To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more

You are here: Destinations > Southern Snowdonia

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

, currently showing 121 to 140.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Afon Rhaiadr Country House

Address

Afon Rhaiadr Country House, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AH

Telephone
01341 450777

enquiries@afonrhaiadr.co.uk

Dolgellau

A warm welcome awaits all at Afon Rhaiadr Country House, surrounded by gardens and Woodlands with a stream and waterfall running through. Sumptuous bedrooms with luxury bathrooms. Delicious home cooking. A perfect place to relax and unwind.

Price
Price £95.00 to £155.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Einion House

Address

Friog, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2NX

Telephone
01341 250644

stay@einionhouse.co.uk

Fairbourne

Scenic Views to Sea - 4 star Georgian B&B, Southern Snowdonia, nr Dolgellau opposite Barmouth. Walk to The Mawddach Trail, Wales Coastal Path, Blue Lake. Great Walks & Cycle trails, castles

Price
Price £70.00 to £75.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Trefeddian Hotel

Address

Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0SB

Telephone
01654 767213

info@trefwales.com

Aberdovey

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. Indoor swimming pool and spa bath. Families of all ages welcome.

Price
Price £146.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
Ty Derw Country House B&B

Address

Old Road, Dinas Mawddwy, Nr Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LR

Telephone
07970349965

tyderw@btinternet.com

Dinas Mawddwy, Nr Machynlleth

Ty Derw is a charming Victorian stone built B&B 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.

Price
Price £50.00 to £57.50 per person per night for bed & breakfast
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
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Dyfi)

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8ER

Experience the Wonder of Dyfi Biosphere: A Natural Gem Recognised by UNESCO
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Dyfi Biosphere, an internationally recognised Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO. The reserve is a true gem, one of only six…
Cae Du Campsite

Address

Rhoslefain, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9ND

Telephone
01654 711234

caedufarmholidays@gmail.com

Tywyn

The Campsite has panoramic sea views of Ynys Enlli and the Llyn Peninsula and the Self Catering accommodation overlooks the Dysynni Valley with coastal views as far as Pembrokeshire on a clear day.

Price
Price £15.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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
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.
Dovey Valley Shooting Ground

Address

Dovey Valley Shooting Ground, Llanwrin, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8QJ

Telephone
01650 511252

info@doveyvalley.com

Machynlleth

Clay Shooting - Fun for all the family, complete beginners welcome.

Price
Price £20.00 to £59.00 per adult
Portmeirion Village | Corporate Events

Address

Portmeirion Village & Gardens, Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772337

meetings@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Looking for an exceptional corporate events venue? Look no further than Portmeirion Village. Situated on its own peninsula in Southern Snowdonia, Portmeirion is a sight to behold, with amazing vistas in every direction and pathways to explore.
Tan-y-Fron Holiday Park

Address

Arran Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Snowdonia National Park, LL40 2AA

Telephone
01341 422638

info@tan-y-fron.co.uk

Gwynedd

Tan-y-Fron Caravan & Camping Holiday Park is situated in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, a few minutes walk from the market town of Dolgellau.

Price
Price £10.00 to £76.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Gwrach Ynys Country Guest House

Address

Talsarnau, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL47 6TS

Telephone
01766 780742

deborah@gwrachynys.co.uk

Harlech

Country house in peaceful rural location close to mountains and sea. Ideally located for visiting Portmeirion, Harlech Castle, Welsh Highland Railway or walking and touring Snowdonia. A warm welsh welcome at assured by Gwynfor and Deborah.

Price
Price £55.00 to £95.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Brigands Inn | Dining

Address

Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9HJ

Telephone
01650 511999

bookings@brigandsinn.com

Dinas Mawddwy

Nestled in the beautiful Dovey Valley, this 15th Century Coaching Inn offers guests a choice of dining, drinking and sleeping options, as well as a function room suitable for large events and parties including weddings.
Morfa Dyffryn Nature Reserve (NRW)

Address

Dyffryn Ardudwy, near Barmouth, LL43 2AR

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

near Barmouth

The spectacular Morfa Dyffryn Reserve stretches for about 4.5 miles along the coast of Cardigan Bay from Afon Ysgethin in the south to Afon Artro in the north.
Mawddach Estuary

Address

Dolgellau - Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL40 2TA

Telephone
01766 770274

Dolgellau - Barmouth

The vast and sandy Mawddach estuary is one of Snowdonia National Park’s most remarkable areas. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation due to its salt marsh and lowland peat habitats.
Barmouth Beach

Address

Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1NE

Telephone
01341 281617

info@barmouthstation.com

Gwynedd

Barmouth is southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside resort. In summer, its big sandy beach is a magnet for visitors, yet there’s so much space along miles of unbroken sands that it never gets overcrowded.
Bala Lake Railway | Model Railway Show

Address

Llyn Tegid | Bala Lake Railway, Llanuwchlyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7DD

Telephone
01678 540666

enquiries@bala-lake-railway.co.uk

Llanuwchlyn, Bala

Join us at Bala Model Railway Show, a popular exhibition of detailed model layouts and exhibits held over 2 days at Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn Secondary School, Bala.
Bala & Penllyn | Cycle Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

Cycle routes through southern Snowdonia and the exciting scenery around Bala,
Land Rover Rally | Talyllyn Railway

Address

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

Telephone
01654 710472

enquires@talyllyn.co.uk

Tywyn

The Annual Land Rover take-over of Wharf returns!