The tiny Tresaith and the larger Aberporth are linked by a clifftop path from where, as well as spectacular views across Cardigan Bay, walkers may get a chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the rare chough or, out to sea, bottle-nosed dolphins and grey seals. There have even been sightings of orca in the waters off here. Both Tresaith and Aberporth developed around the maritime trade, with many local shipowners. There was also a thriving herring fishing industry, making use of rowing boats with sails and a crew of 5 to 8. Each family had a shed where the herring were salted and stored for the winter. Aberporth's Traeth y Dryffryn beach was used as a sheltered anchorage for the vessels. When Tresaith began to attract tourists towards the end of the 19th century its popularity earned it the unlikely title of the 'Second Brighton'. The sandy Blue Flag beach continues to attract families, with the reassurance of lifeguards on hand in the high season. Aberporth has two beaches separated by Pen Trwyn Cynwyl, a headland named after St Cynwyl, to whom the parish church is also dedicated. Up until recently, the Felinwynt Rainforest Centre to the west of Aberporth delighted visitors with its exotic butterflies in a tropical environment. Sadly, this is now closed due to retirement according to the website, but may open again if new owners are found. There is another quite different activity in the vicinity of Aberporth: an MOD testing range, first established during the Second World War, where air-launched weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are tested.
Map of the area.
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| Aberporth Ceredigion Cymru Wales 03. Photo by Wici Rhuthun, via Wikimedia Commons. |
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