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New Year in Mid Wales | Three Nights of Winter Walks and a Fresh Start in Southern Eryri

A three-night New Year break in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), from 30 December to 2 January, with winter walks, pub meals, a clear-sky night and a first walk of the year beneath Cadair Idris. It's for people who'd rather see the New Year in quietly than in a crowd.

30 December: arrive near Dolgellau

Settle in near Dolgellau. Penmaenuchaf Hotel above the Mawddach estuary has rooms and a restaurant, and Graig Wen at Arthog has dog-friendly self-catering cottages with direct access to the Mawddach Trail. Light the fire and have an early night.

31 December: Dolgellau and the Mawddach

Drive to Dolgellau and walk part of the Mawddach Trail along the estuary, flat and easy after Christmas. Spend the afternoon in the town's stone streets. For a special New Year's Eve dinner, Penmaenuchaf Hotel near Penmaenpool looks over the Mawddach. Book well ahead. After midnight, step outside: the skies here are some of the darkest in Wales.

1 January: a first walk

Start the year with a walk. Experienced walkers with winter kit can climb Cadair Idris on the Pony Path, if the weather allows. For something gentler, the Precipice Walk near Dolgellau gives big views over the estuary, or walk the beach at Fairbourne. The Fairbourne Railway runs beside the beach when it's open.

2 January: Tywyn and Bala on the way home

Head to Tywyn to see the Talyllyn Railway, the oldest preserved railway in the world, or drive east to Bala. The Bala Lake Railway runs along the shore of Llyn Tegid in season, the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre tells the story of the girl who walked to Bala for a Bible, and the National White Water Centre on the Tryweryn is worth a look on your way.

Good to know

Many railways and attractions don't run over New Year, so check before you visit. The mountains can be icy, so only go high with the right kit and turn back if the weather changes. Book rooms and New Year's Eve dinners early.