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.