introduction
North Wales; Stemonitis; 25.10.05
North Wales borders England to its east, the Irish Sea to its west and South Wales along its southern border. North Wales has its solid core, die-hard users of the Welsh language and probably has the strongest Welsh identity. The industrial southern welsh valleys had the strongest economy and thus set up many trade links bringing them closer to the English. The North Welsh rural communities now seem to take pride in their isolation from their bordering neighbours.
surfing
Surfing in north and west Wales has great potential, however, it is fickle at best. Local surfers have become excellent meteorologists scouring the internet for weather charts showing any signs of a strong pulse of south westerly swell - and when it does it's time to drop everything, work comes a sorry second. The surfing population up here has no shortage of participants either, with a number of universities and the drip feed of wave hungry surfers from surrounding Liverpool, Manchester and the West Midlands.
When that awaited swell does arrive the beaches and reefs start doing their thing "Hells Mouth" being among the most popular spots to start with as this is the main indicator beach. For the more experienced Porth Ceiriad is worth a look for its fledging barrels, though it can be crowded.
where to stay
A sleeping tourist; Daniel Maleck Lewy; 2005
The Llyn Peninsula is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's wild and rugged and with Abersoch nearby a great place to base yourself. Abersoch has a hive of surf shops, bars and eateries and a great many places to stay that range from beachside bed & breakfasts to farmstays, camping and bunk houses.
Further down on the west coast is Aberystwyth on the A487. Welsh nationalism is alive and kicking here as is the welsh language. There is the Borth youth Hostal here that overlooks the bay and is open from April until October and the university lets out single rooms outside of term time. There are also many bed and breakfasts, caravan parks and campsites.