Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog, sometimes known locally as just Blaenau, is a town in Gwynedd in North Wales and in the historic county of Merionethshire. In 2011, around 4,875 people lived there.

Blaenau Ffestiniog
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Blaenau Ffestiniog
Location within Gwynedd
Population	4,875 (2011)
OS grid reference	SH705455
Principal area	Gwynedd
Ceremonial county	Gwynedd
Country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	BLAENAU FFESTINIOG
Postcode district	LL41
Dialling code	01766
Police	North Wales
Fire	North Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
UK Parliament	Dwyfor Meirionnydd

It is in the middle of Snowdonia and is 18.63 miles (29.98 km) south east of the city of Bangor.

It is an old town that is known for its slate mining. Today, it relies on its tourism. When it was a large mining town, it was Wales' second-biggest town, behind Wrexham.

Language

Most people who come from or live in Blaenau Ffestiniog speak Welsh. In the 2011 census, 78.6% of people who live there said they can speak it. This makes it one of the most-Welsh speaking towns in Wales.

Transport

Blaenau Ffestiniog railway station is the northern end of the Ffestiniog Railway, a narrow-gauge heritage railway that starts at Porthmadog. The railway goes through very mountainous and forested areas and is very popular with tourists.

The town also has a mainline train station that is connected to the heritage station. It is the southern end of the Conwy Valley line from Llandudno, another line known for its views.

Twin towns

Blaenau Ffestiniog is twinned with:

• Rawson, Argentina

Gallery

• 
  St David's Church
• 
  Llechwedd Slate Caverns
• 
  A view over Blaenau Ffestiniog
• 
  Blaenau Ffestiniog railway station