The Cardigan Bay Visitor

TOWYN.

S. EDMIjNDS, MANCHESTER HOUSE, TOWYN. DRAPER, MILLINERY AND DRESSMAKING V ESTABLISHMENT. *11 J Bvery variety of fancy goods for Visitors kept in stock. It Comfortable Apartments, with Sea and Mountain Scenery. HIGH STREET PHARMACY, TOWYN. I —— M. Hoivell Jones, A.P.S., DISPENSING AND FAMILY CHEMIST, GROCER AND ITALIAN WAREHOUSEMAN. PRESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY DISPENSED UNDER THE PERSONAL SUPERINTENDENCE I OF M.H.J. i MR C. H. YOUNG'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS AT DOL- GELLEY AND TOWYN. An well worth a visit. They contain the latest advantages and improvements, and the work will be found fully equal to that produced by the BEST LONDON ARTISTS. VERY LARGE SELECTION OF VIEWS. DARK ROOM AND REQUISITES FOR THE USE OF AMATEURS. i.J i < THIS SPACE TO LET £ for the Season. ) I (" J.. i- | THIS SPACE TO LET for the Season TO VISITORS. TO VISITORS. WITHOUT A DOUBT! DICK'S BOOT STORES, I-IIGH STREET. TOWYN, (G. & W. Morton, Proprietors), Are now complete with the Finest Stock of Boots, Shoes and Slippers for the Season that it it possible to produce. DICK'S stands pre-eminent in the BOOT and SHOE TRADE for Good Material, Good Workmanship, and Low Prices. Every Department is crammed fall with all the Newest Things in Leather and with all sorts of fittings so that any foot, it matters not its size or shape, can be comfortably and easily fitted. Every Article is of Excellent Quality and Splendid Value. Repairs Neatly, Promptly and Reasonably executed, and with nothing but the best English Bark Tanned Leather. 0 Shops in the District TOWYN, BARMOUTH, DOLGELLEY, PWLLHELI, ABER- YSTWYTH, MACHYNLLETH, CARDIGAN, LAMPETER. All well stocked with every description of Boots and Shoes. 25 YEARS ESTABLISHED IN ABERYSTWYTH. FITTING ROOM FOR LADIES.

ABERDOVEY. ABERDOVEY AS A WINTER RESORT. We have just heard of Aberdovey as being a splendid winter resort, and it is considered by eminent medical authorities to be a friendly rival to Torquay. Aber- dovey faces full south, and the high hills behind completely shelter it from the cold and boisterous North-east, North, and North-west winds. Now we have all heatd of the "Bells of Aberdovey," and almost every scnool girl who has "spanked on the grand pianner" has learnt to play Brinley Richards'—or was it some other musicians ?—composition on the much-torcured instrument which is supposed to simulate the harmonious tinkling of those famous Welsh Bells. But have we all heard °f K PPy Valley, about two miles from Aberdovey ? Have we taken those walks to the legendary Bearded Lake and Arthur's Hoof? Then the long, long miles of the sands of Aberdovey, so rich in shells and pebbles, what a splendid promenade they make Now all you non-fashionable people whose purses are not sufficiently long for Bath, Bournemouth, and Torquay, hie you to Aberdovey for the winter, if you shrink from the idea of the Continent on account of the recent cholera out- breaks. You will find plenty to interest you anCo the golf ground is said to be one of the best in the United Kingdom. Hotels are not extravagant in their prices, and apartments may be obtained at very moderate termw "SIZLF AND PARTNER, in Sala's Journal, November 19th, 1892.

