Adrian's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Our site is roughly in the middle of the trail which runs along the Mawddach Estuary from Dolgellau Town past George III pub and on to Fairbourne and Barmouth beaches.
It was once a railway line, built in the Victorian era to bring tourists from England to the seaside resort of Barmouth. The rails were removed and it has been resurfaced as a cycling and walking track.
You can hire bikes from the site and be at the beach in 40 minutes or the pub in 10 without seeing a road or car!
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The Mawddach Trail
Our site is roughly in the middle of the trail which runs along the Mawddach Estuary from Dolgellau Town past George III pub and on to Fairbourne and Barmouth beaches.
It was once a railway line, built in the Victorian era to bring tourists from England to the seaside resort of Barmouth. The rails were removed and it has been resurfaced as a cycling and walking track.
You can hire bikes from the site and be at the beach in 40 minutes or the pub in 10 without seeing a road or car!
Just a short walk from the site the path through the woods can be accessed from the Mawddach Trail.
Abergwynant Woods
Just a short walk from the site the path through the woods can be accessed from the Mawddach Trail.
Either a short drive or hike directly from the site, the views over the sea and Barmouth are outstanding!
There is a carpark by the lake and a small hill that you can climb for a better view.
There are ancient standing stones and a Roman copper mine to explore.
Fishing licences are available for the lake.
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Cregennan lakes
Either a short drive or hike directly from the site, the views over the sea and Barmouth are outstanding!
There is a carpark by the lake and a small hill that you can climb for a better view.
There are ancient standing stones and a Roman copper mine to explore.
Fishing licences are available for the lake.
The second highest mountain in Wales, after Snowdon, Cader Idris(Penygader is the name of the summit) can be seen from the site and you can either walk directly from the site to the summit or drive to the carpark at the base and walk the rest of the way. Allow 3-4 hours for the climb and be aware that the weather can change very quickly so wear lots of layers and take waterproofs.
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Penygader
The second highest mountain in Wales, after Snowdon, Cader Idris(Penygader is the name of the summit) can be seen from the site and you can either walk directly from the site to the summit or drive to the carpark at the base and walk the rest of the way. Allow 3-4 hours for the climb and be aware that the weather can change very quickly so wear lots of layers and take waterproofs.
Only a five minute drive from the site but not much parking so can also be accessed from the Mawddach Trail.
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Arthog Waterfalls
Only a five minute drive from the site but not much parking so can also be accessed from the Mawddach Trail.
Only 10 minutes drive, its the nearest beach to the site. Lots of sand at low tide but if the tide is high drive to the end of the beach where there are sand dunes.
A narrow gauge railway runs from the village, along the seafront, to the end of the beach. A small ferry boat can take you from the end of the beach to Barmouth Harbour on the other side of the estuary.
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Fairbourne Beach
Only 10 minutes drive, its the nearest beach to the site. Lots of sand at low tide but if the tide is high drive to the end of the beach where there are sand dunes.
A narrow gauge railway runs from the village, along the seafront, to the end of the beach. A small ferry boat can take you from the end of the beach to Barmouth Harbour on the other side of the estuary.
Historic Victorian seaside town with everything you would expect, gift and antique shops, pubs, restaurants, fish and chips, fairground, amusement arcade, live lobsters for sale and fishing trips from the harbour.
There are lots of ways to get there from the site. You can drive there along the estuary in about 25 minutes or less if you take a shortcut across the old wooden toll Bridgenext to the George III pub.
You can also walk or cycle down the Mawddach trail crossing the estuary via the wooden railway bridge.
Trains still run across the wooden bridge so you could also catch a train from either Fairbourne or Morfa Station. There is a bus service running from the end of our drive to Fairbourne. Crossing the estuary by train on the Victorian wooden bridge is an experience in itself!
You could also catch the ferry boat to Barmouth Harbour from the end of Fairbourne beach.
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Barmouth
Historic Victorian seaside town with everything you would expect, gift and antique shops, pubs, restaurants, fish and chips, fairground, amusement arcade, live lobsters for sale and fishing trips from the harbour.
There are lots of ways to get there from the site. You can drive there along the estuary in about 25 minutes or less if you take a shortcut across the old wooden toll Bridgenext to the George III pub.
You can also walk or cycle down the Mawddach trail crossing the estuary via the wooden railway bridge.
Trains still run across the wooden bridge so you could also catch a train from either Fairbourne or Morfa Station. There is a bus service running from the end of our drive to Fairbourne. Crossing the estuary by train on the Victorian wooden bridge is an experience in itself!
You could also catch the ferry boat to Barmouth Harbour from the end of Fairbourne beach.
Playa de Barmouth
Porkington TerraceLovely sandy blue flag beach with donkey rides!
Fantastic either to walk across the estuary or catch the train, you can also fish from the bridge.
