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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.

Number of results: 257

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Ian Snow - Machynlleth

Address

Ian Snow - Machynlleth, The Old Post Office, 8 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AF

Telephone
01654 703945

sales@iansnow.com

8 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth

From his shop in Machynlleth, Ian Snow started his business in 1978 selling throws, curtains, cushion covers,and gifts. The business is are proud of their ethical standards & passionate about our environment.
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.
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
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.
Brigands Inn

Address

Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9HJ

Telephone
01650 511999

info@brigandsinn.com

Dinas Mawddwy

15th Century Coaching Inn set in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and on the upper banks of the River Dovey. Elegant, spacious bedrooms & deluxe four poster- rooms, all with individual character & charm. Finest local produce used.

Price
Price £50.00 to £60.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
Llwybrau Mawddwy Paths

Address

Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, LL49 9LP

Dinas Mawddwy

The Llwybrau Cerdded - Mawddwy - Walking Paths are based in Dinas Mawddwy, an unspoilt, hidden area of southern Snowdonia between Machynlleth and Dolgellau which is steeped in history.
National White Water Centre

Address

Canolfan Tryweryn, Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU

Telephone
01678 521083

info@nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk

Bala

The National White Water Centre has almost 40 years of experience in providing white water rafting at the best summer white water facility in the UK.
Llyn Tegid | Bala Lake Railway

Address

Llanuwchlyn Station, Llanuwchlyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7DD

Telephone
01678 540666

enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Bala

A scenic heritage train ride through the glorious scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the shoreline of Bala Lake, Wales' largest natural lake.

Price
Price £5.50 per child to £37.00 per family
Trefeddian Hotel | Self Catering

Address

Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0SB

Telephone
01654 767 213

info@trefwales.com

Aberdyfi

Seascape, Luxury five-star Self Catering Accommodation, with Panoramic Sea Views Overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Price
Price £850.00 to £2,500.00 per unit per week
Abermaw | Barmouth

Address

Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1LS

Telephone
01341 280556

info@barmouth-wales.co.uk

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.
Y Plas Machynlleth

Address

Y Plas Machynlleth, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8ER

Telephone
01654 702571

enquiries@machynlleth-tc.gov.uk

Machynlleth

Y Plas Machynlleth is a Grade 2 listed building, set in parkland offering a unique location for corporate events, weddings, meetings and events. Y Plas also includes a Craft Shop & Cafe.
Hendy Farm Cottages

Address

Hendy Farm, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RU

Telephone
01654 710457

jones@farmline.com

Tywyn

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.

Price
Price £210.00 to £850.00 per unit per week
Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway | Corporate Events

Address

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway, Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9EY

Telephone
01654 710472

enquiries@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

Corporate events at Tal-y-llyn Rail can be tailored to include Train Charters for up to around 100 people, or a private carriage for a group, Slater Meeting Room for max 25 guests, King's Cafe & Bistro at Tywyn Wharf and you can even book a Driver…
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.
Rola Cottages

Address

Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, LL37 2QJ

Telephone
07980 822004

hello@rolacottages.co.uk

Llwyngwril

Our two traditional Welsh cottages are situated on the stunning Cambrian coast with breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, close to the sandy beaches of Fairbourne, Tywyn, and Barmouth.
Dysynni Valley Shepherd’s Hut

Address

Bodilan Fach Farm, Llanfihangel y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TR

Telephone
01654 782674

admin@dysynnivalleyholidays.com

Tywyn

New for 2021, a Shepherd's Hut in in the perfect location in Southern Snowdonia for a family or keen walkers, climbers, fishing enthusiasts. Created for those looking for a beautiful location to relax.

Price
Price £55.00 to £75.00 per unit per night
Fairbourne Railway

Address

Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2EX

Telephone
01341 250362

office@fairbournerailway.com

Fairbourne

Narrow Gauge Steam Train journey offers superb views of Cadair Idris mountain range and Mawddach Estuary. G-Scale Railway and museum at Fairbourne. Can be accessed from Barmouth by means of the pedestrian ferry.

Price
Price £8.25 to £12.50 per adult
Centre for Alternative Technology | Stay

Address

Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ

Telephone
01654 705950

Machynlleth

CAT’s on-site accommodation is housed within the WISE building, a beautifully designed and award winning eco facility right in the middle of the Visitor Centre. Visitors can dine in CAT's vegetarian café and enjoy free access to the Visitor Centre.

Price
Price £40.00 per person per night to £80.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Gogarth Hall Farm | B & B

Address

Gogarth Hall Farm, Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LB

Telephone
07908 654730

brees2000@aol.com

Machynlleth

Situated within Snowdonia National Park in a peaceful part of Mid Wales, Gogarth Hall Farm offers peace and tranquillity that is rich in wild life and a haven for rare birds.

Price
Price £50.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
Centre For Alternative Technology | WISE Conference Centre

Address

Centre For Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ

Telephone
01654 704973

venue.hire@cat.org.uk

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

WISE Conference Centre has impressive facilities that can deliver successful conferences, in memorable spaces.
The Sheppard Theatre comfortably holds 180 delegates within its circular, rammed earth walls and has an adjoining exhibition/reception…