Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth (from the Welsh Mouth of the Ystwyth) is an historic market town, and seaport of Ceredigion (Cardiganshire), Mid Wales.

It is situated near the confluence of the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol, about midway down the length of Cardigan Bay. Aberystwyth was a contributory parliamentary borough until the Third Reform Act, which caused its representation to be merged into that of the county in 1885. In modern times Aberystwyth has become a Welsh educational centre. The population is around 12,000, but is swelled by an additional 8000 students associated with the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. The world’s first department in international politics was established in Aberystwyth in 1919.

The Cambrian Line railway links Aberystwyth with Shrewsbury, and the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which is operated by steam locomotives, can be taken to Devil’s Bridge. Aberystwyth is a major tourist centre and a cultural link between the north and south of Wales. It has a pier and a fine sea-front which stretches from Constitution Hill at the north end of the Marine Terrace to the mouth of the harbour. Constitution Hill is scaled by the Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway giving access to fine views and other attractions at the top.

Although the town is relatively modern, it contains a number of historic buildings, including the remains of the castle and the “imposing but fantastic structure” of the old buildings of the University College of Walesfederal resume writing near the Castle Hill. The new campus lies to the east of the town.

The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Classical reival and Victorian, and the town is sometimes reffered to as “the Oxford of Wales”.

Aber’s isolation means it takes a good two hours to get to the nearest civilisation. No, MerthyrTydfil does not count. Brecon is not that far away but there isn’t much there anyway. Note the scale of Wales – two hours drive over winding roads is considered “nearby”. It takes at least two hours to get ANYWHERE from aber.

Ex aber students frequently suffer from what is known as AberHostage syndrome. This causes otherwise perfectly normal people to decide that living in a remote coastal welsh town is the right thing to do, and they frequently do exactly that. This is not as insane as it sounds. This author is biased, having already succumbed to AberHostage syndrome slightly. But it really is a very lovely little town. THERE IS NOTHING OUTSIDE ABER.