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Barmouth Toll Bridge
Fantastic either to walk across the estuary or catch the train, you can also fish from the bridge.
Pony trekking centre only 5 mins drive from the site. Ask about the beach treks!
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Bwlchgwyn Farm
Pony trekking centre only 5 mins drive from the site. Ask about the beach treks!
Parque Forestal Coed y Brenin
Magical scenery.
Built by Edward I, the conquering English King, it's incredibly well preserved given that building began in 1283. Walking around the battlements gives you a real sense of history and amazing views.
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Castillo de Harlech
Built by Edward I, the conquering English King, it's incredibly well preserved given that building began in 1283. Walking around the battlements gives you a real sense of history and amazing views.
Often overlooked, this castle was built by the Welsh Prince, Llewelyn the Great Its partially ruined but walking around you can still get a sense of what life might have been like in ancient times.
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Castell y Bere
Often overlooked, this castle was built by the Welsh Prince, Llewelyn the Great Its partially ruined but walking around you can still get a sense of what life might have been like in ancient times.
Craig yr Aderyn is a hill rising to a height of 258 metres above sea level on the south bank of the River Dysynni near Llanfihangel-y-Pennant in the county of Gwynedd, north-west Wales. Craig yr Aderyn has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the choughs and other birds that breed there
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Craig Yr Aderyn (Bird Rock)
Craig yr Aderyn is a hill rising to a height of 258 metres above sea level on the south bank of the River Dysynni near Llanfihangel-y-Pennant in the county of Gwynedd, north-west Wales. Craig yr Aderyn has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the choughs and other birds that breed there
Tal-y-llyn Lake, also known as Talyllyn Lake and Llyn Myngul, is a large glacial ribbon lake in Gwynedd, North Wales. It is formed by a post-glacial massive landslip damming up the lake within the glaciated valley. The hamlet of Talyllyn lies at the west end of the lake. Good fishing for Brown Trout.
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Tal-y-llyn
Tal-y-llyn Lake, also known as Talyllyn Lake and Llyn Myngul, is a large glacial ribbon lake in Gwynedd, North Wales. It is formed by a post-glacial massive landslip damming up the lake within the glaciated valley. The hamlet of Talyllyn lies at the west end of the lake. Good fishing for Brown Trout.
Ferrocarril de Talyllyn
Neptune RoadFantastic, historic narrow gauge railway.
The Centre for Alternative Technology is an eco-centre in Powys, mid-Wales, dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts exclusively on alternative technology, but provides information on all aspects of sustainable living. Founded in 1973 these guys were Eco warriors before it was cool!
Great fun and educational day for kids and adults, lovely food and a water/gravity powered mountain railway too!
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Centre for Alternative Technology
The Centre for Alternative Technology is an eco-centre in Powys, mid-Wales, dedicated to demonstrating and teaching sustainable development. CAT, despite its name, no longer concentrates its efforts exclusively on alternative technology, but provides information on all aspects of sustainable living. Founded in 1973 these guys were Eco warriors before it was cool!
Great fun and educational day for kids and adults, lovely food and a water/gravity powered mountain railway too!
Great fun for kids and adults. This narrow gauge railway runs from the village, along the seafront and links with a small ferryboat which goes over the estuary to Barmouth.
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Ferrocarril de Fairbourne
Beach RoadGreat fun for kids and adults. This narrow gauge railway runs from the village, along the seafront and links with a small ferryboat which goes over the estuary to Barmouth.
A naturally flooded historic slate quarry, the former tunnel entrance has now been filled in so can only be viewed from above. The beautifully clear water is given a eyrie blue appearance by the slate rocks. Some remnants of the Victorian slate mine workings remain such as the winding wheels, rail tracks and inclined plane.
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Blue Lake
A naturally flooded historic slate quarry, the former tunnel entrance has now been filled in so can only be viewed from above. The beautifully clear water is given a eyrie blue appearance by the slate rocks. Some remnants of the Victorian slate mine workings remain such as the winding wheels, rail tracks and inclined plane.
St Celynin's Church was first mentioned in documents of 1254. It is situated within a rectilinear churchyard which is located some 100m east of the foreshore. The remains of a stone fish trap (NPRN 409087) are situated in the intertidal area immediately below the church, and the two may be associated. The churchyard wall was rebuilt in 1884, but the lychgate (NPRN 43848) is thought to be earlier.
