Fairbourne
Before launching your craft it is vitally important for your own personal safety and the safety of others that you take the time to read carefully the Rules & Regulations as set out by Gwynedd Council. Please adhere to these rules and regulations at all time.
Fairbourne is located on the opposite site of the River Mawddach to Barmouth, and as such both share the same stretch of water. Although only a short distance as the crow flies by car you have to travel quite some way up the river to the toll bridge that allows crossing to either side of the river.
As with Barmouth, launching at Fairbourne’s Penrhyn Point is limited to 3 hours each side of high tide.
The slipway itself is quite wide and there is parking at the car park next to the slipway itself. It is not recommended that you venture away from the slipway to launch in case of soft surface.
There are no facilities close to the slipway itself but there are shops, restaurants and toilets in the town itself i.e. approximately 1/2 mile away.
A speed limit of 4 knots applies in the main harbour and until you reach the main seafront.
River Mawddach area
Fairbourne / Barmouth offers a unique option of not taking your craft to sea but you can go up the river Mawddach. If you wish to do this please study the exclusion zone map below carefully. You will see that a 4 knots speed limit applies in the inner harbour, all the way under the railway bridge and until you are inside the yellow buoys i.e. the “Power Craft Area”. You will notice that the “Power Craft Area” is marked clearly by a line of Yellow Buoys across the channel as you enter and exit the zone, upon exiting the zone on either side a 4 knots speed limit is in place and must be adhered to at all times for the safety of all those using the area.
Directions
From A5 you should head towards the A470 and Dolgellau. Once you go passed Dolgellau you need to take a left hand turn onto the A493 and follow this road right into Fairbourne.
As you arrive in Fairbourne you should take a right just after the 30mph zone before the garage and follow the road into the Fairbourne itself. As you enter Fairbourne you will pass the railway on your left continue onwards passing the Golf course on your right and continue on the single lane road until you reach Penrhyn Point where you can go no further!
You will see the slipway on your right as you approach the car park.
From Barmouth you should follow the A496 out of the town and look for the sign for the toll bridge over the River Mawddach (60p). Once over the toll bridge turn right towards Penmaenpool and Fairbourne.
As you arrive in Fairbourne you should take a right just after the 30mph zone before the garage and follow the road into the Fairbourne itself. As you enter Fairbourne you will pass the railway on your left continue onwards passing the Golf course on your right and continue on the single lane road until you reach Penrhyn Point where you can go no further!
You will see the slipway on your right as you approach the car park.
Tip
There is no garage after you turn right towards Fairbourne therefore if you need fuel that is your last opportunity.
Useful Numbers
Barmouth Harbourmaster : 01341 280 671 or 07795 012 747
Coast Guard (Holyhead) : 01407 762 051
VHF : 12 / 16
Maritime Office : 01758 704 066
In an Emergency call 999
