Slate Quay memories

The Aber Swing Bridge allows pedestrians across the River Seiont to the Aber Foreshore and opens to let boats through. It was built in the 1970s to replace the first bridge which had opened in 1900. Before that, people crossed by ferry at a halfpenny each way.

From the bridge you get an excellent view inland along the slate quay, with the Welsh Highland Railway situated at the far end.

Relatively quiet now, with tourism and leisure the chief activities, the Slate Quay had its heyday in Victorian times when this part of Wales was supplying the roofing material for Britain's rapidly expanding towns and cities, as well as to other countries.

Ships filled the river mouth and maritime businesses flourished. Some of the premises, like the De Winton engineering workshops (now a plumbing business), can still be seen today, as well as the sturdy Harbour Trust Offices built in 1840.

To continue to the next point, don't cross the bridge, but carry on along the slate quay towards the car park entrance and Harbour Trust Offices.