirements, of working with others in the supply chain and an awareness of key market drivers such as localness, distinctiveness of taste and high animal welfare. Entries underwent rigorous scrutiny by a panel of expert judges.

The winners of the True Taste Awards were revealed at a ceremony in Abergavenny’s historic Market Hall hosted by award-winning television and radio presenter, Sarah Dickins on Thursday 19th November. The ceremony will be televised at 10.35pm on ITV1 on Thursday 26th November. Siop Fferm Glasfryn, which opened in 2001 and produces the Great Taste Gold Star Cig Moch Pen Llyn Bacon, was awarded Gold in the Farm Enterprise category. “I am absolutely delighted that Siop Fferm Glasfryn has been recognised with this extremely prestigious award.” Commented Jonathan Williams-Ellis.  “We sell Llyn Lamb and Welsh Black Beef which has been raised on the farm at Glasfryn. This way we know that the quality of the product is second to none. We also produce Cig Moch Pen Llyn bacon which is cured and smoked on site using traditional methods to ensure maximum flavour and no shrinkage during cooking. Our customers can therefore be assured of both the provenance and quality of our products.” He continued.

Siop Fferm Glasfryn is open seven days a week from 10am – 6pm and sells products to both trade and retail customers. Cig Moch Pen Llyn is available from the Siop Fferm Glasfryn and most good local food retailers.  RRP per pack (185g): £2.74. For further information, please visit www.siop-glasfryn.com or call 01766 810 202.


Jonathan Williams-Ellis with the Farm Enterprise trophy won by Siop Fferm Glasfryn at The True Taste Food & Drink Awards.


Wet Weather (18/11/09)

Late update: Severe wind now seems to be the main cause for concern tomorrow with some forecasts of gusts of over 70mph - which could cause disruption.

The weather has certainly turned very autumnal over the last few days, with plenty of wind and rain hitting the peninsula. Winds of over 60 mph have been recorded in Aberdaron and heavy rain has lead to many low lying fields flooding.

There is more rain forecast over the next few days and disruption on roads which are liable to flood seems likely. We'll try and post some daily photos when we can! In the meantime, keep in touch with the latest forecasts here...
 

Llyn.info Calendar Update (12/11/09)

The Llyn.info calendar for 2010 has been available for a couple of months now and is proving popular in the four outlets which are stocking them around the peninsula.

We have already raised in excess of £150 for the air ambulance and hopefully this figure will still swell much further. Thanks to those who are helping us distribute next year's calendar and raise money for such a good cause:

Eleri Stores, Aberdaron
Gwin Llyn Wines, Pwllheli
Londis Llanbedrog
Y Bryncynan, Morfa Nefyn

If you cannot get to pick your calendar up in person, then they are also available online via our shop. Thanks to those who have already picked up a calendar and donated.


October Events at Glasfryn Parc (13/10/09)
Glasfryn Parc are holding a Game Evening and Halloween party this month:



Following the success of last year’s event, Siop Fferm Glasfryn will again be hosting a Game Evening & Cooking Demonstration at Glasfryn Parc. The event is to be held in the new Dining Room at 6.30pm on Wednesday 28th October.
 
“Local celebrity chef, Mel Thomas, cooked up a storm at last year’s event and we are delighted that he will be joining us again, together with Glasfryn Parc’s own chef, Nigel Higginbottom” said Jonathan Williams-Ellis.

Many people enjoy eating game but are less confident about cooking it for themselves. Chef Mel Thomas will unravel the mystery and demonstrate several quick and simple ways to cook delicious dishes using a variety of Game raised on the Estate at Glasfryn. There will be plenty of opportunity to taste the food cooked and enjoy Glasfryn’s hospitality.

There will also be a Halloween Party at Glasfryn Parc on Saturday 31st October with children's fancy dress from 5pm - 7pm with various games and activities and a FREE goody bag for every child in fancy dress.  Adult fancy dress starts from 7pm-late with prizes for the best outfit.

Local Property now on Llyn.info (21/9/09)
We have teamed up with local estate agents Yale and Hemmings and now have a selection of local property on Llyn.info. Martin Hemmings also added that they are constantly on the look out for new properties to market - and you can contact them on 01758 612 233 for more information.

To browse this month's featured properties please visit our new Property Guide.


A Blast from the Past (14/9/09)
The latest addition to Llyn.info is a gallery of old photographs from the area, kindly given by Lyn Relph.

Pwllheli harbour is probably one of the areas on the peninsula which has changed most in recent times. Lyn's photos give a glimpse back in time, before the marina and the surrounding area was developed.

Lyn has also sent photos of the landslides along the coast at Nefyn in 2001, as well as the destruction from tidal flooding near Dinas Dinlle.

You can see the gallery by clicking here, and if you have any old photos from Llyn, then we'd love to see them! Please email us at webmaster@llyn.info and it would be great to add your photos to the gallery too.


Summer Set to Return! (8/9/09)
You'd be forgiven for thinking it was autumn over the last couple of weeks, but things look set to improve tomorrow, and for a good few days after that! The 8 day forecast looks dry and sunny at the moment, showing that while the school holidays may be over, the summer isn't necessarily:


Weather Online 8-day forecast 8/9/09
More weather on Llyn.info>


Fungus Foray this Sunday (8/9/09)

Yesterday, the first of several planned coastwatch stations to open around the coast of Llyn held it's first open day. The look out will not be fully functional until next year, however, volunteers are already getting prepared and were on hand to explain what service the lookout will provide.

After at least 12 months of struggling through a narrow channel at the entrance to Pwllheli harbour and marina, dredging has finally begun to clear some of the sediment which has built up there.

As more major sailing competitions come to the town this week, it is good to see that work is being done to keep the town's boating facilities up to the high standard that has been set here in the past, though there is still plenty more to do!

If anyone else has noticed "Shearwater's" absence so far this year, that is because the old "Shearwater" has now gone, to be replaced with "Shearwater II" which will hopefully arrive in Pwllheli soon and will once again be offering trips around the beautiful coastline of Llyn.

Skipper Alan Gray is excited about the new boat's arrival: "We will have a separate galley, a double-decker arrangement with more passenger seating, a forward dolphin viewing platform on the fore-deck, underwater video so everyone can see what is going on beneath the boat (particularly when the dolphins are bow-riding), hot and cold running water in the washbasin in the toilet, disabled facilities, a lounge with sofa-type seating, points for P.Cs for our scientist groups etc."

We will have more on "Shearwater II" following its arrival in Pwllheli, in the meantime we have this mock image of how the new boat will look:

Sheepdog Rescued from Cliff (20/4/09)

On our return from Enlli (Bardsey) yesterday, we saw a dog which had been missing since Friday, stuck on a ledge of cliff near Aberdaron. I am glad to say that the 7 month old collie was rescued successfully last night.