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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 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
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.
Coedmor Cottage and Coedmor Barn

Address

Coedmor, Caerdeon, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1TL

Telephone
01341 430332

coedmorenquiry@hotmail.co.uk

Barmouth

Charming units nestled between the beautiful Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris mountain range. Minutes away from Barmouth and Dolgellau the cottages are ideally situated for walking, fishing, bird watching or just relaxing.

Price
Price £320.00 to £530.00 per unit per week
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…
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
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Dyfi)

Address

Mid Wales, SY20 8ER

Experience the Wonder of Dyfi Biosphere: A Natural Gem Recognised by UNESCO
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Dyfi Biosphere, an internationally recognised Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO. The reserve is a true gem, one of only six…
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
Tan-y-Fron Holiday Park | Glamping Pods

Address

Arran Road, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AA

Telephone
01341 422638

info@tan-y-fron.co.uk

Dolgellau

Chill out in our luxury camping pods!
The Pods are in their own private area, with a picnic table, fantastic views and parking.

Price
Price £35.00 to £55.00 per unit per night
Centre For Alternative Technology | Group Visits

Address

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

Telephone
01654 705950

visit@cat.org.uk

Pantperthog, Machynlleth

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a world-renowned eco centre in Mid Wales that researches and supports greener ways of living.

Price
Price £3.50 per child to £8.50 per adult
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.
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…
Castle View Holiday Park

Address

Beach Road, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UG

Telephone
01766 780328

manager@minydonholidayhomepark.co.uk

Harlech

Castle View Holiday Park is in the perfect location in Southern Snowdonia, overlooked by Harlech's medieval castle, adjacent to the Royal St David's Golf Club, and just a short walk to one of the Country's finest beaches.
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
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
Salop Leisure - Machynlleth

Address

Salop Leisure - Machynlleth, Treowain Enterprise Park, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8EG

Telephone
01654 705900

info@salopleisure.co.uk

Machynlleth

Comprehensive information about caravan holiday home ownership. Confidential, professional advice given. New and used units to suit all budgets
Brigands Inn

Address

Mallwyd, Dinas Mawddwy, Gwynedd, SY20 9HJ

Telephone
01650 511999

info@brigandsinn.com

Dinas Mawddwy

15th Century Coaching Inn set in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and on the upper banks of the River Dovey. Elegant, spacious bedrooms & deluxe four poster- rooms, all with individual character & charm. Finest local produce used.

Price
Price £50.00 to £60.00 per person per night for bed & breakfast
Vanner Holiday Cottages

Address

Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2HE

Telephone
01341 422854

enquiries@vanner.co.uk

Dolgellau

Semi-detached cottages, stone built, 17th century listed buildings, situated on the banks of the river Mawddach, within a conservation area which includes 15th century Vanner Farm House & Cymer Abbey.

Price
Price £450.00 to £700.00 per unit per week
Hendy Farm Holidays

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 Bed and Breakfast on a working farm with the privilege of its own halt on the Talyllyn Narrow Gauge Railway!

Price
Price £35.00 to £40.00 per person per night
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
Portmeirion Village & Gardens | Weddings & Occasions

Address

Portmeirion Village & Gardens, Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772337

weddings@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.