ABOUT

Ardal – here for the community and visitors

Ardal is a local history project, covering the areas of North West Wales (mainly in the areas of Anglesey, Gwynedd & Aberconwy)

A historical guide of our ancient landscape, from Neolithic standing stones to Medieval castles, including a complete list of the Kingdom of Gwynedd

All pages include photographs & O/S references

The aim is to promote our local heritage and to increase historical knowledge of the area and our extraordinary past.

Ardal is created by Martin Davies, local historian and experienced tour guide of many years with in depth knowledge of the area

“Having lived here all my life, I feel extremely lucky to be living in this area of natural beauty, surrounded by the mountains and sea with a vast history in its midst.”

“My ancestor Moses Williams, acted as a guide to Snowdon for many years. He was one of the first guides who used to take visitors up the mountain on horseback in 19th century. He kept the Halfway house for 28 years, a well-known refreshment house on the road to the summit of Snowdon.”

“I gained my experiences over many years at numerous historical sites, including National Trust, Cadw, and Anglesey Council. I was also a member of a former local history group called ‘Gwydion Heritage’ based in the Caernarfon area.”

“I have lead many historical guided walks, including talks, research & archaeological excavations. I support local community groups and other community projects.”

“I have carefully added to this project over a number of years by providing detailed local history, by travelling to many local historic sites, including the ongoing use of photography, drone imagery and video editing.”

“I feel it is very important to enable locals and visitors to learn of our history and to safeguard and protect our heritage, and at the same time hope that everyone has a wonderful and memorable experience.”

‘I feel I could never have achieved this without the help and support of others.’

I would like to thank all those that have contributed and supported with this website

Giles Bohannon (Fusion IT Services) for hosting website, advice & guidance…much needed tech support

Dyfan Roberts for providing Welsh translations in Ardal Cymraeg website 

Gareth Roberts for his artistic images, walks & talks with his amazing Walk & Discover Project

Karl Banholzer for his wonderful support, historical contributions, artistic images & artefacts

Gareth Foulkes for his wonderful Carnyx & being a true Celt – diolch yn fawr!

all landowners for your kind permissions for photography, filming & drone use

…and of course to all my friends & family that have put up with my constant nagging…

Thank you for visiting this website