Southern Snowdonia - Mid Wales
To describe southern Snowdonia as simply an area of outstanding beauty is an understatement. The sheer scale of the scenery; mountains and lakes, the scope of the vistas and the glacial valleys, betray an awe inspiring majesty that speaks of legends and ancient forces. The landscape harbours not only a unique geology, but a rich diversity of wildlife.
Southern Snowdonia is an eden for outdoor adventure seekers, a haven for those who value clean air in their lungs and the raw earth beneath their feet. Every sort of outdoor pursuit is available and a great starting point can be found at Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre. Towns and villages offer respite and relaxation, history and hospitality.
Harlech, Barmouth and Aberdovey hug the Mid Wales coastline; their picturesque streets open out onto award winning beaches cast in the shadow of the nearby mountains.
Dolgellau, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Bala nestle at the feet of these slopes, their histories woven between livelihood and landscape. No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the famous Portmeirion Village or Harlech Castle, a World Heritage site.
The area offers a wide range of award winning places to stay including environmental awardwinners, Food & Drink and Visit Wales Gold Award winners
Southern Snowdonia Highlights..
Southern Snowdonia - an area of outstanding beauty ...
Home to some of the most famous mountain ranges in Britain and the source of inspiration for a nation, Snowdonia National Park acquired its status in 1951 making it the second oldest in Britain.
From the windswept peaks of mount Snowdon, to the balmy shores of lake Bala, the Snowdonia National Park is a truly diverse dominion. Aside from the spectacular landscape and all its associated pleasures, the Park also includes the warm hospitality of its inhabitants, their charming towns & villages, ancient cultures and excellent local produce.
Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925, Portmeirion Village was built in imitation of a rustic Italian village. Sitting at the feet of Snowdonia it makes for a charming dislocation that is truly unique. Portmeirion’s place in popular culture has been set in stone as a result.
The iconic sixties spy drama, The Prisoner, led to an avalanche of programmes using the village of Portmeirion as a setting, and many more as an inspiration (Jools Holland, Noel Coward, Paul McCartney, Steven Fry, Supergrass and Iron Maiden are just a few names on that roll call). Previously the village had entertained Frank Lloyd Wright, Gregory Peck and Ingrid Bergman, making Portmeirion undoubtedly the jewel in the glittering crown of Snowdonia.
Places to stay in Southern Snowdonia
Einion House
Scenic Views to Sea - 4 star Georgian B&B, Southern Snowdonia, nr Dolgellau opposite Barmouth. Beach 5mins walk from B&B. The Mawddach Trail, Wales Coastal Path, Blue Lake, & Sensational sunsets. Great Walks & Cycle trails.
Guest House with 5 rooms, £34-£44 pppnb
Dolffanog Fawr
Dolffanog Fawr offers truly luxurious accommodation in the heart of Snowdonia.
Guest Accommodation with 4 rooms, £100-£120 prpnb
Bythynnod Bryn Caled Cottages
Three barn conversions with private hot tubs out side each cottage. Perfect country holiday for families and romantic couples.
Self-catering with 3 units, £575-£1355 pupw sleeps 2-7
Trefeddian Hotel
Located half a mile from the picturesque harbour village of Aberdyfi, with panoramic views of Cardigan Bay. Relax in comfort and enjoy fine food complimented by friendly service. Lift & indoor swimming pool. Families of all ages welcome.
Country House Hotel with 59 rooms, £82-£200 pppn, £100-£125 pppnb
Bryn Elltyd
ECO....Bryn Elltyd is carbon neutral. All energy inputs from renewables, located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park at the foot of the Moelwyn mountains, this is an ideal location to explore North Wales.
Guest House with 6 rooms, £70-£97 prpn, £40-£97 prpnb
Llwyndu Farmhouse
Llwyndu Farmhouse stands at the base of the Rhinog Mountains overlooking Cardigan Bay with stunning views over the Lleyn Peninsula and just a couple of miles north of Barmouth on the coast of Snowdonia. 3 Doubles all ensuite
Guest Accommodation with 7 rooms, £110-£124 prpnb
Tyddyn Mawr
This carefully restored & extended 18th Century farmhouse lies at the foot of Cader Idris mountain in Southern Snowdonia. Breathtaking scenery and superb mountain views.
Farmhouse with 2 rooms, £86-£88 prpnb
Gogarth Hall Farm Holidays
4 Self-catering cottages on a working farm between Machynlleth & Aberdyfi. Gogarth Hall Farm and its tranquillity offers Barn Owls, Bats and Kites a safe haven, thus the farm has won the Countryside Caretakers Award for conservation.
Self-catering with 5 units, £150-£645 pupw sleeps 4-6
Hendy Farm Cottages
A warm welcome awaits you at Hendy, situated in the Snowdonia National Park. Enjoy Self Catering accommodation on a working farm with the privilege of its own halt on the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway.
