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Southern Snowdonia | Dolgellau and the Mawddach

Southern Snowdonia

The southern part of Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) covers the area from Dolgellau south to Machynlleth and west to Barmouth and Aberdovey. It is less well known than the Snowdon area to the north, which is exactly its appeal. The mountains here are just as dramatic, the estuaries are wider, and the crowds are a fraction of what you find around Llanberis and Betws-y-Coed.

What are the main places in Southern Snowdonia?

Dolgellau is the main town, built from dark stone at the foot of Cadair Idris. It has narrow streets, good independent shops and serves as the base for walks up the mountain. Barmouth is a seaside town at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, with a long sandy beach and the famous railway bridge. Harlech has one of the great castles of Wales, built by Edward I in the 1280s on a clifftop with views across Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninsula. Aberdovey is a small sailing village on the Dyfi Estuary. Bala sits at the head of Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales.

What walks are there in Southern Snowdonia?

Cadair Idris (893m) is the signature walk. The Minffordd Path from the south is the most popular route, climbing through old oak woods to the summit ridge. The Mawddach Trail is flatter: a 9.5-mile walking and cycling path along the estuary from Dolgellau to Barmouth, following a disused railway line with views of the mountains reflected in the water at low tide.

The Precipice Walk near Dolgellau is a 3.5-mile circuit with views across the Mawddach to Cadair Idris. It is not as dramatic as the name suggests but it is one of the finest short walks in Wales.

How do I get to Southern Snowdonia?

The Cambrian Coast Line runs through Barmouth, Dolgellau Road (Morfa Mawddach) and along the coast to Aberdovey and Machynlleth. By road, the A470 runs north from Dolgellau towards Southern Snowdonia, and the A487 connects to Machynlleth and Aberystwyth. From England, the quickest route is via Shrewsbury and the A458 to Dolgellau.

Where to eat in Southern Snowdonia

Dolgellau has several good independent restaurants and cafes. Barmouth has fish and chip shops on the harbour and pubs with sea views. Aberdovey has a small but reliable choice of restaurants serving fresh fish from the bay. The Fanny Talbot pub in Barmouth, owned by the National Trust, is worth a visit for its food and unusual name. For a full list, see our restaurants and cafes in the area.

Southern Snowdonia Towns | Places to Stay | See & Do

Inspiration

Harlech

Harlech is a historic town on the Snowdonia coast which has fantastic beaches, Royal St David's - one of Wales' finest golf courses and Harlech Castle which a World heritage site.
Bala & Penllyn

Bala & Penllyn is an area within the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park surrounded by the peaks of Aran Benllyn, Arenig Fawr and the Berwyn Mountains and home to the largest natural lake in Wales,
Abermaw | Barmouth

Barmouth is one of the most picturesque resorts on the Welsh coast and is surrounded by the unrivalled splendour of the Snowdonia National Park.
Dolgellau

Dolgellau is the ideal base to explore southern Snowdonia's dramatic scenery, adrenalin-fuelled activities and world heritage attractions. It's a historic mountain town built on the wool trade and steeped in folklore.
Aberdyfi | Aberdovey

Aberdyfi's pastel-coloured terraces front a large sandy beach and quaint old harbour. The town is a popular centre for sailing, watersports and golf.
Tywyn

Tywyn is a coastal town in Southern Snowdonia on the Mid Wales coast. The name Tywyn comes from the Welsh word for beach or sand dunes.

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Corris Cafe & Welsh Deli

Address

Corris Crafts Centre, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

cafe@ccl.wales

Corris

The Corris Café at Corris Craft Centre in Mid Wales offers a welcoming blend of the finest Welsh ingredients, local recipes and delicious dishes. Hearty specials include homemade soups with fresh crusty bread, a popular Welsh rarebit, Welsh lamb…
Teithiau Cerdded | DYFI Walking Tours

Address

Southern Snowdonia & Dyfi Valley, Gwynedd, SY20 9TG

Telephone
01650 531237

robertarfonhughes@gmail.com

Dyfi Walking Tours in southern Snowdonia takes visitors to iconic buildings, historical settings, marvellous countryside and remarkable human stories with the Welsh language at the heart of the tour.
Morben Isaf Holiday Home & Touring Park

Address

Derwenlas, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SR

Telephone
01654 781473

info@morbenisaf.co.uk

Machynlleth

This Holiday Home and Touring Park is ideally located near the historic and picturesque town of Machynlleth.

