Towns and villages

The narrow streets of Dolgellau are great fun to explore with lots of hidden treasures. You will find plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes to choose from as well as your closest option for an Indian takeaway at ‘The Lemon Grass’. From Dolgellau, you can easily join The Mawddach Trail for a great ride or walk along the estuary. Parking for The Pony Path to walk up Cader Idris is also just outside of town.

Portmeirion – a charming location with some impressive architecture

The Mediterranean style village of Portmeirion was built by Welsh Architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1924-1973. On a sunny summer’s day you could be fooled into thinking you are in Italy rather than Nortg Wales. The architects vision was to sympathetically develop a naturally beautiful location without spoiling it, by enhancing the natural background. The Aber lâ estate offered the perfect location for this vision to be realised, with steep cliffs, a wide sandy estuary, woods, streams and a cluster of buildings. In the 1960s, Portmeirion provided the setting for the iconic series ‘The Prisoner’. Today it is a popular tourist destination with several cafes, shops, picturesque walks and more. Well worth a visit while you are in the area.

Find out more at: https://portmeirion.wales

Looking down to Porthmadog from Moel y Gest

Porthmadog is a bustling harbour town which sits on the Glaslyn Estuary. The shops and restaurants are open all year round and there are plenty of options whether you want somewhere for a snack, dinner or just to stock up on essentials. Here you will also find the station for the Welsh Highland Railway, the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway making it an excellent spot for train enthusiasts.

Find out more at: https://www.porthmadog.com

Exploring the water at Llyn Tegid

An historic market town surrounded by the rural region of Penllyn, Bala has a strong and vibrant Welsh identity and culture. Set amongst the Aran, Arenig and Berwyn mountains, walks in this area tend to be less crowded with a wild and serene feel. With the increased popularity of water sport, Llyn Tegid on the outskirts of town has become a major draw, offering an ideal location for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, wild swimming and more. Llyn Tegid is Wales’ largest natural lake at nearly 5 miles long and half a mile wide so there is plenty of room for everybody. If you fancy some more extreme watersports, Bala is also home to The National White Water centre offering rafting and canyoning adventures.

Find out more at: https://visitbala.org.uk

Looking out to Llyn Gwynant, a short drive from Beddgelert

Beddgelert is a traditional Welsh village set beside the picturesque Afon Glaslyn. Here you will find a selection of shops, arts and crafts, great restaurants and traditional pubs alongside several attractions, adventures and outstanding natural beauty. Expect a warm welcome, a relaxed atmosphere and a busy calendar of events.

Find out more at: https://www.beddgelerttourism.com

Criccieth Castle standing proud over Cardigan Bay

Nestled at the top of Cardigan Bay, Criccieth is a lovely seaside town overlooked by its ancient castle. With the Wales Coast Path extending in both directions from Criccieth, there are plenty of options for walks and hikes with the chance to see dolphins, porpoises and all manner of birdlife. You will find the beaches here pebbly with rock pools which make for an interesting wander on the beach. Criccieth Castle offers an impressive backdrop to the beaches and is great to explore with stunning views in every direction. If you’re feeling peckish there are plenty of places to grab an ice cream or head down to Dylan’s restaurant for some amazing local seafood dishes in a fab location.

Find out more at: http://www.criccieth.org

The expansive sandy shores of Harlech

The stunning, ancient town of Harlech is located along the rugged coastline of Snowdonia. Here you will find a glorious sandy beach which stretches as far as the eye can see hidden behind grassy sand dunes. Set high on a sheer rocky crag overlooking Cardigan Bay is the impressive and regal Harlech Castle, dating back to the 1200s. The castle sits atop none other than ‘the steepest road in the Northern hemisphere’. A title granted to Fordd Pen Llech by Gusiness World Records in 2019. After negotiating your way up the hill, there are several options for refreshments in town as well as some shops if you’re in need of some retail therapy.

Find out more at: https://visitharlech.wales

A wintery scene looking down Afon Llugwy

Known as ‘The gateway to Snowdonia’, Betws y Coed is a popular town for visitors all year round. Here you will find a great hub and starting point for multiple walks and bike rides and some stunning scenery including Swallow Falls and Fairy Glen. The town has a fabulous selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes (don’t miss Hangin’ Pizzeria and Olif) as well as some wonderful shops if you’re looking for a keepsake from your trip. If you fancy an adventure, Zip World Forest is just around the corner with its high ropes course, tree top trampolines, forestcoaster and more.

Find out more at: http://www.betws-y-coed.co.uk