The church is a Grade I listed building, and retains much of its medieval character, having only been subject to minor nineteenth and twentieth century restoration. The original church may have been smaller than the present building. The building is constructed of roughly dressed local stone under a slate gabled roof. It consists of a continuous nave and chancel, and south porch with bellcote. Measurements are given as thirty yards by seven yards. There are two arched recesses either side of the alter. The building underwent extensive restoration in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century. At this time the walls were raised and the building may have been extended to the west. The steeply pitched roof was also replaced at this time. Dendrochronological dating has produced a felling date range for the roof of 1502-1539. Visible traces of the old roof were reported in 1917 in the western gable. The porch and bellcote are seventeenth century, with the bell inscribed with the date 1660. The slit in the south wall would have provided lighting for a rood loft or stair. The present chancel screen incorporates elements of a late medieval rood screen. Seventeenth century wall paintings were found on the north wall of the chancel in 2003, including texts and a momento mori skeletal figure. The font is octagonal. A virtually complete set of benches date from about 1823. Of simple design, these benches not only record the names and addresses of their occupants, but include a complete social hierarchy from the vicar and gentry to the servants benches, giving a fascinating insight into local nineteenth century social history. After a period of some fifty years of abandonment, the building was carefully restored and reopened in 1917. The church is now disused.
St Celynnin's Church Llwyngwril
r GaerSt Celynin's Church was first mentioned in documents of 1254. It is situated within a rectilinear churchyard which is located some 100m east of the foreshore. The remains of a stone fish trap (NPRN 409087) are situated in the intertidal area immediately below the church, and the two may be associated. The churchyard wall was rebuilt in 1884, but the lychgate (NPRN 43848) is thought to be earlier.
The church is a Grade I listed building, and retains much of its medieval character, having only been subject to minor nineteenth and twentieth century restoration. The original church may have been smaller than the present building. The building is constructed of roughly dressed local stone under a slate gabled roof. It consists of a continuous nave and chancel, and south porch with bellcote. Measurements are given as thirty yards by seven yards. There are two arched recesses either side of the alter. The building underwent extensive restoration in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century. At this time the walls were raised and the building may have been extended to the west. The steeply pitched roof was also replaced at this time. Dendrochronological dating has produced a felling date range for the roof of 1502-1539. Visible traces of the old roof were reported in 1917 in the western gable. The porch and bellcote are seventeenth century, with the bell inscribed with the date 1660. The slit in the south wall would have provided lighting for a rood loft or stair. The present chancel screen incorporates elements of a late medieval rood screen. Seventeenth century wall paintings were found on the north wall of the chancel in 2003, including texts and a momento mori skeletal figure. The font is octagonal. A virtually complete set of benches date from about 1823. Of simple design, these benches not only record the names and addresses of their occupants, but include a complete social hierarchy from the vicar and gentry to the servants benches, giving a fascinating insight into local nineteenth century social history. After a period of some fifty years of abandonment, the building was carefully restored and reopened in 1917. The church is now disused.
Maybe not what you would expect to see in Snowdonia but Portmerion is a little piece of Italy on its own peninsula next to the Dwyryd estuary.
It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village.
Portmeirion has served as the location for numerous films and television shows, most famously as "The Village" in the cult 1960s television show The Prisoner.
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Portmeirion
Maybe not what you would expect to see in Snowdonia but Portmerion is a little piece of Italy on its own peninsula next to the Dwyryd estuary.
It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village.
Portmeirion has served as the location for numerous films and television shows, most famously as "The Village" in the cult 1960s television show The Prisoner.
Great outing for kids and adults alike. Explore an old flooded slate cavern in a narrow boat.
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King Arthur's Labyrinth
Great outing for kids and adults alike. Explore an old flooded slate cavern in a narrow boat.
Stunning views south to north, looking down on the Mawddach river valley. Also the beautiful Llyn Cynwch lake.
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Precipice Walk
Stunning views south to north, looking down on the Mawddach river valley. Also the beautiful Llyn Cynwch lake.
An example of Cistercian influence in medieval Wales.
Cistercian monks were more than religious men. Worldly Cistercians were also pioneering sheep farmers and some of the first rural entrepreneurs. Their network of abbeys included Cymer, idyllically set at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary.
Founded in 1198, it was one of their lesser settlements, suffering greatly during the conflicts between Wales and England in the 13th century. Nonetheless, substantial remains survive from this simple abbey church.
There is also a lovely riverside walk.
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Cymer Abbey
An example of Cistercian influence in medieval Wales.
Cistercian monks were more than religious men. Worldly Cistercians were also pioneering sheep farmers and some of the first rural entrepreneurs. Their network of abbeys included Cymer, idyllically set at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary.
Founded in 1198, it was one of their lesser settlements, suffering greatly during the conflicts between Wales and England in the 13th century. Nonetheless, substantial remains survive from this simple abbey church.
There is also a lovely riverside walk.
Stunning views, from the Aran mountains in the east to Cardigan Bay in the west.
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New Precipice Walk
Stunning views, from the Aran mountains in the east to Cardigan Bay in the west.
A favourite wild swimming spot with waterfall and plunge pool, set in the ruins of an old gold mine, accessible from Coed Y Brenin bike park.