TOWYN. POSTAL INFORMATION. Delivery commences at 8 a.m., and 6.30 p.m.; one delivery on Sunday at 10 a.m.; box closes at 5.20 p.m. Postmaster, Mr John Jones. BANK. National and Provincial, open Friday afternoons, Manager, Mr H. Lloyd Jones, Machynlleth. PLACES OF WORSHIP. St. Cadvan's Church (English and Welsh services), Wefileyan Chapel, High-street (Welsh and English services during summer); Presbyterian Chapel (Welsh). Presbyterian Chapel (English), Congregational Chapel (Welsh), Baptist Chapel (Welsh). FISHING. Salmon and trout in the Dysynny by ticket; the river is only f of a mile from the town. Trout in the brooks,of Rhydyronen, Pandy, and Dolgoch, and also on the river Fathew, as iwell as the Caethlebrook flowing through the Happy Valley. Tha I)y«ynni river, only three-quarters of a mile from the town, is by common consent considered a grand river for salmon, trout, gwyniad. mullet, and bass. fhe nocturnal fishing for bass is one of rare novelty, easily acquired, but never to be forgotten. The seashore, the free man's sporting ground, teams with fish of various de- scription, such as mullet, flounder, plaice, turbot, bass, &c., which at times are taken in quantities in the evenings by means of foot nets. This is a source of much amusement to visitors so is the deep sea fishing with lines thrown out of boats which take people out to sea irom the beach. Gurnard is often plentiful, so is mackerel, hake, cod, codlings, whiting and rays. From the sea is obtained a magnificent view of the lofty range of mountains that encircle the Vale of Towyn. The trout fishing in suitable weather is in I' many places free and excellent. The pools of shallow water left on the shore when the tide is out afford children and others fond of shrimping capital sport. WALKS. Towyn, the birthplace of hospitality, the cradle of the attlete, the battlefield of the brave, and the resting-place of saints. These characteristics were won before the foundations of most watering-places on the coast were laid, and it is not too much to say that they have been retained untarnished to this day. The plain upon which Towyn stands is girded on the west by Cardigan Bay, along whose shores the sand are smooth, level, and firm for an extent of six miles. The place is open to the soft south breezes, and sheltered from the cold winds of the north and east by a high range of mountains. The rainfall is very small, the subsoil dry and thoroughly drained by an underlying bed of gravel. Bathing safe at all states of the tide, the water getting gradually deeper, the shore free from holes and the sea from currents. PLACES OF INTEREST. St. Cadvan's Church, originally built in the sixth century, is a remarkable structure, and contains many ancient aud interesting objects. St. Cadvan's Well of historic fam, the mineral springs at Rhydyronen. The remains of t'le encampment near Bryncastell, and the Roman fort near Talybont. Ynysmaengwyn, one mile from the town, the seat of the Corbett family for long generations, and one of the residences of Mr J. Corbett, M.P. for Droitwich. Peniarth.-Four miles from the town, the ancient homes of the Wynnes. The library contains possibly the most interesting collection of books and MSS of any in Wales. Dolaugwyn.— (Three miles from the town). A per- fect specimen of the Elizabethan style of architecture. Bodtalog.-(The sunny spot), mile and a half from the town, with its numerous legends of love, murder, and ghosts. Glyndwr's Cave.-(Three miles from town) where the celebrated warrior sheltered from the reverses of fortune. Dolgoclt.-(Four and a half miles from the town) with its beautiful waterfall and elegant railway bridge spanning the chasm, wherein the waters rage. Tlte. Beacon Ro(-L-. -(Three miles from the town) with its warning signal indicating the dangers of the cause- way, upon which so many gallant ships have been wrecked. The old manor house of Talybont from which Llewellyn, last native Prince of Wales, wrote some of his famous letters. Craig Aderyn. (Bird's Rock).