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With the development of Trans Wales cycle routes, Barmouth has become an ideal centre for a cycling based holiday. The dramatic beauty of North & Mid Wales offers a vast array of cycling opportunities for all types of cyclists. The National Cycle Network 'Lon Las Cymru' offers a 240-mile cycling adventure through Wales and Barmouth is ideally situated on route 8. The 'Traffic-free' Trail from Barmouth to Dolgellau along the Mawddach Estuary is one of the most spectacular rides in Wales. With wonderful open views north to wooded hills rising 1000 ft. up from the water's edge, This 10 mile ride starts with a crossing of the splendid wooden Barmouth Viaduct and follows the old railway track into the heart of Dolgellau. There is an excellent refreshment stop at the George lll Hotel at Penmaenpool.
For the more adventurous, a number of mountain bike routes have been developed in the Coed y Brenin Forest north of Dolgellau. There is a visitor centre at Maes Gwm selling maps of all the routes in the forest including the famous Red Bull Mountain Bike course.
Cycling maps available from Barmouth Tourist Information Centre.
Cycle hire is available in Barmouth - for further information contact Barmouth Information Centre (tel: +44 (0)341 280787)
Spectacularly sited Harlech Castle seems to grow naturally from the rock on which it is perched. Like an all-seeing sentinel, it gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th-century to fulfil this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness. Ironically, in 1404 it was taken by Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr who proceeded to hold a parliament here. A long siege here during the Wars of the Roses inspired the stirring song 'Men of Harlech'. Although an imposing edifice, Harlech is at one with its surroundings, a quality rare in the great Edwardian castles. There is a sense of harmony at work here, created by the way in which the castle builders took care to exploit the site's natural advantages.
Looking seawards, Harlech's battlements spring out of the near-vertical cliff-face, while any landward attackers would first have to deal with a massive twin-towered gatehouse. The sea, like Snowdonia, is one of the key to Harlech's siting. Sea borne access was crucial in times of siege, and although the waters of Tremadog Bay have receded over the centuries, they may originally have lapped the cliffs beneath the castle. The fortress's massive inner walls and towers still stand almost to their full height. The views from its lofty battlements are truly panoramic, extending from the dunes at its feet to the purple mass of Snowdonia in the distance. Harlech, a combination of magnificent medieval military architecture and breathtaking location, is a castle not be missed, a fact reinforced by its status as a World Heritage Inscribed site.
Barmouth and the Mawddach Valley have their own attraction for the fisherman. Sea fishing trips depart from Barmouth harbour daily, tides and weather permitting. Local boats cater for parties and details can be obtained from Barmouth Tourist Information Centre tel. 01341 280787.
The dry land fisherman can try his expertise from the beach or within the harbour limits. The Dolgellau Angling Association have some of the best freshwater Salmon and Sea Trout fishing in Wales on 13 miles of the Rivers Mawddach and Wion with the 'hotspots' being the Reed Pool, High Bank and Junction Pool. The Association also owns the fishing rights on Llyn Cynwch situated by Precipice Walk near Llanfachreth. It is stocked every 2 - 3 weeks throughout the season with Brown and Rainbow Trout from the Hatchery at Machynlleth. The largest Rainbow Trout caught was a monster 13.5 lbs.
For more information contact The Secretary tel. 01341 422706
Just a ten minute drive along the coast road brings you into
Harlech, home of the
Royal St David's golf course "one of the
finest courses in the world" - Bernard Gallacher (Ryder Cup Captain)
Other Days Out
Portmeirion, Italianate village: the most popular tourist attraction in North Wales
EXPLORING BY CAR
Four tours to give the car borne visitor an insight to the beautiful scenery,
the topography and character of the area.
Tour 1
Follow tour three as far as Trawsfynydd and then turn right onto the A4212,
built to carry the construction materials for building the Nuclear Power Station
in the early 1960's. Drive up the Prysor valley and across the moors to Bala by
way of Llyn Celyn, a valley flooded to create a reservoir and where, when the
water is very low, you can still see the remains of the village of Celyn and the
village church. A memorial chapel to the village is sited near one of the
lay-bys overlooking the reservoir. The mountain to the south of the lake is
Arenig Fawr where a memorial has been sited to commemorate the aircrew of a
second world war aircraft that crashed into the mountain. The road finally
brings you into Bala sitting at the northern end of the largest natural lake in
Wales - Llyn Tegid. On the shores of the lake nearest the town is the Tourist
Information Centre situated in the Leisure Centre. At the southern end of the
lake is the village of Llanuwchllyn, the terminus of the Bala Lakeside Railway
which takes you on a scenic journey along the eastern shore of the lake. From
Llanuwchllyn, take the A494 which follows the Afon Wnion all the way back to
Dolgellau and then to Barmouth.
