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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: 260

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Corris Mine Explorers

Address

Corris Caverns, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

info@corrismineexplorers.co.uk

Corris

Underground slate mine tours in Corris, Mid Wales, exploring a forgotten Victorian slate mine with expert guides. See original tools, machinery and miners’ graffiti on atmospheric trips for families, history lovers and curious explorers. Pre booking…

Price
Price £15.70 per child to £20.50 per adult
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.
Llety Brynawel Guest House

Address

Brynawel, Tower Road, Pennal, Machynlleth, SY20 9DP

Telephone
01654 791206

info@lletybrynawel.co.uk

Pennal

Llety Brynawel Guest House is a magnificent Georgian period guest house of immense charm and character situated in the beautiful village of Pennal amidst the famous Snowdonia National Park.

Price
Price £115.00 to £125.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Hendy Farm Holidays

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 Bed and Breakfast on a working farm with the privilege of its own halt on the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway!

Price
Price £35.00 to £40.00 per person per night
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
Lounge Holidays

Address

Tywyn & Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL36 9AE

Telephone
01654 710533

theteam@lounge-holidays.co.uk

Southern Snowdonia

Lounge Holidays are a family run business based in southern Snowdonia and can accommodate the solo travel to the large family holiday, from one-bed apartments to seven-bedroom beach houses with hot tubs.
Nyth Robin Touring Site

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Small, friendly, eco touring site, just outside the pretty seaside village of Aberdovey in mid-Wales, and within the Snowdonia National Park. Secluded site set in 7 acres of private woodland with short walks.
There are just 9 touring pitches…

Price
Price £25.00 to £35.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Centre for Alternative Technology | Eco Cabins

Address

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

Telephone
01654 705950

rob.bullen@cat.org.uk

Machynlleth

CAT's Eco Cabins offer a fantastic and affordable self-catering choice for large families and active groups looking to explore the local area. Each cabin can sleep up to 18 people and have communal lounge areas and kitchens.
Harbour Cottage Coedmor

Address

Caerdeon, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1TL

Telephone
01341 430332

coedmorenquiry@hotmail.co.uk

Barmouth

Harbour Cottage in Barmouth is ideal for a romantic break with sandy beaches and cosy inns on your doorstep. This traditional fisherman’s cottage steeped in history has a lot of character.

Price
Price £320.00 to £430.00 per unit per week
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia )

Address

Mid & North Wales, Eryri National Park, LL48 6LF

Telephone
01766 770274

park@snowdonia.gov.wales

The Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is a special part of the country where visitors come to relax and enjoy a wide range of leisure activities in spectacular surroundings.
The Wynnstay

Address

Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AE

Telephone
01654 702941

croeso@wynnstay.wales

Machynlleth

The Wynnstay Machynlleth is a charming old Coaching Inn. The restaurant appeals to gourmets, hungry locals and travellers. Open fires, log stoves, excellent wines and real ales. "This one is different", said Martin Bright in The Observer.

Price
Price £65.00 to £120.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Gwynedd Holiday Park

Address

Neptune Road, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 0DL

Telephone
01654 710461

scl@salopcaravans.co.uk

Tywyn

This immaculately kept park is small and unashamedly select, with manicured lawns and landscaped gardens.
Great Little Trains of Wales | Discount Card

Address

Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9EY

gr8littletrains@gmail.com

Tywyn

Discover Great Little Trains of Wales: Buy a 20% off Discount Card and get 20% off one adult full round-trip fare on twelve steam railways located in stunning scenery across Wales.
Glandyfi Castle | Stay

Address

Glandyfi Castle, Glandyfi, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SS

enquiries@glandyficastle.co.uk

Machynlleth

Exclusive-use castle near Machynlleth in Mid Wales, with 11 bedrooms sleeping 22 guests in individually styled bedrooms. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries and relaxed get togethers with family or friends. Dog friendly venue with 40 acres of…
Dinas Caravan Park

Address

Dinas, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PH

Telephone
01341 241585

hideawayinthehills@outlook.com

Llanbedr

Dinas Caravan Park is a small, quiet park with 8 static caravans for hire. Located in Southern Snowdonia between Harlech and Barmouth on the Ardudwy Way long distance path in the Rhinog foothills. 3 miles from sandy beaches and castle.

Price
Price £42.42 to £80.00 per unit per night
Llanllwyda Caravan Site

Address

Llanfihangel Y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TN

Telephone
01654 782276

rhianmaiwilliams@hotmail.com

Tywyn

A lovely laid back secluded site on a working farm. Its perfect to get away from it all and relax. Locality - Southern Snowdonia.

Price
Price £14.00 to £20.00 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
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.
Garden Cottage at Torrent Walk Cottages

Address

Plas Hen, Brithdir, Dolgellau, United Kingdom, LL40 2RG

Telephone
01341 422783

richards@torrentwalkcottages.com

Brithdir, Dolgellau

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.

Price
Price £630.00 to £830.00 per unit per week
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.