—Four and a half miles from the town. The bold and rugged rock stands overlooking the valley through which the Dyssyni river runs along its zigzag course, and is re- puted to be the greatest haunt of cormorants in Wales. The echoes from this rock are truly wonderful. Further on is Castell-y-Bere, on a bank overlooking Llanfi- hangel -y- Pennant, and is worth while inspecting. The Happy Valley, distant only three miles from the town, which is refulgent with sunshine in the day, and the scene, if tradition be true, of fairy love and caves at night. There are lead mines worked by the Romans the rock to this day bear marks of their cunning handicraft. At the top of this beautiful lane is the Bearded Lake, about which there are so many tales told as there are days in the year. It is sublime in its loneliness, and its black still deep waters are awful to contemplate. In the purling stream that flows out of it, the silver trout revel and are a source of pure delight to the amateur sportsman. All these interesting places are easy of access along roads and walks carpeted with green, adorned with honeysuckle and primroses, and perfumed with the odour of roses. Straight to the east from the Corbet-square, along the Bryncrug-road, within a mile of the town, is Ynysymaengwyn follow the road another mile, you come to Bryncrug turn to the left on Pontfathew and walk in a northerly direction for three quarters of a mile, and the Manor House of Talybont, and a bridge over the Dyssynni river of the same name are reached. Follow the main road for a short distance, and Cefncoch, a hospitable inn, is found, and some few hundred yards further east lies the village of LIanegryn, which seems to shelter fiom the storms of life between the hills to the west, and the majestic trees of Peniarth to the east. Continue on this road, with the broad vale to the right and Bird Rock standing in grim romance in the back- ground, Pantygarth is soon reached. The River Dyssynni on both sides of this bridge has afforded the fishermen more sport than can be told in this paper. Having arrived at this point, the journey must be con- tinued eastward along a road teeming with interesting sights. On the left Peniarthuchaf, Caerbellan and Castell-y-Bere, with Cader Idris looming in the giddy height ahead. Start again from Corbet-square, Towyn, to the north along Gwalia-road, after following which a short distance the views of the surrounding country unfold rapidly. At a distance of about a mile is the River Dysvnni, the estuary of which affords safe boating for amateurs and children. Here, also, at times, is witnessed the exciting scene of taking the mullet, or jumping fish, by means of several foot nets, into which shoals of fish are driven by beaters but the wily fish, when cornered, often avoid capture by jumping over the heads of their pursuers and the top of the net. Still they are sometimes taken by the hundred. Having arrived at this point and looked at the fishing with nets and rods, there remains a choice of three delightful walks. 1. Follow the varying course of the river as far as the high waiter level, close under the Ynysymaengwyn garden wall there, with per- mission, turn to the right, face the south and follow the path that leads through the trees to the Bryncrug main road, which is struck by the lodge gate only & mile from town. 2 Cross the river by the ferry boat stationed near the tanyard, and the ferryman will point out the way to the Beacon Rock which passes Peny- wern and Fronnewydd farmhouses, and from the rock the views are simply magnificent. 3. Follow the southern side of the broad estuary to the sea, then cross the river by the railway bridge, walk the shore to the land end by the causeway and ponder a fleeting moment whether the conglomeration of boulders run- ning seven miles out to sea, and called Sarn-y-Bwch, is the work of man or of nature. Hiving settled this point, proceed along the shore for another mile, and the entrance to Owen Glyndwr's Cave is reached, with which, and the sights of the far-off Snowdon and the shrimping and prawning ground under feet interspersed with the haunts of cribs, lobsters, and conger-eels the hours glide away like a dream, while the history of the fugitive warriors and the tales of shipwrecks pass through the mind, and the prawns and shrimps are passed to the bags. From Towyn to Aberdovey along the hard smooth sand is a four mile walk full of in- terest. The Talyllyn Railway (narrow gauge) is a panorama the whole length. The third station is Dolgoch. From the terminus (Aberganolwyn) the walk to both Talyllyn, the world-renowned fishing station, and to Llanfihangel-y-pennant are wild and romantic,yet easy to travel. The ascent 0: Cader Idris may be easily made from either place, a feat that may be accom- plished by leaving Towyn by the 9.30 a.m. train and returning by the 5.10 p.m. train. There are lover's lanes in every direction and paths over almost every dew-spangled mead. The walk from tha town along the Aberdovey road, as far as the old toll houses, is full of interest. Here the main road divides take the one on the left passing under Bodtalog trees on one side with a full view of Caethle on the other. After a beautiful walk ot a short length, Melinllynpair is reached and then the beauties of the Happy Valley open to view, and there the traveller is left contem- plating a scene not easily forgotten.

