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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.

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Corris Cafe & Welsh Deli

Address

Corris Crafts Centre, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

cafe@ccl.wales

Corris

The Corris Café at Corris Craft Centre in Mid Wales offers a welcoming blend of the finest Welsh ingredients, local recipes and delicious dishes. Hearty specials include homemade soups with fresh crusty bread, a popular Welsh rarebit, Welsh lamb…
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…
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.
Glaslyn Ospreys

Address

Glaslyn Osprey Project, Prenteg, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9SP

Telephone
07834 575008

info@glaslynwildlife.co.uk

Porthmadog

Visit the stunning Glaslyn Valley in Snowdonia and see breeding ospreys in the spring and summer close to the Pont Croesor Visitor Centre near Porthmadog.
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
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
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.
Dinas Camping

Address

Dinas, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PH

Telephone
01341 241585

hideawayinthehills@outlook.com

Llanbedr

Dinas camping is a small, quiet site which allows Campfires. At Dinas you have the best of both worlds as it is located in the Rhinog foothills but only 3 miles from some glorious sandy beaches and Harlech castle.

Price
Price £22.00 to £27.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Penmaenuchaf Hotel

Address

Penmaenuchaf Hotel, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1YB

Telephone
01341 212121

reservations@penmaenuchaf.co.uk

Dolgellau

Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, you’ll find our stone-fronted Penmaenuchaf. Inspired by the dramatic ancient landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this grand old house has its own beautiful…

Price
Price £85.00 to £550.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
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…
Ynysymaengwyn Caravan Park

Address

Ynysymaengwyn Caravan Park, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9RY

Telephone
01654 710684

info@ynysy.co.uk

Tywyn

Local authority owned site situated in the grounds of an old manor house and woodlands, offers excellent facilities. Ideal base for walkers, cyclists, climbers, fishing and water sports. Open April - October.

Price
Price £15.00 to £30.00 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
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.
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,
Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway Station

Address

Church St, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3HE

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog railway station is the terminus of the Conwy Valley Line from Llandudno Junction; most trains run from/to Llandudno. Trains connect with the North Wales Coast Line. It is also the terminus of the Ffestiniog Railway.
Waen-oer Ridge Mountain Walk

Address

Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, LL49 9LP

Telephone
01341 422888

Gwynedd

The Waun-oer Ridge Walk climbs from the village of Dinas Mawddwy over the bare mountains of Maesglase, Craig Portas, Cribin Fawr and Waun-oer and then down the slopes of Mynydd Ceiswyn to Bwlch Llyn Bach pass, Tal-y-llyn.
RSPB Mawddach Valley - Arthog Bog

Address

5 St Marys Terrace, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1BQ

Telephone
01654 700222

mawddach@rspb.org.uk

Arthog

Arthog Bog is located in southern Snowdonia between Dolgellau and Fairbourne. It is a small wetland and a wonderful place to see weird and wonderful plants, flowers, butterflies and birds.
Abercorris Nature Reserve

Address

Nr Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9SP

Telephone
01248 351541

info@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk

Nr Corris

Abercorris Nature Reserve in southern Snowdonia is a three acre site of remnant broadleaved woodland on the steep east bank of Afon Deri combining the woodland habitat with that of the mountain stream below.
Cregennan Lakes

Address

Nr Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL39 1LJ

Telephone
01341440238

eryri@nationaltrust.org.uk

Nr Dolgellau

Cregennan Lakes in southern Snowdonia are owned by the National Trust and are a renowned and often photographed beauty spot. There are tremendous views of the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Bridge from near the lake.and the lakes are situated on the…
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cwm Ralltgoed Walk

Address

Aberllefenni, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: NRW forest car park.
Turn R just before Aberllefenni village sign.
Grid Reference: SH 769 092
Distance: 8.4 km - 5.2 miles
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Maps: OS Explorer . OL23
Cymer Abbey (Cadw)

Address

Vaynor Farm, Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HE

Telephone
0300 025 6000

cadw@gov.wales

Dolgellau

The serene ruins of Cymer Abbey stand in a lovely setting beside the River Mawddach. Particularly impressive are its great windows, arches and an unusual tower. Saif olion heddychlon Abaty Cymer mewn lleoliad hyfryd ger Afon Mawddach.