Self-catering with 5 units, £210-£795 pupw sleeps 1-6
Pen-Y-Bont Hotel
A 16th Century Coaching Inn with spectacular views across Talyllyn Lake, near Cader Idris. Enjoy the Lakeside Beer Garden and Log fires in the Bar and Restaurant. We are waiting to welcome you to our little piece of Heaven on Earth!
Inn with 5 rooms, £90-£165 prpnb
Explore Southern Snowdonia
Late availability
| Einion House, Fairbourne | £34.00 |
| Bythynnod Bryn Caled Cottages, Bala | £575.00 |
| Bryn Elltyd, Blaenau Ffestiniog | £35.00 |
| Llwyndu Farmhouse, Barmouth | £55.00 |
| Dolgun Uchaf, Dolgellau | £25.00 |
| Torrent Walk Campsite and Bunkhouse, Dolgellau | £19.00 |
| Ynysymaengwyn Caravan Park, Tywyn | £15.00 |
| Tyddyn Rhys Farm, Aberdovey | £18.75 |
| Cae Du Farm Holidays, Tywyn | £560.00 |
| Sea Moss Cabin, Tywyn | £700.00 |
| Llwyngwril Gallery Holiday Accommodation, Barmouth | £750.00 |
| Glamping @ Nyth Robin Holiday Park, Aberdovey | £490.00 |
| Nyth Robin Glamping & Touring Park, Aberdovey | £36.00 |
| Fron Haul, Aberdovey | £32.50 |
| Bala-Backpackers, Bala | £13.00 |
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Walking in Southern Snowdonia
Afon Eden Trail
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ
Take this gentle route suitable for all from the visitor centre down through scent-filled woodlands to the riverside picnic site. OS Grid Reference: SH 725 268
Cefndeuddwr Trail
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ
This is a gently rising walk for all the family and suitable for pushchairs with resting benches at least every 150m. There are no steep steps or stiles. OS Grid Reference: SH 725 268
Forest Garden Discovery Trail
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ
The Forest Garden Discovery Trail starts from a blue badge only Pandy car park by the side of the Afon Babi. OS Grid Reference: SH 744225
Gain Waterfall Trail
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ
The Gain waterfall trail starts from the visitor centre and climbs over the ridge before dropping into the next valley and descending to the confluence of the Afon Gain and Mawddach with their twin waterfalls. OS Grid Reference: SH 725 272
Glasdir Copper Trail
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ
The Glasdir Copper Trail starts from the small car park and picnic site in Glasdir between the Afon Wen and Afon Babi. OS Grid Reference: SH 716 277
Volcano Trail
Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre (NRW), Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HZ
The Volcano Trail starts from the car park at Pont Cae’n y Coed and visits some of the most remote and highest areas of the Forest Park. OS Grid Reference: SH 733251
Dinas Oleu Walk
Abermaw | Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL42 1LS
The Dinas Oleu Walk takes you from Barmouth town centre through the steep narrow winding streets of the Old Town and up to the top of the gorse-covered hill, known as Dinas Oleu (Citadel of Light).
The Mawddach Trail
Mawddach Estuary, Southern Snowdonia, LL40 2TA
The walk along the estuary from Barmouth to Dolgellau is 9.6 miles (15km). This easy leisure walk is suitable for all the family and involves no climbing. A section of the trail has been adapted for people with disabilities.
Mary Jones Walk
Bala & Penllyn, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD
By following this linear route, you will walk 28 miles through the spectacular countryside of the old county of Meirionnydd, from an enchanting valley at the foot of Cadair Idris to the shores of Llyn Tegid.
Walking Trails
Bala & Penllyn, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD
A choice of Walking Trails for everyone – including: all ability, children, heritage, scenic and mountain walks. All through stunning mountain and lake scenery of southern Snowdonia, wildlife in abundance and Wildlife Guide available.
Aberdyfi Panorama
Aberdyfi | Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0ED
This gentle four mile walk soon gets you up above Aberdyfi, enjoying fine views over the mouth of the Dyfi estuary and south towards Borth and Aberystwyth. Starting place: Tourist Information Centre Starting ref: SN 614959
Llyn Barfog Walk
Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 0DF
Start: Snowdonia National Park Authority car park, Cwm Maethlon/Happy Valley Grid Reference: SN 640 986 Distance: 5 km - 3.1 miles (shortcut 4 km – 2.5 miles) Grade: Moderate Terrain: Open moorland, firm tracks, fields and tarmac road.
Dinas Mawddwy Walk
Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, LL49 9LP
Start: Dinas Mawddwy village car park Grid Reference: SH 858 150 Distance: 3.4 km - 2.1 miles Grade: Easy Terrain: Riverside walk along grassy paths and firm tracks Maps: OS Explorer - OL 23
