Towns & Villages

Dolgellau

Dolgellau (pronounced Dol-geth-lie) is an attractive market town 5 miles from Graig Wen. Here you’ll find excellent independent shops plus a range of both traditional and modern cafes, restaurants and pubs. Foodies can also buy from a farm shop, order with local fishermen, and should make a date with nearby Machynlleth’s Wednesday market and stylish craft shops.

Dolgellau hosts a popular and friendly Park Run every Saturday at 9am – all welcome – just register in advance.

Barmouth

Barmouth has seaside fun in buckets and spades. The huge sandy beach is clean and safe for bathing. There’s plenty of sand and dunes for both families and dog walkers to explore whether the tide is in or out, winter or summer. It’s the place for fish and chips, shopping for beach gear and crabbing off the quay. You can walk across Barmouth’s iconic railway viaduct from our side of the Mawddach Estuary or drive around across the rickety toll bridge in about 20 minutes.

Fairbourne

Fairbourne is a small beach village 5 minutes drive from Graig Wen. There’s a deli, corner shops, fish and chips and a nice beach bar. The Fairbourne steam railway runs along the safe beach which is a mixture of sand and shingle. Great for body boarding and dog walking year round.

Llwyngwril

Llwyngwril is a small village just around the coast from Graig Wen which is becoming well known for the amazing yarn bombing creations which pop up in the village for the season from around May. It’s well worth wandering around the village streets, woodland paths and beach to see these – you can pick up a guide from outside the village shop.  You won’t miss Gwril the giant on the bridge!

Tywyn

Tywyn has a fabulous independent cinema with secret cocktail garden. There’s good quality restaurants and cafes and a long beach . The Talyllyn Steam Railway runs from here. Walk along the beach to Aberdyfi and catch the bus/train back.

Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi is a pretty former fishing village a stunning 40 minute drive around the coast road. There’s a sandy beach, boutiques and cafés to enjoy.

Machynlleth

Machynlleth (or “Mac”) is a scenic half hour drive across a mountain pass. On Wednesdays there is a morning street market with fruit and veg., artisan baked good, street food and local crafts.  The Museum of Modern Art is free to visit, there are quirky boutiques, good book shops and antique/bric-a-brac stores to hunt for treasures.

Harlech

Harlech is dominated by the famous castle, a World Heritage Site. There’s interesting antique shops to poke around and some lovely places to eat. Don’t miss the award-winning ice cream shop near the castle – many of the unusual flavours are made with foraged local ingredients. The sandy beach is 4 miles long with spectacular views across Cardigan Bay to the Llŷn Peninsula.

Beddgelert

Beddgelert is a picturesque Snowdonia village about 45 minutes drive into the heart of the National Park. Stop off here on the way to Snowdon for a walk along the river to discover the legend of Gelert’s grave.