Abersoch | |
---|---|
Abersoch Bay from Machroes |
|
Abersoch shown within Gwynedd | |
Population | 783 (Ward 2011) |
OS grid reference | SH312281 |
Community | |
Principal area | |
Ceremonial county | |
Country | Wales |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | Pwllheli |
Postcode district | LL53 |
Dialling code | 01758 |
Police | North Wales |
Fire | North Wales |
Ambulance | Welsh |
EU Parliament | Wales |
UK Parliament | |
Welsh Assembly | |
Abersoch is a large village in the community of Llanengan in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a popular coastal seaside resort with about 1,000 inhabitants, on the east-facing south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula at the southern terminus of the A499. It is about 7 miles (11 km) south-west of Pwllheli and 27 miles (43 km) south-west of the county town of Caernarfon. The village takes its name from the river, Afon Soch, which reaches the sea in the village.
Originally a fishing port, Abersoch is now a tourist centre specialising in dinghy sailing and other watersports such as windsurfing and jet-skiing. Nearby Porth Neigwl, or Hell's Mouth, is also popular for surfing; it can hold large swells in the winter which can reach 5 feet (1.5m); however south-westerly prevailing winds can affect quality.
Each year since 2000 Abersoch has been host to , a wakeboarding event. The Big Air competition on the main beach is held in July.
The village has had a lifeboat station since 1869.
Central Abersoch has a variety of small shops as well as bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Boat trips around St Tudwal's Islands to see the seals and other wildlife are available from the village. Abersoch is also popular for its close proximity to Snowdonia National Park, with Snowdon being visible from Abersoch Bay on clear days. There is an 18-hole golf course.
Abersoch has a primary school for 3 to 8 year olds. The neighbouring village of Sarn Bach has a primary school for 3 to 11 year olds. The two schools between them educate 74 pupils. The closest specialist school is Ysgol Hafod Lon in Pwllheli. Year 7 pupils travel to Ysgol Botwnnog, 5 miles (8.0 km) inland, which is mostly a Welsh medium school. Some non Welsh speakers tend to attend Ysgol Glan y Mor in Pwllheli, 7 miles (11 km) away.