Dolgellau

A town that’s going places. Its go-ahead attitude is reflected in an ever-improving range of local events and festivals, outdoor activities and places to stay and eat. But Dolgellau’s natural resources remain its number-one asset. The handsome, dark-stoned market town is set beneath Cader Idris, the legendary ‘Chair of Idris’, on the approach to the beautiful Mawddach Estuary.

Dolgellau is one of the handiest bases for exploring all of Snowdonia Mountains and Coast – but don’t overlook the many local beauty spots such as the aptly named Precipice Walk and Mawddach Trail along the waterside for 9½ miles to Barmouth (there’s a longer, more mountainous Mawddach Way too). Cycling and horse riding are also popular locally – Dolgellau is a specially chosen ‘Cycle Breaks’ centre with a fine range of road and off-road routes.

The Coed y Brenin Forest Park is nearby, with mountain biking trails for all abilities plus a host of other outdoor attractions and facilities, including downloadable MP3 audio trails. Back in town, look out for performances held at Tŷ Siamas.