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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.
Places to Stay in Southern Snowdonia
Discover this area of outstanding beauty ...
‘Men of Harlech on to glory, This will ever be your story, Keep these burning words before ye, Welshmen will not yield’, or so the song goes.
The song dates back to a seven year siege of Harlech Castle in the 15th century, but the Castle itself has a much longer history. Whilst its origins are marred in the myth of Princess Branwen and tales of endless feasting, recorded history remembers it as the scene of many a bloody battle.
Harlech Castle has witnessed some of the most momentous periods of British History but has remained remarkably well preserved in spite of them. Today it is a designated Unesco World Heritage Site.
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, ancient cultures and excellent local produce.
Designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925, Portmerion 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.
Ty Derw
Ty Derw is a charming Victorian stone built house in a picturesque setting in the Dovey Valley about 12 miles from Machynlleth and Dolgellau. The four guest rooms have been refurbished to a very high standard. Ample parking.
Guest Accommodation with 4 rooms, £45-£65 pppnb
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
Beautiful Wales
Set in open countryside of Llanaber, just a mile out of Barmouth. Both barns have sweeping panoramic views of the beach, sea and both penninsulars. Ceilwart Ganol Farm is an equestrian property with free range poultry. Pet friendly
Self-catering with 2 units, £329-£1400 pupw sleeps 1-4
Cader View & Arran Cottage
Ideal base for biking, walking, climbing and exploring Snowdonia National Park with plenty others activities nearby such as world famous underground trampoline and zip wire any many other activities suitable for families, couples etc.
Self-catering with 2 units, £110-£140 pupn sleeps 1-4
Dolgun Uchaf
All luxury en-suite rooms with powerful showers, FREE car parking and fast free Wi-Fi
Guest House with 4 rooms, £59-£62 pppn, £90 prpn, £75-£98 prpnb
Helmau Cottages
Helmau Cottages are situated 2 miles from Dolgellau within the Snowdonia National Park, and just 10 minutes walk direct to the spectacular waterfalls at Torrent Walk and near to Coed Y Brenin mountain-bike centre.
Self-catering with 3 units, £600-£2100 pupw sleeps 2-8
Garden Cottage @ Torrent Walk
Dog Friendly Self-Catering Cottage - Sleeping 5 in 3 rooms with beautiful views over Cader Idris, Snowdonia. Real log fire and Wifi available. Great for couples, short breaks, family escapes and walking holidays.
Self-catering with 1 unit, £380-£750 pupw sleeps 2-5
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
Dolgoch Holiday Homes
A group of 4 split-level homes built on the site of an old water mill. Minutes walk from the foot of Dolgoch Falls. Each is individually owned. Ideal location for walking, fishing, birdwatching, golf, steam-railways, water sports & beaches.
Self-catering with 4 units, £245-£750 pupw sleeps 1-8
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, £33-£43 pppnb
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-£610 pupw sleeps 4-6
Cynfal Farm Cottages
A perfect holiday location for couples or families seeking something rather special. Two luxury self catering accommodations.
Self-catering with 2 units, £300-£690 pupw sleeps 2-6
Vanner Holiday Cottages
Semi-detached cottages, stone built, 17th century listed buildings, situated on the banks of the river Mawddach, within a conservation area which includes 15th century Vanner Farm House & Cymer Abbey.
Self-catering with 2 units, £300-£450 pupw sleeps 1-5
Preswylfa Guest House
Family run guest house, within easy walking distance of all amenities. We have a luxury double, twin and single room. We also have a guest lounge. We serve a full Welsh breakfast.
Guest House with 3 rooms, £39-£115 prpnb
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
Golwg y Mor
Beach-side house with direct access to beach. This quiet comfortable property has unobstructed views of Cardigan Bay. Dolphins can seen from house. Central heating, which makes it ideal for Summer or Winter. Linen and tea towels provided.
Self-catering with 1 unit, £240-£660 pupw sleeps 4
Cartref Guest House
Cartref is a stylish and comfortable guest House in the picturesque sea side village of Aberdovey. Our aim is to provide 4* comforts on a small scale for the visitor who wants restful, contemporary interiors while still enjoying the charm
Guest House with 5 rooms, £45-£100 prpnb
Glandwr Mill
Award-winning Glandwr Mill boasts an idyllic location, nestled away in an elevated position beside the Mawddach estuary, less than two miles from Barmouth in Southern Snowdonia
Guest House with 3 rooms, £92-£120 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. 2 Family, 4 Doubles, 1 Twin.
Guest Accommodation with 7 rooms, £110-£156 prpnb
Aber Cottage Guesthouse
Aber Cottage is a 250 year old listed building situated in the picturesque market town of Dolgellau, in the heart of Wales' beautiful Snowdonia National Park. The guest house offers quality en-suite accommodation with private parking.
Guest Accommodation with 3 rooms, £80 prpnb
Southern Snowdonia Highlights..
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Walking in Southern Snowdonia
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.
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 1NE
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).
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
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.
Explore Southern Snowdonia
Late availability
| Ty Derw, Dinas-Mawddwy | £45.00 |
| Cader View & Arran Cottage, Dolgellau | £770.00 |
| Dolgun Uchaf, Dolgellau | £30.00 |
| Einion House, Fairbourne | £33.00 |
| Llwyndu Farmhouse, Barmouth | £55.00 |
| Aber Cottage Guesthouse, Dolgellau | £40.00 |
| Torrent Walk Campsite and Bunkhouse, Dolgellau | £19.00 |
| Tyddyn Rhys Farm, Aberdovey | £37.50 |
| Nyth Robin Campsite, Aberdovey | £36.00 |
| Fron Haul, Aberdovey | £32.50 |
| Bala-Backpackers, Bala | £13.00 |
| Helmau Cottages, Dolgellau | £600.00 |
| Gogarth Hall Farm Holidays, Aberdovey | £150.00 |
| Cynfal Farm Cottages, Tywyn | £300.00 |
| Preswylfa Guest House, Tywyn | £39.00 |