Rhaeadr Mawddach Waterfall
A favourite wild swimming spot with waterfall and plunge pool, set in the ruins of an old gold mine, accessible from Coed Y Brenin bike park.
Food Scene
Sitting outside the George with a drink or meal and watching the sun set over the estuary has to be one of the highlights of anyones visit.
You can drive and park easily or better still walk or cycle directly from the site down the famous Mawddach trail.
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George III Hotel
Sitting outside the George with a drink or meal and watching the sun set over the estuary has to be one of the highlights of anyones visit.
You can drive and park easily or better still walk or cycle directly from the site down the famous Mawddach trail.
Mawddach Restaurant
Great food using local produce.
Amazing food from a tiny restaurant so booking is essential.
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Bistro Bermo
6 Church StAmazing food from a tiny restaurant so booking is essential.
Cross Foxes Inn
Great pub style restaurant
Fabulous cafe with great coffee and homecooked food. Try the Welsh Rarebit!
The shop was originally a hardware store that opened in the 19th to supply miners during the gold rush and many of the original fixtures have been retained.
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Roberts Bros
Bridge StreetFabulous cafe with great coffee and homecooked food. Try the Welsh Rarebit!
The shop was originally a hardware store that opened in the 19th to supply miners during the gold rush and many of the original fixtures have been retained.
Wine bar and Wine merchant. Great selection of wines including Welsh wines.
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Gwin Dylanwad Wine
Wine bar and Wine merchant. Great selection of wines including Welsh wines.
Shopping
All the camping gear you might need and just in the local village.
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CADER IDRIS OUTDOOR GEAR (not 'Cadair Idris' the mountain)
All the camping gear you might need and just in the local village.
Good size supermarket where you can get everything you need, open until 10pm except Sundays and only a few miles from the site.
Co-op Food
14 Maes TalaranGood size supermarket where you can get everything you need, open until 10pm except Sundays and only a few miles from the site.
Good size supermarket where you can get everything you need, open until 10pm except Sundays and only a few miles from the site.
SPAR - Eurospar Dolgellau
Bala RoadGood size supermarket where you can get everything you need, open until 10pm except Sundays and only a few miles from the site.
Gifts and crafts for sale and on the same site as King Arthur's Labyrinth.
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Centro de Artesanía de Corris
Gifts and crafts for sale and on the same site as King Arthur's Labyrinth.
Activities
Something for bikers of all abilities at the National mountain biking centre
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Coed-y-Brenin
Something for bikers of all abilities at the National mountain biking centre
Great bike shop for hire and repair.
We also have bikes to hire directly from our site. Please enquire on checking in or through our website to pre-book.
Dolgellau Cycles
Smithfield StreetGreat bike shop for hire and repair.
We also have bikes to hire directly from our site. Please enquire on checking in or through our website to pre-book.
A very different cinema experience!
The Magic Lantern has been here since 1893. First built as
the town assembly rooms, it was used for such noble
pursuits as badminton practice and variety performances.
The Magic Lantern Cinema was right at the start of Cinema in the UK - infact showing film 9 years earlier than any other operating Cinema in Britain.
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Cinema station
A very different cinema experience!
The Magic Lantern has been here since 1893. First built as
the town assembly rooms, it was used for such noble
pursuits as badminton practice and variety performances.
The Magic Lantern Cinema was right at the start of Cinema in the UK - infact showing film 9 years earlier than any other operating Cinema in Britain.
Zip World Bounce Below
Not for the feint hearted!
Go Ape Coed-y-Brenin
The only Go Ape with sea views
Consejos para los viajeros
Desplazamientos
Taxis
There are a number of taxi companies who bring guests to and from the site regularly. Some have minibus for larger groups.
Cader Cabs 07766 983 103,
Derek's Taxis 01341 422 409
Blue Line Taxis 07585 855 243
Modos de ahorrar
Take Away food
There are fast food and take aways only 10-15 mins drive away in Dolgellau and Fairbourne. These include;
Fish and Chips
Pizza and Kebabs
Indian
We can also provide fresh cooked Thai Street food delivered as a takeaway direct to your pitch. Pre-ordering is advisable as cooking times vary when the camp is busy. Please ask for a menu.
Desplazamientos
Tracks and Trails
We recommend downloading the AllTrails app. At the last count there were more than 500 trails listed around the area of the site!
No te lo pierdas
Laundrettes
There are laundrettes only 10 minutes drive away in both Dolgellau and Fairbourne, there is also one in Barmouth.
Fairbourne is likely to be least busy plus you can park for free right outside and get a sandwich and coffee from the next door shops while you wait!
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Cash Machines
Dolgellau is the nearest place to access cash machines either at the supermarkets or the main banks in the High st.
Desplazamientos
Doctors, Dentist and Pharmacy
All available in Dolgellau.