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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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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
Nyth Robin | Glamping Holidays

Address

Nyth Robin, Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, LL35 0RG

Telephone
07731 783534

hello@nythrobin.co.uk

Aberdyfi

Nyth Robin Glamping offers fabulous holidays in a variety of unique accommodation options. You can choose from a family-friendly bell tent, yurt, or dome, a cosy woodland cabin, a unique vintage caravan, or a quirky converted horsebox!
All the…

Price
Price £80.00 to £130.00 per unit per night
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
Einion House

Address

Friog, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2NX

Telephone
01341 250644

stay@einionhouse.co.uk

Fairbourne

Scenic Views to Sea - 4 star Georgian B&B, Southern Snowdonia, nr Dolgellau opposite Barmouth. Walk to The Mawddach Trail, Wales Coastal Path, Blue Lake. Great Walks & Cycle trails, castles

Price
Price £70.00 to £75.00 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
Royal St David's Golf Club

Address

Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UB

Telephone
01766 780361

sales@royalstdavids.co.uk

Harlech

Nationally and internationally renowned, Royal St David's is one of Wales' premier golf courses.
Dinas Caravan Park

Address

Dinas, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PH

Telephone
01341 241585

hideawayinthehills@outlook.com

Llanbedr

Dinas Caravan Park is a small, quiet park with 8 static caravans for hire. Located in Southern Snowdonia between Harlech and Barmouth on the Ardudwy Way long distance path in the Rhinog foothills. 3 miles from sandy beaches and castle.

Price
Price £42.42 to £80.00 per unit per night
Caravan @ Tyddyn Rhys Farm

Address

Tyddyn Rhys, Aberdovey, Gwynedd, LL35 0PG

Telephone
01654 767769

tyddynrhys@googlemail.com

Aberdovey

Tyddyn Rhys commands a privileged position half a mile above the village of Aberdovey with a panoramic view overlooking the Dovey Estuary and Cardigan Bay.

Price
Price £400.00 to £405.00 per unit per week
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
Min-y-Don Holiday & Touring Park

Address

Beach Road, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UG

Telephone
01766 780286

info@minydonpark.co.uk

Harlech

The 15-acre park, which has 112 caravan holiday homes and 82 touring caravan and motorhome pitches, nestles below Harlech Castle, alongside the famous Royal St David's Golf Club and just a short walk from one of the best beaches in Wales.

Price
Price £28.50 to £30.50 per touring pitch per night normally for one car and 2 people
Graig Wen | Cottages

Address

Graig Wen, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL39 1YP

Telephone
01341 250482

hello@graigwen.co.uk

Arthog

Dog-friendly self-catering cottages near Dolgellau, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with direct access to the Mawddach Trail. Eco-conscious, peaceful and surrounded by wild scenery, they suit families seeking outdoor adventures and couples looking…
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
Portmeirion | Mermaid Spa

Address

Portmerion Village, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER

Telephone
01766 772444

spa@portmeirion.wales

Porthmadog

The Mermaid Spa removes you a little from your normal life and touches you with a little of the magic of the Portmeirion experience. Each visitor to the Spa is unique, treated throughout the whole experience as special.
Dyfi Discovery Walk | Cae Adda Walk

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Telephone
0300 065 3000

Machynlleth

Start: Near Dovey Valley Shooting Centre
Limited car parking
Grid Reference: SH 806 051
Distance: 10 km – 6.2 miles
Grade: Moderate with some steep sections
Terrain: Fields, rough tracks
Maps: OS Explorer - 215
Harlech

Address

Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2YA

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.
Llwyngwril Railway Station

Address

Station Rd, Llwyngwril, LL37 2JS

Telephone
08457 484950

Llwyngwril

Llwyngwril railway station is on the Cambrian Coast line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
Bala & Penllyn

Address

Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Telephone
01286 679686

tourism@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Bala

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,
Llanbedr Railway Station

Address

Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2LR

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Llanbedr

Llanbedr railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
Dolgoch Falls

Address

Bryncrug, Tywyn, Gwynedd, LL36 9UW

Tywyn

The Dolgoch Falls are a series of three waterfalls near Tywyn in Southern Snowdonia. Access is by woodland walk signposted from the nearby Tal-y-llyn Railway- Dolgoch Station
Bala & Penllyn | Walking Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

The Bala & Penllyn area has a wide range of Walking Trails for everyone – including: all ability, children, heritage, scenic and mountain walks - and all through stunning mountain and lake scenery of southern Snowdonia.