Exploring Snowdonia and the surroundings.

Leaving Barmouth by the A496 along the northern links of the Afon (River) Mawddach with views of Cader Idris mountain rising above the slopes on the opposite side of the river, pass through the village of Bontddu where gold for the Royal family's wedding rings was mined until recently, to Flannelly at the junction of the A470. Turn right and first left just off the old road is the ancient ruins of Cymer Abbey. Return to the main road and turn right to drive north through Tyn-y-Groes (valley of the cross) to Ganllwyd where a brief walk will take you to the Rhaiadr Ddu Waterfalls, Just beyond the village is the Maes gwm Forestry Visitor Centre which is well worth a visit with nature trails and picnic sites in the Coed-y-Brenin Forest (The kings woods. Continuing along the A470 the road passes Trawsfynydd Lake and the Nuclear Power station which is currently being do-commissioned. There is a interesting visitors centre at the power station which gives an insight into Nuclear power generation. After Passing the lower Station turn right for Ffestiniog and head into the heart of the Welsh Slate Industry. Beyond Llan Ffestiniog is Blaenau Ffestiniog a town once dominated by slate. The history of this once great industry is portrayed in a unique experience at Llechwedd Slate Caverns where you can travel Inside the old workings. Return via Maentwrog and though Harlech dominated by Harlech - Castle - and finally back to Barmouth

The Snowdonia National Park offers the visitor to Snowdonia's scenery which is almost unequalled in the world. Start from Barmouth north on the A496 to Harlech and after passing though Talsarnau take the toll bridge at Cilfor across the Afon Dwyryd to Penrhyndeudraeth. From the centre of the village, follow the A4085 which crosses the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway before finding its way to Pont Aberglasyn (Abelglaslyn bridge) and the Abelglaslyn Pass. There is no finer approach to Snowdonia than through the Abelglaslyn Pass to Beddgelert.

Beddgelert stands at the junction of three vales, near the confluence of the Glaslyn and the Colwyn amid lofty mountains woods and murmuring streams. It possesses two features of great Interest apart from the attractive surrounding scenery. one is the Church, in the Early Pointed style which was In days long past connected to a priory of Augustinian cannons, a resting place for pilgrims journeying to and from Ireland. The other feature is the traditional tomb of Gelert Llewelyn's faithful dog.

The route from Beddgelert is notable for its sylvan beauty contrasting with the rocky heights of Moel-y-Dyniewyd across the valley. On to Dinas Emrys and up the Llyn Gwynant Pass to Pen-y-Gwyrd (907 ft where the first successful ascent of mount everest was planned Snowdon 3359 ft. and Wales' highest mountain) is on your left as you drive up the pass and on to Capel Curig . Here turn right to follow the valley to Betws-y-Coed On the way you will pass Swallow Falls, a favourite stopping lace for visitors From Betws-y Coed the main A470 follows the river through Dolwyddelan and over the Crimea Pass into Blaenau Ffestiniog . You can drive down to Vale of Ffestiniog to Maentwrog and back to Barmouth via Harlech or travel through Blaenau Ffestiniog town and return to Barmouth Bridge.

The railway bridge spanning the Estuary of the Mawddach is half a mile in length and more than 125 years old. One side of the bridge carries the railway line between Pwllheli in the north and Machynlleth to the south whilst the other forms a promenade from which magnificent views are obtained. Wordsworth spoke of the Estuary as ''sublime'' and declared it might compare with the finest in Scotland. A toll is payable to access the bridge.

Barmouth to Penmaenpool

This seven mile walk - all on level ground - commences across the Barmouth bridge to Morfa Mawddach station and then follows the former railway track all the way along the river bank to Penmaenpool This walk which ends at the RSPB bird Observation Post (the old railway signal box) at Penmaenpool, is of particular interest to anyone wanting to see the wide variety of bird life including waders and water fowl and other wild life on the edge of the Afon Mawddach. Return across the toll bridge to Tai Cynhaiaf for the bus to Barmouth.

Ganllwyd Valley

Here, within a short distance of each other are the confluence of many streams and small rivulets that go on to form the Afon Mawddach All around are established woodlands and forestry, whilst the streams themselves are swift, tumultuous torrents with many waterfalls and rocky gorges. The Rhaiadr Ddu Falls are the best known and are about one third of a mile off the main road. Most of the land is owned and managed by the national Trust.

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Precipice Walk

Again, near Dolgellau, this walk runs at great height around the steep slopes on Moel Cynwch overlooking Tyn-y-Groes and the Afon Mawddach. The approach is through the lovely Nannau Estate, the path skirts Llyn Cynwch and rounding Moel Cynwch to the north, the Precipice Walk proper commences. Sheer below is the vale of the Afon Mawddach and in all directions one is transfixed by magnificent views. This walk is not recommended for those who do not have a head for heights or suffer from vertigo.

Llyn Cwm Bychan is a beautiful mountain-girt lake nestling below Rhinog Fawr 2362 ft it is reached by following a narrow road which leaves the main coast road in Llanbedr and winds up into the hills following the rushing Afon Artro through some outstanding scenery, Above the lake is Craig-y-Saeth, the Rock of Arrow, rising precipitously from the shore. Beyond the lake the Roman Steps, an ancient pack horse trail. makes its way through the pass across the Rhinog mountain range to Trawsfynydd.

Exploring by Train

You do not have to have a car to have an enjoyable touring holiday based in our Snowdonian Log Cabins. The town is midway along the route of the Cambrian Coast railway - claimed to be one of the most scenic in Britain. Take the train north to visit Harlech castle Porthmadog or Criccieth or join the Ffestiniog Railway at Minfford The same station is the nearest to Portmerrion the Italianate village. Travel the whole length of the line to Pwllheli and experience some spectacular coastal scenery on route. The service to the south will take you to Tywyn when no visit is complete without a honey ice cream from Holgates on the edge of town. Tywyn is also the home of the Talyllyn Railway.

Beyond Tywyn Is the picturesque port of Aberdovey on the northern banks of the Dovey estuary and well worth a stop. The line Joins the route from Aberystwyth at Dovey Junction before stopping at Machynlleth. Machynlleth Is famous for its Wednesday street market, and Celtica with an audio visual presentation of the history of the Celts.
A visit to the ancient Church and the Tabernacle Art gallery make Machynlleth a rewarding visit. Cambrian Coaster often have promotional fares for travel on the line during the summer season.