Nefyn is a small seaside resort on the north coast of the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, North Wales. Nefyn is best known for it's beautiful unspoilt seafront, clean sea and sandy beaches, but in days gone by it was renowned as the medieval borough chosen by King Edward 1 of England to host a tournament to celebrate his conquest of Wales in 1284. To this day, there is an area on the outskirts of the town known as Cae Iorwerth (Edward's Field).

In the 21st century Nefyn is ideally placed to capitalise on the resurgence in the traditional seaside holidays in the UK and Wales, and is especially popular with those seeking environmentally friendly holidays. But the people of Nefyn can not rest on their laurels and they need to stay on their guard as the potential influx of power boats and noisy jet skies could cause more damage to the town and it's environment than a medieval English King and all his armies!

History

Nefyn would have been a resting place for the many pilgrims on their way to Enys Enlli (Bardsey Island), at the tip of the peninsula. However, the old church of St Mary's is now a maritime museum, and no longer tends to the needs of the pilgrims but rather to the curiosity of the many tourists who now visit this isolated part of North West Wales. The maritime tradition has always been an important part of the history of Nefyn and fishing was a major source of income for many in Nefyn. Indeed the town's coat-of-arms bears three herrings.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

Walks: Footpaths criss-cross the Llyn Peninsula and there is much to explore both on the coastal strip and in the hinterland. The Llyn Coastal Path weaves its way through the village en route from the slopes of The Rivals via Nant Gwytherin to Penrhyn Nefyn, Porth Dinllaen and on to Bardsey Island at the tip of the peninsula. The views across the clear blue waters of Nefyn beach are phenomenal, with the Rivals to the east and the headland of Porth Dinllaen to the west.

A popular walk, which requires no preparation other than a bottle of water and a sandwich for a snack, is a walk to Trwyn Porth Dinllaen, or Porth Dinllaen Point. The trail follows the headland above Nefyn beach and follows the coastline round Penrhyn Nefyn and on through Morfa Nefyn, keeping to the headland before dropping down on to the beach in the centre of Porth Dinllaen Bay. Continue to Trwyn Porth Dinllaen, before returning through Nefyn Golf Course. This walk can be completed in a half a day and has the advantage of a pub, the Ty Coch Inn, at the half way point. I must warn you however that if you take children on this walk it will be difficult to drag them away from Porth Dinllaen beach, one of the best rock pooling beaches around.

Water-sports: With the increasing availability of sea kayaks and canoes, more and more are taking to the waters off Nefyn and the Welsh coast. No longer is the sea considered the sole domain of yachts and motor boats, and families and indeed anglers employ these smaller crafts to explore the coastline, or to simply have fun.