Price
Price £15.00 to £26.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Address

The Station Building, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9DY

Telephone
01766 513402

info@whr.co.uk

Porthmadog

The WHHR is a small, friendly railway where the train ride is just part of the experience. Free guided tours at the heritage centre. Vintage train.
RSPB Ynys-hir | Corporate & Business

Address

RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve, Eglwys-fach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8TA

Telephone
01654 700222

ynyshir@rspb.org.uk

Machynlleth

RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is a wildlife haven in the heart of Mid Wales
Gwesty Pen-y-Bont Hotel

Address

Pen-y-Bont Hotel, Talyllyn, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9AJ

Telephone
01654 782285

info@penybonthotel.co.uk

Tywyn

A 16th Century Coaching Inn with a spectacular location on Llyn Mwyngil (Talyllyn Lake) near Cadair Idris in the heart of southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Enjoy Bed & Breakfast in one of our five letting rooms, with a hearty Welsh Breakfast by the log…

Price
Price £180.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Portmeirion | Mermaid Spa

Address

Portmerion Village, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772444

spa@portmeirion.wales

Porthmadog

The Mermaid Spa removes you a little from your normal life and touches you with a little of the magic of the Portmeirion experience. Each visitor to the Spa is unique, treated throughout the whole experience as special.
Sea Moss Cabin

Address

Chalet 1, Woodlands Holiday Park, Bryncrug, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9UH

Telephone
01654 782285

brian-matthews@btconnect.com

Bryncrug, Tywyn

Newly refurbished Self-Catering Chalet at the Woodlands Holiday Park, Southern Snowdonia, Gwynedd. Sea view from the patio. Accessible throughout, including Car Parking immediately outside. No steps.

Price
Price £620.00 per unit per week
Dyfi Wildlife Centre

Address

Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SR

Telephone
01654 645184

dopenquiries@montwt.co.uk

Machynlleth

The Dyfi Wildlife Centre near Machynlleth is the home of the Dyfi Osprey Project at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve. Most visitors spend around one and a half to two hours per visit, including some time in the 360 Observatory where you can enjoy…

Price
Price £1.75 per child to £6.00 per adult
Cambrian Line and Cambrian Coast Trains

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8TG

Telephone
0333 3211 202

Mid Wales

The Cambrian Line runs from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth via Machynlleth and trains on the Cambrian Coast Line depart from Machynlleth and travel from Dyfi Junction up the coast north to Pwllheli.
Portmeirion Village & Gardens

Address

Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772409

visit@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Situated on its own peninsula in Southern Snowdonia, Portmeirion is a sight to behold, with vistas in every direction and pathways to explore and be amazed by. Sit & soak up the atmosphere or wander aimlessly around the village and gardens.
Dyffryn Seaside Estate

Address

Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, LL44 2HD

Telephone
01341 247220

info@dyffryn-seaside-estate.co.uk

Gwynedd

Carefree Holidays for all the family........
Whatever your tastes, Dyffryn Seaside Estate offers you a warm welcome. Beautifully situated, it sums up Meirionnydd's own proud motto, Tra Mor, Tra Meirion; betwixt sea and mountain.

Price
Price £340.00 to £410.00 per unit per week
The Welsh Legends Maze

Address

Corris Craft Centre, Corris, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

reception@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

Machynlleth

The Welsh Legends Maze sits beside King Arthur's Labyrinth and offers a leafy outdoor adventure through the world of Welsh myth. Follow winding paths to meet intriguing characters, many taken from the Mabinogion Welsh book of tales, including the…

Price
Price £8.95 Per Ticket
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways | Corporate Hospitality

Address

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Porthmadog Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF

Telephone
01766 516070

enquiries@ffwhr.com

Porthmadog

The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world, established in 1832.
Ty Bach

Address

Warren Parc, Penegoes, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8NN

Telephone
01654 702054

info@warrenparc.co.uk

Machynlleth

Ty Bach is a small cosy cottage set within our family run Caravan Park, 2 miles from the ancient market town of Machynlleth. An ideal base to explore the beautiful Dyfi Valley and Mid Wales.

Price
Price £395.00 per unit per week
RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve

Address

RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve, Eglwys-fach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8TA

Telephone
01654 700222

ynyshir@rspb.org.uk

Machynlleth

RSPB Ynys-Hir nature reserve is a wildlife haven in the heart of Mid Wales . Explore oak woodlands. peat bogs and salt marsh with views across the Dyfi estuary. Perfect for nature lovers & families wishing to discover their wild side.
Melin Meirion Mill

Address

Melin Meirion Mill, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9LS

Telephone
01650 531311

enquiries@meirionmill.co.uk

Dinas Mawddwy

Mill shop offering a huge range of traditionallly woven throws and rugs, outdoor & country clothing, knitwear, crafts & gifts. Refreshments available.
Glaslyn Ospreys

Address

Glaslyn Osprey Project, Prenteg, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9SP

Telephone
07834 575008

info@glaslynwildlife.co.uk

Porthmadog

Visit the stunning Glaslyn Valley in Snowdonia and see breeding ospreys in the spring and summer close to the Pont Croesor Visitor Centre near Porthmadog.
Teithiau Cerdded | DYFI Walking Tours

Address

Southern Snowdonia & Dyfi Valley, Gwynedd, SY20 9TG

Telephone
01650 531237

robertarfonhughes@gmail.com

Dyfi Walking Tours in southern Snowdonia takes visitors to iconic buildings, historical settings, marvellous countryside and remarkable human stories with the Welsh language at the heart of the tour.
Gŵyl Machynlleth Festival

Address

Y Tabernacl, Penrallt Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AJ

Telephone
01654 703355

info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

Machynlleth

The Gŵyl Machynlleth Festival returns with an exceptional programme promising the best in Welsh, classical, world, jazz and folk music, alongside poetry, lectures, exhibitions and more.