what to do
Located at the meeting of mountain, river and sea, Dolgellau is the perfect base for an active visit to Southern Snowdonia and beyond. This handsome and historic working town sits at the foot of Cader Idris, a popular mountain climb, while the Rhinog range offers a more isolated, wilder walking experience. World class mountain biking, kayaking and rafting centres can be found close by, and the famous 3-Peaks Yacht Race starts from the mouth of the Mawddach estuary in Barmouth.
Dolgellau is in the middle of small gauge railway country, with lines at Ffestiniog and Portmadog, Talyllyn, Fairbourne, Bala, Corris and Welshpool. When it comes to historical features, the majestic Harlech Castle, a World Heritage site, is just the tip of the iceberg and the hills are scattered with traces of earlier occupation such as hill forts, stone circles and even a Roman amphitheatre.
The town of Dolgellau forms a conservation area with over 200 listed buildings, allegedly the highest density of anywhere in Wales, and the old county records office contains a wealth of information for those tracing their Welsh ancestry.
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Active people can find plenty of outdoor challenges around the Mawddach Estuary, whatever their level of ability. We have pulled together some of the facilities in the area that might be of interest to visitors with specific needs.
Tel:
01341 430628
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If you are looking for a challenge in the outdoors, then the Mawddach Big Adventure (MBA) will give you plenty of opportunity to test your mettle, at your own pace and for a change it won’t cost you the earth. The MBA is made up of 4 outdoor disciplines; hill walking, cycling, mountain biking and orienteering. The journey of over 250 km will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of southern Snowdonia and you will need to be good at each discipline to do well.
Tel:
01341 430628
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The Mawddach Trail, featured on Julia Bradbury's 'Railway Walks" programme, winds for 9.5 miles (15km) along the disused railway track on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary. Follow the Trail on foot or by bike with local historian Jacky O'Hanlon's 22 page guide detailing the history and points of interest that are encountered along the way.
The guide is available as a full colour PDF download or a black & white booklet, and may be purchased directly from the website or through local outlets.
Tel:
01341 430628
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SnowBikers is a mountain bike training and guiding service run by Graham and Jacky O’Hanlon in the Dolgellau area of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.
Our guides have National Governing Body qualifications issued through the Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Association (SMBLA) . As well as being tutors for this award scheme, we have organised biking trips and development courses at all levels throughout the UK and in the French and Swiss Alps.
We are pleased to offer a variety of MTB training courses to provide mountain bike guiding, instruction, skills and accredited development for mountain bike riders of all abilities
Tel:
01341 430628
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An epic 2-day ride. Following National Cycle Network Route-8 in a figure of 8, with the Mawddach estuary at its centre, you will ride for around 8 hours and cover around 80 km each day. Its octastic! Total length 160 km (99.4 miles), 4500m climb. Ouch!
Tel:
01341 430628
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The Mawddach Estuary is a beautiful and largely unspoilt gem hidden away at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park. The Mawddach Way is a 3-day, 50km walk which uses existing footpaths and permissive paths to makes a circuit of the hills either side of the estuary, passing through woodland, pasture and open country.
Although the tranquil setting and spectacular views may seem to be in keeping with the scattered remains of prehistoric settlement, they belie an altogether noisier and dirtier history of industrial exploitation and military use, and each remnant of the past provides plenty of interest to keep the walker entertained along the way.
A guide to the Way, detailing the route along with a wealth of background information and local history, is available from the websit
Tel:
01341 430628
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Join one of our Pony Treks along the beautiful Mawddach Estuary carry on down to the glorious Fairbourne beach and onto the golden sand, trek along the waters edge taking in the iydillic views over the Estuary mountains and Barmouth Harbour.
For those of you who are more experienced riders can have a canter/gallop along the sand (14yrs up).
Riding lessons are now available from 4yrs upwards in our newly built menage with BHSAI instructor. Saddle Club Saturday mornings. Bring your own horses livery available. For more info please contact Gemma
Tel:
01341 250 107
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CoastRiders Kite School is based in Aberdovey which is just north of Aberystwyth and has two full time qualified female kitesurf instructors. The Aberdyfi and Borth coastline has miles of never ending flat beach for landboarding and Buggying and safe shallow lagoons for you to learn to kitesurf in. Combine that with some of the best mountain biking in the UK and the Snowdonia ranges for walking in and its the perfect location for a few days of fun on the beach.
Tel:
07947526678
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So much more than just a golf club. Dolgellau Golf Club is open to the general public 7 days a week offering good quality bar snacks, restaurant meals, sunday lunches, social events including live music bands and tribute acts as well as hosting private parties for up to 170 guests.
Of course if its golf you're after we accept green fees every day of the week and our resident PGA Professional is on hand to straighten your game out if required.
Set amidst spectacular mountain backdrops Dolgellau Golf Club is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in Wales. Do not be fooled by its lack of length, this 9 hole course with alternating tees for the second nine provides a true test of golf for all standards of golfer.
Tel:
01341 422603
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What could be more enjoyable than learning exciting new skills out in nature?
We specialise in teaching all kinds of people all kinds of skills for living, working and spending time in the Great Outdoors, or as it has come to be known – Bushcraft.
We run safe, quality, relaxed and well equipped events amid stunning scenery, that way you get the most out of your time spent with a qualified, experienced and friendly Firefox instructor.
We deliver tried and tested wilderness skills forged from time spent out in Nature with a kind regard and sustainable approach to the wild places we teach in, using our heads and hands with a bit of heart.
Tel:
01341 430336
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