We’re lucky that rain doesn’t stop play here! Being near the coast the rain clouds don’t tend to hang around too long but here’s some ideas for damper days…
Explore the magical local woodland on our door step which has been described as “Welsh rainforest”. In these rare habitats you’ll find lush ferns, mosses, lichens and fungi that are relicts of the last Ice Age. There are several waterfall walks nearby which are at their best after a rainy spell: Torrent Walk is a pretty and sheltered walk through oak and ash trees down one side of Afon Clywedog and back up the other side of rocky the ravine. It’s about 15 minutes drive from Graig Wen. Although there are steps it’s a fairly easy 2 mile walk. Look carefully and you’ll spot an unusual Arts Nouveau church nearby in an overgrown churchyard with wonderful animal carvings.
Pistyll Cain and Rhaeadr Mawddach
Two spectacular waterfalls in the heart of the pine forests of Coed y Brenin. Sometimes you can see rainbows in the spray. About 15 minutes drive from here. 2 miles of fairly easy walking on tracks which should take about 1½ hours. Take the A470 west from Dolgellau towards Betws y Coed. Go through the village of Ganllwyd passing a traditional Welsh black and white corrugated iron chapel on your left. Just before you exit the 30 mile an hour zone, turn right down a lane signposted dead end. Cross the bridge and bear right. Follow the road to the picnic site and free car park at Tyddyn Glwyadys.
Afon – river
Rhaeadr – waterfall with wide spread of water
Pistyll – waterfall through a narrow ravine
Underground adventure at Corris Mine Explorers Explore
The abandoned workings of an old Welsh slate mine just 20 minutes from here at Corris. It’s as if the miners of the last 150 years have just downed tools, leaving machinery, candles and the odd stick of gelignite. An experienced guide takes you on a Taster (1 ½ hour) or half day tour, whatever the weather. It’s a fascinating way of learning about the lives of miners of past generations. There’s no need to worry about crawling though scary tunnels – it’s a walking tour for which you just need to wear suitable clothing and be of a normal level of fitness. Suitable for age 11 upwards. Open daily but you need to pre-book on 01654 761244
King Arthur’s Labyrinth
A magical underground trip by boat and foot through the caverns of the same former slate mine at Corris. Tales of King Arthur in Wales and local folk stories are told using light and sound effects. Suitable for all ages. Open daily from March – end October. Round off your trip to Corris with a visit to the café and craft outlets which sell locally made goods ranging from jewellery and candles to furniture and herbal remedies. Open daily from 10am