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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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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
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
Cae Du Farm Holidays

Address

Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9ND

Telephone
01654 711234

caedufarmholidays@gmail.com

Gwynedd

Cae Du Farm Holidays - Self Catering with 2 units sleeps 6-16
Located in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park the property has spectacular views over the Dysynni Valley and Cardigan coast. Perfect location for a relaxing country holiday

Price
Price £80.00 to £1,314.00 per unit per night
The Wynnstay | Food & Drink

Address

Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8AE

Telephone
01654 702941

croeso@wynnstay.wales

Machynlleth

This long established hotel strikes a stylish balance of the modern and the classical. Chef Gareth Johns ably updates classic dishes and reworks them for the modern appetite. Fully licensed restaurant
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…
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.
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
Glandyfi Castle | Weddings

Address

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

Telephone
07498 668367

enquiries@glandyficastle.co.uk

Machynlleth

Historic castle wedding venue near Machynlleth, Mid Wales, overlooking the Dyfi estuary. Host up to 50 guests within the castle, with the option of larger marquee celebrations in the grounds. Licensed indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, and 2-night…
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.
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,
Y Plas Machynlleth | Venue Hire

Address

Machynlleth Town Council, Y Plas Machynlleth, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8ER

Telephone
01654 702571

enquiries@plasmachynlleth.co.uk

Machynlleth

Y Plas is a Grade 2 listed building, set in parkland offering a unique location for corporate events, weddings, meetings and events. Y Plas also includes a Craft Shop & Cafe.
Glan-y-Don Holiday Park

Address

Neptune Road, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 0DL

Telephone
01654 710461

info@glanydonpark.co.uk

Tywyn

Glan Y Don Holiday Park in southern Snowdonia is a five star family Holiday Home Park of superb quality in an outstanding coastal location with uninterrupted sea views.
Trefeddian Hotel | Dining

Address

Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0SB

Telephone
01654 767213

info@trefwales.com

Aberdyfi

The Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdyfi offers everything you could ask for from a family-friendly, fun loving break in Mid Wales. Set in the rolling hills of the Snowdonia National Park, with panoramic views of the Cardigan Bay coast.
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
Big Domain - Mid Wales

Address

Luxury Cottages - Wales, LL40 1SH

bookings@holidaycottages.co.uk

A luxury family holiday in Wales will deliver on everyone's wishes from southern Wales and Cardiff up to northern Wales and Snowdonia offering a huge range of breathtaking locations.
Dyffryn Seaside Estate Holiday Home Park

Address

Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, LL44 2HD

Telephone
01341 247220

info@dyffryn-seaside-estate.co.uk

Gwynedd

Two miles of magnificent beach, mostly sand, offers joy to kiddies and adults alike. The Estate greets you with an immediate sense of release and space; 800 acres of it, all level and much pleasantly planted with trees
Hideaway in the Hills | Camping & Pod

Address

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

Telephone
01341 241585

hideawayinthehills@outlook.com

Llanbedr

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
Bryn Elltyd Eco House

Address

Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3TW

Telephone
01766 831356

info@ecohouse.wales

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Eco Friendly, Bryn Elltyd is carbon neutral. All energy inputs from renewables, located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park at the foot of the Moelwyn mountains, this is an ideal location to explore North Wales.

Price
Price £166.00 to £170.00 per unit per night
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
Abermaw | Barmouth

Address

Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1LS

Telephone
01341 280556

info@barmouth-wales.co.uk

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.