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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: 254

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King Arthurs Labyrinth

Address

King Arthurs Labyrinth, Corris Craft Centre, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

reception@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

Corris

King Arthur’s Labyrinth in Corris, Mid Wales is an underground storytelling adventure where Welsh legends are brought to life. You sail by boat, passing through a magical waterfall, and deep into the Labyrinth. Guided by a hooded boatman, walk…

Price
Price £11.80 per child to £17.80 per adult
Dyffryn Seaside Estate Holiday Park

Address

Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, LL44 2HD

Telephone
01341 247220

info@dyffryn-seaside-estate.co.uk

Gwynedd

Caravans for hire 4-6 berths. Wheelchair accessible caravans available. Also 4-6 berth bungalows. Site facilities include spacious pub, self service shop, take away/cafe, laundry, indoor leisure complex and playground. 200 Camping pitches.

Price
Price £21.00 to £30.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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.
Maes Carafannau Trefeddian Uchaf

Address

Trefeddian Uchaf, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0SF

Telephone
07814 949032

rhiantrefeddian@yahoo.co.uk

Aberdyfi

2 caravans on Welsh speaking family farm within walking distance of Aberdyfi village, the 4 miles of beautiful sandy beach and Aberdyfi's wonderful 18 hole golf course. Wales Coastal path goes through the farm.
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 £28.00 to £35.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre

Address

Llanycil, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7YF

Telephone
01678521877

centre.manager@bydmaryjonesworld.org.uk

Bala

Visit our award-winning visitor centre and discover how the story of a young Welsh girl changed the lives of millions.
Set on the edge of Llyn Tegid, the centre tells Mary Jones’s story through multimedia and interactive displays in a Grade…
Dyfi Hideaway

Address

Dyfi Hideaway, Penestaer, Glandyfi, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8SS

Telephone
07775947674

adam.nags@outlook.com

Glandyfi, Machynlleth

A luxury holiday cottage in the Dyfi Valley near Snowdonia, sleeping up to 6 guests. Pet and family friendly.
Situated on the main Aberystwyth road, with stunning views over the River Dovey (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Breathtaking views across the…
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
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
Centre for Alternative Technology | Short Courses

Address

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

Telephone
07719 087461

courses@cat.org.uk

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

The Centre for Alternative Technology offer day and short residential courses covering a range of sustainability issues, including: renewable energy, environmentally friendly building techniques, ecology, woodland management, organic gardening and…

Price
Price £275.00 to £650.00 per adult
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.
MOMA WALES | Museum Of Modern Art

Address

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

Telephone
01654 703355

info@moma.machynlleth.org.uk

Machynlleth

Throughout the year MOMA WALES shows Modern Welsh Art, in a series of constantly changing exhibitions featuring Wales' top artists.
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.
Corris Caverns | Group Visits

Address

King Arthurs Labyrinth, Corris Craft Centre, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

reception@ccl.wales

Corris

King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Corris Mine Explorers, The Welsh Legends Maze and Corris Craft Centre all start from Corris Caverns in Mid Wales, with the Corris Café and Welsh Deli on site too. Discover underground adventures, Welsh myths, craft workshops…
Tan-y-Fron Holiday Park | Holiday Homes

Address

Arran Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AA

Telephone
01341 422638

info@tan-y-fron.co.uk

Dolgellau

Tan-y-Fron Holiday Park is situated within the beautiful Snowdonia National Park and the nearest to the market town of Dolgellau which is only a few minutes walk (1/2 mile) away.
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
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
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 Cottage | Maes y Wennol

Address

Llanfihangel y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TR

Telephone
01654 782674

admin@dysynnivalleyholidays.com

Tywyn

Situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Maes y Wennol in a rural and peaceful setting with no passing traffic, boasts magnificent views of the Dysynni Valley.

Price
Price £600.00 per unit per week
Castell Deudraeth

Address

Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 770000

post@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Castell Deudraeth 4-star hotel located on the grounds of Portmeirion, in Southern Snowdonia. The hotel has 11 spacious and contemporary rooms and suites,