Y Felinheli ('err velin-helly'), to give its full name, on the banks of the Menai Straits, is a village of about 2000 people. Now with a bypass, it's midway between Bangor and Caernarfon, there's even a pub called The Halfway House. This is it. Great in summer!!

This is a very strong (75%) Welsh speaking community. It's a lovely language, but don't worry, if you're not a Welsh speaker, and for my sorrow I'm not, English is fine.

The village was renamed Port Dinorwic for a while. Slate from Dinorwic quarry was brought here to be loaded onto ships and sent around the world. On the beach you can see the broken slate that was used as ballast on returning ships. Later, the village returned to its original Welsh name.

There's a very active sailing club just in front of the house with loads of meetings. It's wonderful to sit on the balcony and watch the races. There's also a marina where you can store your boat (do I get lynched for calling it that?). Nearby are the support services, sail making, rigging, boatyard, chandlery etc. This picture shows the clubhouse and was taken 200m up from here. This is the view just before you arrive at the house.

Further up the road is the start of Lôn Las Menai on the old railway line. A fabulous mainly tree-lined cycle and walking track that takes you into Caernarfon, a leisurely 5 miles away. Apart from a short stretch, it's entirely away from the main road and absolutely delightful. We often walk to Caernarfon, buy a few things, have a coffee and then take the 9A bus (£1) home, lovely day!!

The local carnival committee organise the annual Gwyl Y Felinheli (Felinheli Festival) in July, and also a fabulous firework display around the 5th of November. Here's a picture of the festival from the house. Both of these events are very popular in the local area and parts of the village are closed to allow visitors safe access. Have a look at their website, it's in English and Welsh, here.

200m away is a local Londis shop and post office selling just about everything, and a few doors down, a Chinese takeaway, a hairdresser and other shops. There are three pubs in the village, the Gardd Fôn (Garden of Anglesey) down by the beach, Tafarn Y Vic (Victoria Tavern) and The Halfway. Also, a number of cafe's and restaurants. All in all, we are well catered for here.

There are bus stops just by the house with frequent services through the village taking you to Caernarfon, Bangor and beyond. During the day you never have to wait more than about ten minutes. John's Taxis are also available in the village.

There are nursery (3-4yr) and junior (4-11yr) schools in the village. Senior schools, only 10-15 minutes away, are in Bangor (Ysgol Tryfan and Ysgol Friars), and Caernarfon (Syr Hugh Owen). Bangor University is also 10-15 minutes from here.

Finally, If you like your footy, there's a local team, CPD Y Felinheli, which seems to play every Sunday but I'm not an authority!!!