Discover Y Felinheli through its harbour history and the paths between the village and Caernarfon. The harbour tells the story of the slate industry; Lôn Las Menai offers a different focus, with views of the Menai Strait and the island of Anglesey.
Harbour and slate history
Y Felinheli’s harbour system began in 1793 with a quay from which products from the Dinorwic quarries were shipped. The harbour was busy in the 19th century. In a busy year, more than 400 ships left the harbour, carrying goods around the world, including to Australia, America, France and Scotland. These destinations illustrate the reach of trade at the time without the need for a lengthy local history.
The village’s name also reflects its connection with slate mining: during this period, Y Felinheli was renamed Port Dinorwig. After the quarry closed in the mid-1870s, the name Y Felinheli returned. Anyone interested in local history will find a clear chronology here: from the quay serving the quarry trade, through the busy harbour of the 19th century, to the return of the village’s name after the closure.
Water sports and events
Plas Menai was built for the Sports Council of Wales as a purpose-built national centre for water sports and outdoor activities; its construction followed recommendations by the Welsh Joint Education Committee. Plas Menai offers stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, windfoiling, sailing, motorboating and yachting. If you are planning a particular activity, check the specific courses on offer and availability in advance, as both may change.
Trails with different focuses
Lôn Las Menai is a 6.5-kilometre trail between the historic town of Caernarfon and the village of Y Felinheli. Along the way, there are views of the Menai Strait and the island of Anglesey. This gives you a specific route length and named landscape highlights to help you plan your day.
The Wales Coast Path route between Y Felinheli and Caernarfon follows a cycle path along the Menai Strait and is fully accessible. Trail conditions may change; check the latest information before planning your trip. When choosing a route, different details are therefore relevant: Lôn Las Menai has a stated length and views, while the described Wales Coast Path route is characterised by its accessibility and cycle path.
Plan your stay
If a particular activity or event is important to you, check the latest details before booking. This way, you can first decide which experiences matter for your stay, then search specifically for a hotel in Y Felinheli.
Discover more destinations: Pwllheli, Dolgellau, Aderdovey, Penrhyndeudraeth, Pennal, Nefyn, Llanfachreth, Llanegryn.
For the broader travel overview: Gwynedd.
