Barmouth
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Barmouth (Welsh: Abermaw (formal); Y Bermo (colloquial)) is a town in the administrative county of Gwynedd, traditional county of Merionethshire, northwestern Wales, lying on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Cardigan Bay. It is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. Image:Barmouth.jpg The town grew around the shipbuilding industry, and more recently as a seaside resort. Notable buildings in the town include Barmouth Viaduct, which takes the Cambrian Line over the River Mawddach, the mediaeval Ty Gwyn tower house and the eighteenth century Ty Crwn roundhouse prison. There is also a new Lifeboat Visitor Centre, where visitors can purchase souvenirs,and take a look at the lifeboat from the viewing gallery.The busy harbour plays host to the annual Three Peaks yacht race. The famous mountaineer and sailor Bill Tilman lived in Barmouth for many years.
Ferries sail from Barmouth to Penrhyn Point, where they connect with the narrow-gauge Fairbourne Railway for the village of Fairbourne.
William Wordsworth, a visitor to Barmouth in the 19th century, described it thus: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival."
Barmouth is the closest seaside resort to the English West Midlands and a large proportion of its tourist visitors are from that area.