.0 ABERDOVEY. POSTAL INFORMATION. Week day deliveries commence at 8 a-m and 6-30 p-m. Sundays at 10-10 a-m only. Letter box closes on week days at 8-20 a-m and 5-40 p-m. Sundays, 5-40 p-m. Telegraph office open from 8 a-m to S p-m. Sunday from S to 10 a-m. Postmistress, Miss E. E. Bell. ENGLISH SERVICES St. Peter's Church, Sunday at 11 a m and 7-30 p m during the season. Assembly Rooms, Presbyterian Sunday at 11 a m and 6pm. THE LITERARY INSTITUTE Reading room and library combined. Open from 10. a.m. to 10. p.m. Books are issued from the library from 4 to 5. p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 7 to 8. p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, aud Saturday assistant librarian. T Richards, Dovey Cottage. London and Liverpool dailies, and several illustrated weeklies, are taken. The room was opened in 1882 and is carried on entirely by voluntary efforts. A catalogue of the books in the library can be obtained from the assis- tant librarian. CLIMATE. The air temperature of the place is mild, and even in winter rivals that of Torquay, as proved by obser- vation extending over twenty years made by Mr Alexander Buchan, F.R.S.E. It has a southern aspect, and about three miles from the town myrtle grows in wild profusion. The prevailing winds in "inter are from the north, and from these it is com- pletely sheltered by the high range of hills behind. These facts ought to recommend it as a winter resort for delicate people, especially those who suffer from weak chests. THE SANDS. The sands of Aberdovey have been long famous, and have been brought into greater fame through being the subject of a picture by Mr Leader, the celebrated landscape painter. The sands are firm, extend over five or six miles in length, form a glorious prowenade, and affords a petfectly safe carriage drive along the margin of the sea towards Towyn. They are also rich in shells and pebhles. BOATING. The estuary of the Dovey affords exceptional facilities for boating, either with sail or by oar. At low water there is plenty of room for sailing or rowing and at high water during spring tides there is a fine sheet of water covering an area of six square mile*, resembling a»loch more than a river. Boats can b taken up to Glandovey and return at four hours' ebb. The scenery up the river is sublime, and on a fine moonlight night when the tide is high the view of the estuary from the parade ia magnificent. The boatmen are all sailors and can be safely trusted ty their employers. Boats are hired by the hour also by the week. I WALKS AND OTTRTNGS. PENYRHORON.—This is a high hill opposite the rail' way station. From the top a fine view will be obtain-4 of the estuary, Corsfochno, Borth, and also the body of the town of Aberdovey will be seen nestling in tW valley below. The road that leads up to the eammit commences at the end of the wooden ipalings to the Jesuit College or Aberdovey Hall. THE HAPPY VALLEY.—Take the narrow lane left of the Church, turn to the right, and at the next turning to the left. Follow this road (Bryndovey Road) tO the top of the range, passing Erw (an empty farflV house) and Bwlchgwyn farms. On the top the goes through some fields and a gate go to the edge of the hill, take the road that slopes down to the rigk^ and this will lead you to Dyffryngwyn farmhouse, 'j? the middle of the valley. Visit the little chapel graveyard, where lies buried Dr Pughe, the celebrate" Welsh scholar and botanist. The valley can also bi reached by the Towyn Road, turning up the first valley past the Cemetery, or it can be done by a circular drive of 16 miles. THE BEARDED LAKE, HOOF, AND EcHO. -FolIo\f Bryndovey Road (see above) until you pass through the gate above Erw farmhouse, take the road to the right, follow this until you pass over the range; co&' tinue eastward, and presently you pass through gate then the road becomes rather indistinct, make for a couple of gateposts on the edge of hill a short distance before you. From here onward you have A CHARMING PANORAMIC Happy Valley and here also Staghorn moss can be had on the brow of the hill. Follow the road until you come to Bwlch Cottage, ascend to the right, and shortly the road will follow a atone wall when this comes to an angle you will find King Arthur's Horse'' Hoof in the rock on the left a few yards further on. The road here descends when it becomes level turn sharp to the left, pass through some rashes, discover an old road, follow it and soon you will find yourself close to the Bearded Lake. Pass by the right end to the lake, ascend north easterly, proceed on the top keeping the cairn of stones on your left, and presestl? you will be facing a dry bog and a precipitous rock Shout across the bog and you will discover a remark' able echo. Return to Bwlch, and ask for the r0*" down to the highway to Aberdovey or retrace yoal steps the way you came. Another way to the lake is to walk or drive along the Machynlleth Road to Morfa Bach. The above is the most picturesque. PENNAL.