GEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY
The Afon Soch begins its journey in the vicinity of Mynydd Cefnamwlch, snakes its way through Morfa Neigwl and flows into the sea at Pen Cei, Abersoch. The Welsh word 'soch' is said to be the same as the word 'hwch' (sow).
A marine-eroded platform, Llyn is in fact a natural extension of the Snowdonian Massif, with complex geology including ancient pre-Cambrian rocks. This varied geology is reflected in a succession of superb coastal landscapes, from the steep craggy cliffs around Aberdaron Bay to sandy bays and headlands and fine dune systems.
Llyn's highest points are the north's abrupt volcanic peaks dominated by the granite crags of Yr Eifl (564m). At its foot, a landscape of hedged fields and rough pastures rolls out towards the sea and finally to the sheer black cliffs of Mynydd Mawr, the tip of the peninsula. The countryside is characterised by its narrow lanes and white-washed farms and includes stretches of ancient open common.
Llyn's landscape has a rich historic legacy with field monuments dating from Mesolithic times and spectacularly sited Iron Age hill-forts such as Yr Eifl's Tre'r Ceiri. The majority of the AONB is listed in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales. HISTORY & CULTURE
This is an area of strong traditions and folklore - rich in history which is illustrated in the prehistoric remains on the hill tops, holy wells, old churches and the trail of the old pilgrims en route to Ynys Enlli, the holy island of Bardsey, where reputably 20,000 saints are buried. This peninsula which is guarded to the north by Caernarfon Castle, and to the South by Cricieth castle, is an area designated as one of Outstanding Natural beauty. The 50 mile Heritage Coast offers long sandy beaches or small rocky coves.
Historically North Wales is a fiercely independent land where powerful local lords resisted first the Romans and later the armies of the English Kings.
From the 5th century until the Middle Ages, numerous saints and pilgrims followed the holy route along the Llyn's north coast, and it is steeped in early Celtic Christian history (according to legend there are 20,000 saints buried on Bardsey). Quaint country churches can be found dotted throughout the region - an excellent example is St Mary's at Bryncroes, where St Mary's Well was an important stop on the pilgrim's route. Eglwys Llandegwnning, a small and bare church, has a very unusual tower in the form of a petter pot. Eglwys Llangian, however, is an unusually long church, first recorded in the 13th century. The oldest part of the present church is the roof, which dates from the 15th century.
The vast double church of Saint Elnion, Llanengan, is particularly beautiful with much natural daylight. Pilgrims' offerings, kept in a large oak chest, made this a rich church. The screen and communion plates are believed to have come from Ynys Enlli (Bardsey).
The lead mine workings of Llanengan were an important employer from the earliest of times and were worked until the end of the C19. Many mine buildings ,vents etc still remain as evidence of these workings. A lot of Cornish miners came to work here, some stayed and this has left its mark in the form of unusual surnames in the area.
The coastline is studded with 13th century castles. Dramatically sited Harlech Castle, famed in fable and song, commands the town, and wide sweep of the coastline. The great citadel of Edward I at Caernarfon comprises the castle and the encircling town walls. In 1969 it was the scene of the investiture of His Royal Highness Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
There are elegant stately homes like Plas Newydd in Anglesey and Eriddig House near Wrexham, but it is the variety of domestic architecture that is most charming. The timber-frame buildings of the Border country are seen at their best in historic Ruthin set in the beautiful Vale of Clwyd. Further west, the stone cottages of Snowdonia are built of large stones and roofed with the distinctive blue and green local slate. The low, snow-white cottages of Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula are typical of the "Atlantic Coast" architecture that can be found on all the western coasts of Europe. The houses are constructed of huge boulders with tiny windows and doors.
By contrast there is the marvellous fantasy of Portmeirion village. On a wooded peninsula between Harlech and Porthmadog, Sir Clough Williams Ellis created a perfect Italianate village with pastel coloured buildings, a town hall and luxury hotel.
The sea has been the main link with the outside world and provider of sustenance for many communities on Llyn for centuries. The Harbour at Abersoch built 14 small ships between 1774 and 1854, and fishing was a main source of income.
Two hundred years ago, farm goods such as butter and cheese were exported from small ports such as Porth Ysgaden. Farmers were also dependent on salting and selling herring.
A predominantly Welsh-speaking area, the oldest living language of Europe is enjoying a resurgence in the number of its speakers on the LLyn The area has experienced the problems of outmigration of its young and working population and an insurgence of non-Welsh-speaking residents. In the Abersoch hinterland, a high percentage of houses are second homes.
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