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Tours > Wales > Porthmadoc
Porthmadoc
A former ship-building center, and now a mecca for sailing enthusiasts, Porthmadog is the southern gateway to the Llyn Peninsular, that stretches out to the west and the Celtic Sea. Much of the town developed as a result of local landowner William Madocks' reclamation of the Glaslyn Estuary, including the one-mile long embankment (now a toll road), called "the Cob." The poet Shelley contributed to the Cob's repair after it had been nearly washed away in a gale. Many fine, ocean-going ships were built here in the last century; carrying slate to various ports all over the world, they were known as Western Ocean Yachts.
Black Rock Sands is a popular summer venue, as well as Borth Y Gest, a suburb located on the sea. The Gwynedd Maritime Museum recalls the days when the town was a busy port. The Porthmadog Pottery has become world-famous for its beautiful designs and shapes. Visitors can try their hand at the wheel or at painting.
For rail enthusiasts, Porthmadog is a must. It is a terminus of the old Welsh Highland Railway that once linked the town with Dinas, near Caernarfon. Some of the line has been restored, with more planned. A far more exciting run is found on the Ffestiniog Railway that climbs high above the estuary to Blaenau Ffestiniog, about one hour's journey through wild, mountain scenery.
Many visitors to Porthmadog include a short detour to the fantasy village of Portmeirion, created through the inspiration of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis to prove that the landscape need not be spoiled by the intrusion of man-made edifices. First conceived in 1926, the village has been built out of the remains of many estates that were being needlessly and carelessly demolished all over Britain.
The result is a dreamy, romantic masterpiece that has been likened to the Italian town of Portofino. In this "home for fallen buildings," there is also a modern hotel, run as part of the Portmeirion Foundation to help preserve the vision of the architect. Aficionados of the British television's 1960's series, "The Prisoner" will recognize the setting and many of the unusual buildings.
Next Stop: Criccieth
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