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: 245

, currently showing 22 to 42.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

King Arthurs Labyrinth Waterfall

Address

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

Telephone
01654 761584

reception@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

Corris

Dates

From:

25 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026

At King Arthur's Labyrinth visitors sail by underground boat and through the cascading veil of a magical underground waterfall. As you pass through the waterfall, you're swept back in time to a mythical place filled with dragons, giants and King…

Price
Price £11.80 per child to £17.80 per adult
Hideaway in the Hills | Camping & Pod

Address

Hideaway in the Hills, Dinas, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PH

Telephone
01341 241585

hideawayinthehills@outlook.com

Llanbedr

Dates

From:

31 Mar 2026to30 Nov 2026

Dinas is a small, quiet, family friendly campsite, children welcome, ideal for walkers and those who wish to enjoy the countryside. We also have a Camping Pod which sleeps 2, offering all the fun of camping, without the effort of putting up a tent!

Price
Price £50.00 per unit per night
Portmeirion Village | Cottages

Address

Portmeirion Village, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ET

Telephone
01766 770000

info@portmeirion-village.com

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Portmeirion has thirteen self-catering cottages sleeping from three to eight people. The cottages are let on a weekly basis or three nights at the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and four nights during the week.

Price
Price £727.00 to £1,945.00 per unit per week
Portmeirion Village & Gardens

Address

Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772409

visit@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Situated on its own peninsula in Southern Snowdonia, Portmeirion is a sight to behold, with vistas in every direction and pathways to explore and be amazed by. Sit & soak up the atmosphere or wander aimlessly around the village and gardens.
Melin Meirion Mill

Address

Melin Meirion Mill, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9LS

Telephone
01650 531311

enquiries@meirionmill.co.uk

Dinas Mawddwy

Mill shop offering a huge range of traditionallly woven throws and rugs, outdoor & country clothing, knitwear, crafts & gifts. Refreshments available.
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.
Corris Steam Railway & Museum

Address

Station Yard, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9SH

Telephone
01654 761303

enquiries@corris.co.uk

Corris

Ride in an old fashioned steam train on a journey that is enjoyable for everybody and just right for families. Take a gentle trip down the beautiful Dulas Valley in one of the observation carriages on this family-friendly steam railway. The Corris…

Price
Price £4.00 per child to £8.00 per adult
Trefeddian Hotel

Address

Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0SB

Telephone
01654 767213

info@trefwales.com

Aberdovey

Dates

From:

18 Jan 2026to6 Dec 2026

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
Y Tabernacl | Meetings & Events Venue

Address

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. Venue also available for Conferences, Meetings, Events and Workshops.
Dysynni Valley Cottage | Maes y Wennol

Address

Llanfihangel y Pennant, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9TR

Telephone
01654 782674

admin@dysynnivalleyholidays.com

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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
Telyn Guided Tours | Blue Badge Guide

Address

Snowdonia Mountains & Coast, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2SW

Telephone
07732 340728

sian.rob@btinternet.com

Harlech

Explore Snowdonia on foot, coach, or rail, with an expert guide. Sian is a Blue Badge Guide and member of the Wales Best Guides Association.
Bryn Cleifion | Bettws Hall

Address

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

Telephone
01686650628

selina@bettwshall.com

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2026to30 Sept 2026

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
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.
Centre For Alternative Technology | WISE Conference Centre

Address

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

Telephone
01654 704973

venue.hire@cat.org.uk

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

WISE Conference Centre has impressive facilities that can deliver successful conferences, in memorable spaces.
The Sheppard Theatre comfortably holds 180 delegates within its circular, rammed earth walls and has an adjoining exhibition/reception…
Portmeirion Motorhome Park

Address

Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 770000

stay@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

Portmeirion Motorhome Park is a new site within Portmerion village opening Monday 1st of August 2022 until 31st of October 2022.
Penyglog Farm Cottages | Aberhiriaeth

Address

Abergiriaeth, Cemmaes, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AA

Telephone
01654 702033

penyglog@gmail.com

Machynlleth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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
Gwynedd Holiday Park

Address

Neptune Road, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 0DL

Telephone
01654 710461

scl@salopcaravans.co.uk

Tywyn

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

This immaculately kept park is small and unashamedly select, with manicured lawns and landscaped gardens.
Hotel Portmeirion

Address

Portmeirion Village, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ET

Telephone
01766 770000

stay@portmeirion.wales

Penrhyndeudraeth

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

The historic Hotel Portmeirion was originally built in 1850 and developed by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925. It offers 14 rooms and suites in the beautiful surroundings of Portmeirion Italiante Village.

Price
Price £54.50 per person per night to £290.00 per room per night for bed & breakfast
Meirion Mill | Coffee Shop

Address

Melin Meirion Mill Woollen Centre, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9LS

Telephone
01650 531311

enquiries@meirionmill.co.uk

Dinas Mawddwy

The Meirion Mill Coffee Shop serves light meals, snacks and a tempting selection of cakes throughout the day. Homemade soup and our special recipe cheese scones are always on the menu.
Garden Cottage at Torrent Walk Cottages

Address

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

Telephone
01341 422783

richards@torrentwalkcottages.com

Brithdir, Dolgellau

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026

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. Dogs accepted at a surcharge of…

Price
Price £630.00 to £830.00 per unit per week
Corris Mine Explorers

Address

Corris Caverns, Corris, Gwynedd, SY20 9RF

Telephone
01654 761584

info@corrismineexplorers.co.uk

Corris

Dates

From:

25 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026

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