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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: 256

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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
Bala Backpackers

Address

32 Tegid Street, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7EL

Telephone
01678 521700

info@bala-backpackers.co.uk

Bala

Hostel-style value Tourist Accommodation in 1800's character buildings, refurbished, offering essential provision with a hint of luxury. Located in the town of Bala, famous for its Lake and White Water River. Sleeps 31.

Price
Price £25.00 to £65.00 per person per night
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
Penmaenuchaf Hotel | Dining

Address

Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1YB

Telephone
01341 212121

reservations@penmaenuchaf.co.uk

Dolgellau

Penmaenuchaf Head Chef, Owen Vaughan, and his talented kitchen brigade create menus with high-quality, delicious ingredients, that are as local as possible. The beautiful garden room restaurant is a wonderful setting for a memorable dining…
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
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
Penyglog Farm Cottages | Aberhiriaeth

Address

Abergiriaeth, Cemmaes, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AA

Telephone
01654 702033

penyglog@gmail.com

Machynlleth

A lovely Welsh traditional stone farmhouse with its own beautiful garden. Set on a working farm the house enjoys beautiful views over the Dyfi Valley. Near to sandy beaches, sea, mountains of Snowdonia, RSPB, Cycle tracks or simply relax.

Price
Price £475.00 to £800.00 per unit per week
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
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
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
Yr Hen Stablau

Address

Pantlludw, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JR

Telephone
01654 702218

stablau@selfcateringcottagewales.co.uk

Machynlleth

Yr Hen Stablau in southern Snowdonia just I mile from Machynlleth, sleeps 6 and has ground floor wheelchair access. The cottage is an energy efficient building renovated with local slate and timber. Beautiful garden,1 mile to Wales Coast Path and 8…

Price
Price £590.00 per unit per week
Gwerniago Camping Site

Address

Pennal, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9JX

Telephone
01654 791227

contact@gwerniago.co.uk

Machynlleth

Gwerniago Campsite is located in Mid Wales between Machynlleth and Aberdyfi. Electric, Non-Electric, Grass & Hardstanding pitches available. Campfires allowed, Parking on pitch. Ideal base for Beaches, Mountains, Dyfi Bike Park, Mach Loop.

Price
Price £20.00 to £25.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Bryn Cleifion | Bettws Hall

Address

Bryn Cleifion Hall, Mallwyd, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9HW

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Machynlleth

Bryn Cleifion Hall and Lodge are two self catering properties in Snowdonia National Park in Mallwyd.
Bryn Cleifion Hall sleeps up to 8 in 5 en suite bedrooms and has a modern kitchen, a sitting room with open fire and an acre of lawns. Outside…

Price
Price £850.00 to £1,750.00 per unit per week
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
Talyllyn Railway | Narrow Gauge Railway Museum

Address

Talyllyn Railway, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9EY

Telephone
01654 710472

curator@ngrm.org.uk

Tywyn

The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Tal-y-llyn Railway is an important collection of artifacts relating to Narrow Gauge Railways in the British Isles. From complete locomotives to tickets, it is a unique and comprehensive record of these fascinating…

Price
Price £3.00 per child to £6.00 per adult
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…