On the south west coast of Anglesey lies one of Wales' most criminally under-sung villages. Aberffraw's remote location has helped it escape the ravages of tourism yet it is in a blessed location.
The 600-population village was recently named in The Telegraph's list of 'Britain’s 30 greatest villages untouched by mass tourism'.. It would be easy to drive through this small community without giving it much of a thought however, look a bit closer and you'll uncover a rich sense of community, scenic walks and even uniquely interesting history.
North Wales Live reported that visiting here can be a unique experience in itself. Chatting to locals, most said how wonderful it was to be able to call Aberffraw home. One resident said: "It's absolutely lovely here, everyone knows everyone, we've got stunning views and walks and everything we could possibly need. I have never regretted moving here for one moment."
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Another resident I spoke to was busy repainting the village hall ready for her upcoming nuptials. Dennis Hughes who runs the corner shop on the village square said: "There's a sense of community here that you don't get in many other places these days. Most people who live here have done so for many years and that helps keep it stable."
Other residents though spoke of the challenges which the people Aberffraw had faced in recent years, including the sudden but temporary closure of the village pub back in March and rising costs of living putting the community's few businesses at risk. Yet even on a quiet weekday morning it seemed quite busy and I saw many people pull-up at the parking area at the edge of the village and set off for a stroll along one the area's many scenic routes.
It is these routes that likely helped the Aberffraw find its place among the '30 greatest villages' according to the Telegraph. Walk down one of the paths leading out of the village and you'll soon find yourself at the historic Eglwys Cwyfan - or the 'little church in the sea' as it is often known.
Other routes will take you to a multitude of beautiful and picturesque locations - along the seaside, down to beaches and lakes - there's something for all tastes here.
Fans of history and myth will find a lot of interest in and around the area as well, with Barclodiad y Gawres the Neolithic burial chamber located just a short drive outside of town. One of the village's claims to fame is that it once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Gwynedd from 860 AD until 1170 AD and under the House of Aberffraw, it was the most important political centre of medieval Wales.
It even has ties to the Welsh mythological anthology Y Mabinogi. According to the text, Aberffraw was said to be the location for the feast in celebration of marriage between Princess Branwen of Wales and the King of Ireland Matholwch. Branwen's brother Efnysien was against the wedding though, and brutally maimed all of the Irish horses brought to the feast.
One might argue that was a bit of an overreaction on Efnysien's part. Still, I enjoyed imagining what such a bloody feast would be like if it took place in this small village today.
As I strolled through the town, speaking with residents and visitors alike I was taken aback by the serene sense of escape here. Aberffraw has a village out of time quality - and not just in a sense of old values living on.
It seems peaceful and far enough away from the busy lives and problems of the rest of the country (although Aberffraw - like everywhere else - will undoubtedly have its fair share of problems).
Places like this need to live on. They can be appreciated by those who visit but the true idyllic nature of this community firmly belongs to those that call it home.
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