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 |
|
| Population | 4,875 (2011) |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SH705455 |
| Principal area | Gwynedd |
| Ceremonial county | Gwynedd |
| Region | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BLAENAU FFESTINIOG |
| Postcode district | LL41 |
| Dialling code | 01766 |
| Police | North Wales |
| Fire | North Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| 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:
Gallery
St David's Church
A view over Blaenau Ffestiniog
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