Location
Brithdir is in the Snowdonia National Park, close to the town of Dolgellau. This part of Snowdonia is rural and extremely beautiful, and is centred around the spectacular Mawddach Estuary and Cader Idris mountain. The lodge is easy to find but feels private and off the beaten track, hidden away with just the sounds of the sheep and birds to disturb you. We are well placed to explore much of Wales North and Mid Wales - although a car is essential. There is so much to do you won't possibly pack it all in to one holiday. Whether you want a relaxing walk, spa experience or you're after a more exhilarating, adrenalin fuelled adventure - it's on your doorstep!
You can literally start from our doorstep - the famous Torrent Walk is a 15 minute walk away!
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Beaches/Coast
If you are looking for sandy beaches to soak up the sun, or you are drawn to the water to indulge in wild swimming or watersports, then you will be spoilt for choice! We are only 12 miles from both Fairbourne and Barmouth beaches. Fairbourne is a more quiet, sandy beach with beautiful views and gentle, shallow seas - great for swimming. There are a couple of local shops and public toilets. A miniature steam railway runs from the village to the point, and from there you can catch a boat to Barmouth - it's a real treat (please check they're running before going!).
Barmouth has much more of a seaside destination feel and is more busy. There are lots of independent shops to explore, arcades, rides, donkeys and all you'd expect from a coastal tourist spot.
The entire Cambrian Coast is stunning, and we definitely recommend a trip up the coast towards Harlech. The views alone are worth it. Harlech beach has rolling sand dunes to explore which are great fun (and there is a castle to visit), and if you keep going you can head towards Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog where you can park on the beach. With both Llandudno and Rhyl an hour and half away (approx 60 miles) the whole of north Wales is really accessible to be explored if you desired.
Similarly if you head south you will be able to explore the seaside towns of Tywyn and the well known Aberdyfi (both with highly recommended ice cream parlours!). The coastal road between Tywyn and Fairbourne is another one not to be missed - more rugged but beautiful views.
If you are a budding ecologist you won't want to miss a trip to Ynyslas beach (you can drive on) - which is part of the world renowned UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere - under an hour from our door via Machynlleth.
visitsnowdonia.info/barmouth-beach
visitsnowdonia.info/fairbourne-beach
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Cader/Cadair Idris Mountain - Dolgellau
Cadair Idris, which means 'Chair of Idris' from the giant warrior poet of Welsh legend, is a spectacular mountain reserve in Southern Snowdonia of over 450 hectares of breathtaking landscape, rugged summits, glacial lakes and a mossy wooded gorge. The Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve lies within Snowdonia National Park and is part of the Cadair Idris Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Walkers come from far and wide to walk here and take in the magnificent views.
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Mawddach Estuary
The Mawddach Estuary is where the River Mawddach (Afon Mawddach in Welsh) meets the sea and forms a stunning wide sandy estuary. At the mouth of the Estuary is the town of Barmouth and 8 mile inland is the town of Dolgellau which is connected to the coast by the Mawddach Trail. The trail runs from Dolgellau to Morfa Mawddach, at the south side of the Barmouth railway bridge. Bike hire is available in Dolgellau, Barmouth and Coed y Brenin if you would like to cycle the route.
Visit Mid Wales Mawddach Estuary
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Walking and the local area:
Snowdonia is a hikers paradise and there are far too many trails and walks to list. We leave some Kittiwake walking books in the property to get you started exploring the local area. These have walks for all abilities and are really easy to follow. We recommend you bring appropriate walking equipment and clothes if you plan to go hiking, and choose trails for your ability and experience - the weather can change very quickly here, and phone signal is patchy in isolated areas. Some more popular local walks include:
The precipice walk - 3 miles, start near Dolgellau
Panorama Walk - 4 miles, start near Barmouth
Abergwynant Woods - 4 miles, start Penmaenpool (nr Dolgellau)
Clogau (gold mines) - 4 miles, Bontddu
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Stand up Paddle Boarding/Boating
- Llyn Tegid at Bala is well known for watersports and you can hire equipment to enjoy boating or paddleboarding from Bala Adventure and Watersport Centre.
- Try Stand Up Paddle boarding in Barmouth with fully qualified/experienced instructors in the beautiful surroundings of the Mawddach Estuary.
https://www.supbarmouth.co.uk/
- You can hire kayaks and paddleboards on the stunning lake Vrynwy via Bethania Adventure (at the boathouse).
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Mountain Biking
Bring your bike and go exploring off the beaten track!! We are spoilt for choice when it comes to mountain biking. The infamous Redbull Hardline is held every year 5 minutes up the road near Dinas Mawddwy, and there is plenty of forestry to explore for every skill level.
- Dyfi Bike Park
Mountain trails hand crafted by Dan Atherton (former national champion of Great Britain)
https://www.dyfibikepark.co.uk/
- Coed y Brenin
Natural Resources Wales’ mountain bike Mecca, Coed-y-Brenin Forest is home to an ever-increasing network of fantastic handbuilt all-weather singletracks including the ‘Falseteeth’ which incorporates the biggest feature in the forest, ‘The Cavity’.
Mountain Bike Wales - Coed y Brenin
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Portmeirion - 27 miles
Portmeirion is an Italian renaissance style village located on the coast of North Wales, most famous for being the setting of the cult television program The Prisoner.
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Clay Pigeon Shooting
Want to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting?? Dovey Valley Shooting Ground has a range of experiences you can book.
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Zip World Slate Cavern - 27 miles
Zip World Fforest - 35 miles
Zip World Penrhyn Quary - 52 miles
Thrilling adventures - above and below ground!! Highly recommended for a day out - pick your adventure.
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More Websites
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-snowdonia
https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/dolgellau
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Some photos of the surrounding area:
Queens Square Dolgellau, Portmeirion, Bounce Below, Zipworld, Barmouth Bridge.
