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If you want to be transported to a more tranquil world then you could do worse than to visit the idyllic North Wales coastal resort of Porthmadog, where all manner of vehicles can take visitors on an unforgettably imaginative journey.
Porthmadog is known for the maritime history upon which the community was built, but it is also a destination where visitors will find steam trains, classic cars and vintage motorcyles.
That's not to suggest it suffers from the associated noise and pollution of the 'transport age'. Historically Porthmadog was a bustling little seaport, the legacy of which has turned it into a bustling little tourist town. But, bustling as it maybe, it's also a pretty attractive destination, remaining remarkably unscathed by all the activity that has gone on over the generations.
More than a thousand vessels a year are reported to have used the harbour in the 1870s as the town acquired international importance due to the rise of the slate industry. Around 116,000 tons of Blaenau Ffestiniog slate left Porthmadog shores heading for ports around the globe.
The development of Cambrian railway in 1867 added an influx of newcomers and the historic steam railway is still a key tourist attraction in Porthmadog. Visitors can hop on board the Ffestiniog railway and take the 13 mile trip through the mountains to the home of the slate mines, Blaneau Ffestiniog.
The climb to those mines - 650ft up - offers a chance to enjoy glorious views of the surrounding countryside and bay waters around Porthmadog and its sister town Tremadog.
The Welsh Highland Railway (tel: 01766 513402), operates steam trains from the town's high street at the end near to Tremadog.
The development of both towns was driven forward by industrialist William Maddocks, who saw the opportunity for the local community to benefit from the strategic location as one of the last ports en route to Ireland.
He reclaimed marshland in Glaslyn Estuary to build Tremadog and the town's original cobbled square is still in place, adding a quaint appeal. In Porthmadog itself there are shops and cafes to entice all tastes, from traditional bakeries and ice-cream parlours to Welsh crafts, many ornamental objects made of slate, plus a diverse selection of other gifts and souvenirs.
Things To See
If shops are not on your list of priorities then the quiet and sheltered beach of Porthmadog is a picture postcard scene to store in the memory bank for years to come, while just two miles away is Black Rock Sands where it is possible to drive right onto the beach, kick off your shoes and step out of the car barefoot. It's a favourite with wind-surfers and kite buggy enthusiasts.
Between Black Rock Sands and Porthmadog is the tiny picturesque village of Borth y Gest, another haven for those looking for time out from workaday stresses and strains.
Back in Porthmadog town centre, the Maritime Museum (tel: 01766 513736) provides a fascinating insight into how the town grew up on the back of the shipping trade and the devastation of locals when Gestiana, the last ship to be built in Porthmadog, was lost at sea when she ran into storms off Nova Scotia on her maiden voyage in 1913.
The crew were rescued but the ship was wrecked. Another popular attraction is Madog Car and Motorcycle museum (tel: 01758 713 618) which has an impressive collection of vehicles from the 1930 to 1950s.
It's a transport lover's delight and a general visitor's chance to get happily carried away by the memorabilia of another age when the pace of life was a whole lot slower…
How To Get There
Road
If you are on the A55 then your best bet is probably to come off at J9 and take the A487 past Caernarfon.
From Caernarfon, it is a further 20 miles along the A487 to Porthmadog - a very scenic route skirting around Snowdonia.
If you are coming from South Wales, or the direction of Shrewsbury, then you need to get on the A470, which intersects with the end of the A487 near Blaenau Ffestiniog.
If you choose to go through Snowdonia, via Beddgelert, be warned that the A498 gets pretty windy and narrow.
Rail
It is possible to get some trains direct from Birmingham. Other services go through Machynlleth and Shrewsbury.
www.thetrainline.com provides information on tickets and train time.
Bus
Express Motors and Arriva proivde bus and coach services to Porthmadog.
Gwynedd council host timetables on their site here.
Taxi
Dukes Taxi's
Unit 14, Penamser Industrial Estate, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NY
Tel: 01766 514799
Tony's Taxis
32, Church St, Tremadog, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9RA
Tel: 01766 514173
