The tiny fishing village of Aberdaron, at the tip of the Llyn Peninsula on the north west coast of Wales, has for many centuries served the needs of pilgrims on their way to Bardsey, the & # 39; isle of twenty thousand saints & # 39; .
And with the village & # 39; s prosperity to the Three pilgrimages to Bardsey are equal to one to Rome, so Bardsey was a very important religious site - especially for poor folk, for whatever a pilgrimage to Rome island (Aberdaron is the last village on the mainland before crossing the Bardsey Sound), Aberdaron grew in importance; stopping at Aberdaron was the last opportunity for pilgrims to rest and eat before making the many dangerous crossing to the island.
If you visit Aberdaron today, the first thing you 'll notice is how old and quaint the village is.
The River Daron, whose mouth gives the village its name (in Welsh, & # 39; aber & # 39; means means there is no modern buildings in Aberdaron, most of the village is, or at least. the mouth of a river, so & # 39; aber Daron & # 39; means & # 39; the mouth of the Daron & # 39; is crossed by a simple yet beautiful stone bridge, which adds to the character of the village.
Y Gegin Fawr (the Great Kitchen), one of the oldest buildings in the village, dates back to the 13th century. It started life as a communal kitchen where pilgrims on their way to Bardsey would stop off to eat and rest while waiting for the Boat across to the island. While parts of the building have been altered over the centuries, the building & # 39; s layout is still much as it is was originally.
Some of the most beautiful buildings in Aberdaron is St Hywyn & # 39; s Church, which overlooks the sea. Some of the original The church was renamed in the 19th century but part of the Norman structure still stand. The church is also home to two tombstones that have been dated to the fifth fifth or early sixth century.
Visitor to the church are fascinated by the exhibition about the famous poet RS Thomas, who was vicar of St Hywyn & # 39; s from 1967 to 1978 and his works were frequently inspired by the local landscape.
A building in Aberdaron that might surprise it's a private home. The building looks as if it is it? It is created by Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion & # 39; s architect, in the mid-20 th century.
Apart from the beautiful old buildings, what is there to see and do in Aberdaron?
There 's a wonderful beach, which is popular with families, walkers and watersports enthusiasts. Nearby is Porth Meudwy, depending on the time of year and conditions it & # 39; s possible to take a boat trip to Bardsey and discover the island & # 39; s fascinating history and folklore (there are many tales connecting King Arthur to this part of Britain, including one which says his ship is wrecked at the bottom of the Bardsey Sound).
The Llyn Coastal Path is popular with visitors and locals alike; a walk on the path is a west to discover the beautiful landscape and seascape of the Llyn Peninsula, and from parts of the path on a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.
Wildlife watching is a popular activity in the area. Watch the animal. Watch the women in the area. skies, too; there are many varieties of birds to be seen, such as puffins, Manx shearwater and chough.
A visit to Aberdaron, for all like modern conveniences like tarmacked roads, electricity, phones and the like, feels like stepping back in time. for these that are prepared to stand still with it and soak up all the character that & # 39; s being left behind by over a millennium & # 39; s worth of being loved by all who visit.