—Pennal is a picturesque village six milso distant on the road to Machynlleth. It can be doOO by driving or walking. If the latter, continue yotir walk to Machynlleth (4 miles) and return by train v the former put up your vehicle at the Flag Inn, and walk the road past Pennal Towers or the road past Cefn Caer, or ascend the Ffridd (the side of the bigl the entrance to which you find close to the Vicarage; if you do the latter on a fine clear day you will pro' nounce the picture set before you to be lovely. PENRHYN POIXT, SANDS, AND BoRTH.-Cross the river with the ferry-boat at low water; ascend the refuge, stroll seaward on the sands, walk to Bortb along the seashore, and return by train or spend the time on the sands and in the sandhills, and return bY ferry. If the latter, ask the ferryman when to return LLYFNANT VALLEY.—Take the train to Glandovey* ascend the valley, pass Glasbwll hamlet (2A miles), view the waterfalls (two), return to Glasbwll, and thence to Machynlleth. Or, take the train to MachyIl" Ueth, ask for the road to the Llyfnant Valley, see tbe Waterfalls, and descend to Glandovey. If pieferablc you can hire a conveyance at Machynlleth to drive ye" above Glasbwll. The Llyfnant can also be reached by boat at Glandovey. Tea or coffee can be had at Glas' bwll. FURNACE VALLEY AND WATERFALL.—This pictu- resque valley is situated about: a mile and a qua.rtet from Glandovey on the road to Aberystwyth. T»ke the train or boat to Glandovey, walk along the Abef ystwyth road, passing Glandyfi Castle and the villo4e of Eglwysfach shortly after leaving the latter placo you come to a bridge crossing the river Einon tb** flows through the valley from here view the wate*' fall. A few yardti further on you will find, on tbe left, the entrance to the road that leads up the valley; ascend two or three miles and return. From BlaeO* einion farmhouse, at the top of the valley, a road leads over the hills to Glasbwlt in the Llyfnant Valley. CORRIS VALLEY AND TALYLLYN LAKE.—Go by traio to Machynlleth, thence by the narrow guage line to Corris, and by coach from Corris to Talyllyn. W. from the latter piace to Abergynolwyn (3 miles) Jø time for the train to Towyn. This outing can also be done vice versa. THE BEARDED LAKE LEGEND. In remote times the Bearded Lake or Llyn Ba.rfog was a popular resort of Gwragedd Aunwn, of Elfin Land, and at eventide they were in the hab of airing themselves, their dogs, and their kine, on its banks. But they had only been seen by the favoure few, until an ancient farmer, still more favoiu'e managed to capture one of the cows. Y Fu^c er Gyfeiliorn, or Stray Cow. soon became famous and her progency-for she was not all angelic—grew famo %I, too. Her lucky owner became the most opulent mø. between the banks of the Dovey and the Mawddacb » his calves, his milk, his butter, and his cheese were such that no otoer farmer could produce, when committed a terrible mistake, the like of which ha»* since been repeated—when the tailor killed the that laid the golden eggs. The cow grew but waS still profitable, for earthly cattle, when they arrive at a cerixin age, are generally fattened for tho butcher, and our old farmer, whose reasoning P0%vf.re were limned, brought earthly usages to bear in treatment of a heavenly beast. The fattening PrOefor hegan, and the cow did not belie her reputation, never did the butcher lift his knife to strike into su a huge mass of magnificent beef. His hand was a but before it fell ail power went out of it, and knife fell harmlessly to the ground. A pjerci cry rent the air, and, looking up, the butcher ana farmer beheld one of the Ladies of the on mountain crag, demanding the elfin cow to Kave«phe i arth where she had oeen so grossly insultsd.^S^ cow obeyed, and in so di.ing exercised a simil*1"? ijoWed that of the Pied Pipes of Hamelin, for she waf, ceoer»* ly the whole progeny, to the third and foiirt g tjj# on, all of which went with their ancestor osom of Llyn Barfog. t