From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coordinates: 52°49′26″N 4°30′24″W / 52.8239°N 4.5066°W / 52.8239; -4.5066

Abersoch
View of Abersoch Bay from Machroes
Abersoch  Abersoch shown within Wales
Population	910
OS grid reference	SH312281
Community	Llanengan
Principal area	Gwynedd
Ceremonial county	Caernarfonshire
Country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	Pwllheli
Postcode district	LL53
Dialling code	01758
Police	North Wales
Fire	North Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
EU Parliament	Wales
UK Parliament	Caernarfon
List of places: UK • Wales • Gwynedd

Abersoch is a large village in the community of Llanengan in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a popular coastal seaside resort with approximately 1,000 inhabitants, lying on the east-facing south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula at the southern terminus of the A499 road. It is situated some 11 km (7 miles) south-west of Pwllheli and 43 km (27 miles) south-west of the county seat, Caernarfon. The village takes its name from the river Soch, which reaches the sea here after flowing through the village.

Originally a fishing port, Abersoch is now a tourist centre specialising in dinghy sailing and other watersports such as windsurfing and jet-skiing. Over the last 60 years it has become one of Britain's most important sailing centres, leading to significant immigration, mainly from England. This has jeopardised the Welsh character of the village and its use of the Welsh language. Nearby Porth Neigwl or Hell's Mouth, is also popular for surfing; it can hold large swells in the winter which can reach 1.5m however south-westerly prevailing winds can affect quality.

Central Abersoch has a variety of small shops as well as bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Boat trips around St Tudwal's Islands to see the seals and other wildlife are available from the village. It is also popular for its close proximity to Snowdonia National Park, with Snowdon being visible from Abersoch Bay on clear days. The village also has an 18 hole golf course.

Abersoch has come to represent the crisis in rural housing in Wales, as the area's popularity as a resort and retirement destination has resulted in local property prices being significantly higher than the regional average. A small strip of beach at Abersoch, with planning permission for the construction of a beach hut, was sold for £63,000 in May 2005. This story obtained wide publicity, and reflects the fact that it is financially difficult, if not impossible, for local young people to buy houses.^[1] In June 2007, a mobile home on the Warren holiday park was put on the market by the Haulfryn Group for £500,000.^[2]

Another example which hit the headlines in February 2008 was that of a dilapidated wooden shed, 5.5 metres by 4.5 metres, for sale for £150,000. It was 10 minutes from the beach, with absolutely no view, and needed a good deal of work on it.^[3]

Virtually all the indigenous residents of Abersoch are Welsh language speakers.

References

External links

• Abersoch guide
• Llyn.info - Your online guide to the Llŷn Peninsula - Eich arweiniad arlein am Ben Llŷn
• Abersoch website
• www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Abersoch and surrounding area
• Abersoch heads Website - Forum devoted to everything Abersoch

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From Wikitravel

Abersoch is a village in Lleyn particularly favoured for sailing. Both the village itself and the roads to the headlands west of it tend to get very crowded.