ABERSOCH

The former fishing village of Abersoch was first visited by tourists in the early 1900s, but it took several decades for it to become firmly established as a resort, due in large part to its lovely beaches and views.  Today, Abersoch is particularly popular with the boating fraternity as well as with windsurfers and jet-skiers.  The proximity of the excellent surfing to be had in Hell's Mouth (see previous post) adds to its popularity, making it the busiest resort on the Llyn Peninsula.  The resort's popularity has led to huge increases in property prices, making it one of only 20 places in Wales with average prices of more than £300,000.  Abersoch gets its name from the River Soch (Afon Soch), which flows out of here.  There are two sandy beaches separated by a headland, the southern one backed by sanddunes and a golf course, while the northern one, The Warren, stretches as far as the Trwyn Llanbedrog headland.  The Welsh privateer, Sir Henry Morgan, better known as Captain Morgan, used to call in at Abersoch on his way from his exploits in the Caribbean, staying at a cottage on the outskirts.  

One mile west of Abersoch is the village of Llangian, with St Cian's Church.  There is a pillar stone which was evidently a grave-slab dating from the 5th-6th century with the Latin inscription MELI MEDICI MARTINI IACIT, or 'stone of Melus the Doctor son of Martinus'.  It is believed to be the only ancient stone in Wales recalling a person's profession, and it is the earliest surviving mention of a doctor in Wales.  

For a list of events in Abersoch see here. 

Webcam views of the resort.

Map of the area.

The harbour from Pont Abersoch - geograph.org.uk - 645773. Photo by Eric Jones, via Wikimedia Commons.