Aberystwyth in November. Not a film title and perhaps not likely to set the pulse racing (unless you dip a toe in the Irish Sea). We were there checking out the town’s university – scurrying around between prospective students of glaciers, cattle, nursing and medieval Welsh literature. Aberystwyth is a charming town even in the salt-spit, spray and fringe buffeting gale of a damp November day.
Check out this wonderful building on the seafront listed for redevelopment. I hope it gets the care it deserves. It looks out over a vastness of sea, nothing till Ireland. In its immediate vista is the pier. Truncated and housing an amusement arcade it could look so much better. The town is Victorian and Edwardian with some great shops and I wished I’d had more time to explore. There are plenty of independents stocking vinyl, crystals, seashells, coffee, bric a brac, air guns and crabbing nets.
There is a church with headstones raised for parking and a sign warning not to climb on them. Audis…..yes. Exploring toddlers……no.
That was a whistle stop tour. I had maybe 20 minutes. Barely enough time to register the buildings that featured in BBC’s excellent and underrated Hinterland.
I spent most of my day in the university and what a pleasant and welcoming place it was. A free flask and a muffin and coffee and plenty of questions answered. A drone demo and a talk about combatting malaria in Zanzibar and former students working with NASA and Save the Children. This, and a map which seemed to show exactly what rock and soil type existed right under your garden patio, left me wondering why I’d chosen to read chemistry.
It wasn’t an easy journey home…..thick fog, blinking taillights and then driving rain. But we’ll return. Ah, the smell of the sea. And clutching a steaming mug of tea while watching the breakers.
Richard Lakin's Blog 
A lovely town, if a little windy and wet!
Sounds like you had a grand day out in spite of the weather. Nice photos too!
I last visited that town in 1992, driving up from Fishguard, where we were staying. It was a warm sunny day, very different to your experience. I remember taking a funicular railway up to an old camera obscura. After that, my (now-ex) wife was more interested in exploring the shops.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes mid Wales can be overlooked (it doesn’t have motorway access) but it’s very beautiful