It is located on the A493, approximately 8 miles (13 km) west of Dolgellau, and had a population of 1,010 in 2001,[1] increasing slightly to 1,031 at the 2011 census.

[2] The village was named after the Welsh ruler Arthog ap Ceredig [3] In 1894, Solomon Andrews, a Cardiff entrepreneur, bought land overlooking the Mawddach estuary.

The row of terraced properties was the start of a purpose-built holiday resort he intended for the area.

The marines also built huts on nearby Fegla Fawr; the foundation bases can still be seen between the trees above the estuary.

The station is situated on the Cambrian Line with direct trains northbound to Pwllheli via Barmouth and Porthmadog and southbound to Birmingham International via Machynlleth and Shrewsbury.