| Country: | Wales |
| Official Name: | Penmaenpool |
| Welsh Name: | Llynpenmaen |
| Coordinates: | 52.747°N -3.936°W |
| Static Image Name: | Penmaenpool-CadairIdris-02.jpg |
| Static Image Caption: | Penmaenpool with Cader Idris in the background |
| Community Wales: | Dolgellau |
| Unitary Wales: | Gwynedd |
| Constituency Welsh Assembly: | Dwyfor Meirionnydd |
| Constituency Westminster: | Dwyfor Meirionnydd |
| Post Town: | DOLGELLAU |
| Postcode District: | LL40 |
| Postcode Area: | LL |
| Dial Code: | 01341 |
| Os Grid Reference: | SH693184 |
Penmaenpool (Welsh: Llynpenmaen) is a hamlet on the south side of the estuary of the River Mawddach in Wales, near Dolgellau. A Grade II listed toll bridge provides access across the estuary for light vehicles.
Penmaenpool toll bridge is a wooden toll bridge built in 1879 to replace a ferry crossing. It links the A493 running along the south bank of the Mawddach to the A496 running along the north. It is Cadw-registered and was Grade II listed in 1990.[1] [2] The bridge can only be used by vehicles under 2.5 tonnes, and around 200 crossings are made each day.[3]
The George III Inn was originally two buildings: a ship chandler serving the boatbuilding industry, and a pub. It dates from approximately 1650. Gerard Manley Hopkins reputedly wrote the poem entitled "Penmaen Pool" in the visitor's book.[4] [5]
Penmaenpool railway station was on the Aberystwith and Welsh Coast Railway. It opened as Penmaen Pool on 3 July 1865, and closed to goods on 4 May 1964 and passengers on 18 January 1965. The route is now part of the Mawddach Trail and is popular with walkers.[6]
Fifteen people, including four children, drowned on 22 July 1966 when the ferry Prince of Wales hit the toll bridge. The ferry had been taking 39 people on a pleasure trip from Barmouth to the hotel in the village.[7] Though 27 lives were saved, nobody was officially recognised for bravery. A memorial was held by the signal box on the 50th anniversary of the disaster in 2016, and a plaque was unveiled commemorating the victims.[8]
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