MOUNTAIN BIKING

Dolgellau offers a splendid and central base for mountain biking in Snowdonia, in particular in and around Coed y Brenin, just a few miles to the north.

There are bike hire facilities within a couple of minutes walk of Tŷ'r Anwylyd.

CLIMBING, HIKING, HORSE RIDING, AND GENTLE WALKING!

Although Snowdon is a short drive to the north, the main attraction in the Dolgellau area is of course Cader Idris - you'll see a view of Pen y Gader, its summit, behind the house in the picture on the home page. There are many possible routes up to Pen y Gader (which offers stunning views down to the coast at Barmouth), one of which starts behind the house.

It would take many months fully to explore all the spectacular scenery around Dolgellau, either on foot or riding a bike - or even a horse! Amongst many great walks, we recommend THE TORRENT WALK  for a gentle walk up and down both banks of a small river, bubbling over rocks and small falls, or those with a good head for heights might like to try the PRECIPICE WALK for its stunning views over Dolgellau and down to the coast.

The MAWDDACH TRAIL, is a virtually gradient-free walk which starts three hundred yards away from Tŷ'r Anwylyd and runs on the track bed of the old railway line between Dolgellau and Barmouth, following the bank of the River Mawddach down to the sea ten miles away at Barmouth. Its adjacent reed beds and wetlands offer many opportunities to bird watchers as well as safe cycling for children and family groups.

The less energetic might like to stop en route at the King George III Hotel at Penmaenpool for lunch or a drink before turning round and walking the two and a half miles back to Dolgellau, and all the comforts of home!

FISHING

If you enjoy pitting your wits (and your rod) against the native cunning and instinct of the salmon and trout of North Wales, then there are many rivers and lakes in and around the Dolgellau area where you can indulge your passion whilst enjoying the tranquil beauty of this outstandingly beautiful area. Fishing passes and licences are easily obtainable locally for private Fishing Club reaches.

GOLF

Dolgellau is blessed with an established golf club which has only recently opened a new clubhouse. Guests and Country members are welcome at all times. More details can be found on the Club's website.

LIFE'S A BEACH....

Barmouth, a small, traditional seaside town at the mouth of the river Mawddach, is a fifteen minute drive from Dolgellau. Here you will find a long, wide, and gloriously golden beach, or you can browse amongst its antique and curio shops, art galleries and restaurants, as well as all the facilities you would expect in a Victorian seaside town. Barmouth also has a picturesque and  - thanks to the yacht club - busy harbour where you can catch a wonderfully haphazard ferry across to Fairbourne and its famous narrow-gauge railway.

CULTURE

Dolgellau, being a strong Welsh language area, is also a centre of local culture. As well as some truly excellent restaurants and many  friendly pubs, a Tourist Information Centre which houses a small museum about the Quakers in Wales, and a small theatre, the Town Square has recently seen the opening of Tŷ Siamas, a lively and popular Welsh-language culture centre which hosts live music and drama, mostly in the medium of Welsh.

Sesiwn Fawr, the rock event held on the last weekend of each July in and around the streets of Dolgellau, is growing in strength and popularity as year follows year. Such bands as Catatonia, Goldie Looking Chain, and Manic Street Preachers have all at various times played at the Sesiwn Fawr.

SHOPPING

Dolgellau is served by two supermarkets, several banks and a post office, as well as a plethora of excellent traditional and original local shops, mostly scattered around the main Town Square.

CHURCHES

Like many Welsh towns, Dolgellau has more chapels than you can shake a stick at! Many have now closed, of course, and been sold  off for other uses, but the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church in Wales, and the Church in Wales parish church are still active worshipping communities.