Y Felinheli – Harbour, Slate and Water Sports

Y Felinheli is shaped by its harbour and slate history; Plas Menai and the paths with views of the Menai Strait also offer things to explore during a stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Y Felinheli, consider whether your trip will focus more on the maritime past, today's water activities, or views of the Menai Strait and Anglesey. The following highlights offer specific points to help you decide.

Harbour and slate history

Y Felinheli's harbour system began in 1793 with a quay used to ship goods from the Dinorwic quarries. In the 19th century, Y Felinheli was a busy port. In a busy year, more than 400 ships left the harbour, carrying goods around the world, including to Australia, America, France and Scotland.

During the period of slate mining at Dinorwic, Y Felinheli was renamed Port Dinorwig. After the quarry closed in the mid-1870s, the place regained the name Y Felinheli. The change of name is therefore part of the history of the harbour and slate mining: both shaped the place during this period.

Water sports and events

Plas Menai was built for the Sports Council of Wales as a dedicated national centre for water sports and outdoor activities. It followed recommendations from the Welsh Joint Education Committee. Today, Plas Menai offers water-based activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, windfoiling, sailing, powerboating and yachting. This brings its original purpose together with a present-day offering of various water sports. If you are planning a specific activity, check the courses and availability in advance, as these may change.

Gŵyl y Felinheli is an eight-day community festival featuring music, sport, competitions, children's events and community celebrations. Dates and programme details vary from year to year. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check in advance what is scheduled for your travel dates.

Paths with views of the Menai Strait and Anglesey

Lôn Las Menai is a 6.5 km path between the historic town of Caernarfon and the village of Y Felinheli. The route offers views of the Menai Strait and the island of Anglesey. On the Wales Coast Path, a route between Y Felinheli and Caernarfon follows a cycle path along the Menai Strait and is fully accessible. This means that different details are relevant when planning a trip: the distance and views on Lôn Las Menai, and the accessibility and path type on the Wales Coast Path. Conditions on the Wales Coast Path route may change; check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Llanllyfni, Pentir, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Barmouth, Llanarmon, Aberdaron, Llanberis, Beddgelert.

Return to the main travel overview: Gwynedd.