Tour 2
A tour around Cader Idris - again leaving Barmouth along the Mawddach Estuary,
turn right at Llanelltyd onto the A470 and first right again onto A493
signposted Fairbourne and Tywyn. Stop at Penmaenpool for a visit to the RSPB
Bird Observation Centre sited in a former signal box before driving on through
Arthog to Fairbourne. The opportunity exists to take a ride on the Fairbourne
narrow gauge railway which runs the length of Fairbourne beach to the point
opposite Barmouth Harbour. The drive continues south, firstly along the coast
and then swings inland beyond Llangelynin. Take the road on the left up the
Dysynni valley through Llanegryn to Bird Rock (the farthest inland that
Cormorants nest) and to Castell-y-Bere, site of a native Welsh castle, founded
by Llywelyn the Great in 1221 and to Llanfihangel-y-Pennant where there is a
monument to Mary Jones who was born here. The route continues to Abergynolwyn,
the penultimate stop on the Talyllyn Railway, and onto Talyllyn Lake itself.
With the backdrop of Cader Idris, this is a vista of peace and tranquillity.
Follow the shores of the lake to Minffordd where the road joins the main A498
back to Dolgellau over the Talyllyn Pass.
Tour 3
Leaving Barmouth by the A496 along the northern banks 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 Llanelltyd 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 Ty'n-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 King's Wood). Continuing along the
A470, the road passes Trawsfynydd Lake and the Nuclear Power Station which is
currently being de-commissioned. There is a interesting visitors centre at the
power station which gives an insight into Nuclear power generation. After
passing the Power 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, the site of St. Twrog's stone and through
Harlech dominated by Harlech Castle, raised by Edward 1st. between 1283 and 1290
- and finally back to Barmouth.
Tour 4
The Snowdonia National Park offers the visitor to Barmouth scenery which is
almost unequalled in the world. Depart from Barmouth north on the A496 to
Harlech and after passing through 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 Aberglaslyn (Aberglaslyn Bridge) and the Aberglaslyn
Pass. There is no finer approach to Snowdonia than through the Aberglaslyn 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 canons, 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-Gwryd (907 ft.) where the first successful assent of Mount Everest
was planned. Snowdon (3559 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 place 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 the Vale of Ffestiniog to Maentwrog and back to Barmouth via Harlech
or travel though Blaenau Ffestiniog town and return via Dolgellau.
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A SELECTION OF SOME OF THE DELIGHTFUL WALKS IN AND AROUND BARMOUTH
The Old Town
Climbing haphazardly up the steep slopes at the back of the High Street, the
paths and alleys of old Barmouth reveal many quaint and delightful corners.
Houses seem to be built almost on top of one another in this fascinating jumble
of steps and terraces. From certain vantage points one can look out over the
Estuary or down to the harbour far below, whilst from others, the High Street
and buildings therein seem to lie directly underneath. No visitor should fail to
explore Old Barmouth, for it is unique in Wales. Continue upwards, beyond the
last houses to reach the open hillside of Dinas Olau (Fortress of Light),
donated by Fanny Talbot, it was the very first piece of land owned by the
National Trust. To commemorate its Centenary, the National Trust constructed a
semi circular viewing point high above the town.
Where Hillpaths Abound
The hill which towers above the town has led ancient mariners to call Barmouth
"Welsh Gibraltar". Viewed from the sea, it is said that the shape of the hill
resembles the famous Rock. Rising 870 ft. above the town, it is intersected by
footpaths that are indicated by various signs and is easily climbed. On a clear
day, Bardsey Island to the North and the Preseli Hills to the south can be seen.
From here you can wander on and revel in the expanse of upland country with its
ancient rocks, dells and mountain streams. From here, one can meet up with the
route to the Panorama View.
Panorama Walk
The Panorama Walk is one of the most popular walks in the neighbourhood and the
viewpoint is only about a mile and a half from the town. It is approached up a
steep road off the Barmouth to Dolgellau road, just beyond Porkington Terrace.
The route is signposted and a leaflet on the walk is available from the Tourist
Information Centre. The view from the summit is one of the most spectacular in
Wales - the whole length of the Mawddach Estuary with the Cader range of
mountains beyond to the south and Sylfaen Farm and Diphwys towards the north.
Barmouth Bridge
The railway viaduct 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 viaduct.
Arthog
The pretty village of Arthog may be reached by crossing the bridge and is about
three miles from Barmouth. From the village, it is a short walk to Arthog Falls
and a more strenuous two miles climb to the beautiful Cregennan Lakes which lie
in the foothills of the Cader range. This is also one of the many routes to the
summit of Cader Idris.
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 to Barmouth is by bus.
Llyn Cwm Bychan
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 Atro
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 it way through the pass across the Rhinog
mountain range to Trawsfynnydd.
Torrent Walk
Torrent Walk near Dolgellau is reached by taking the Cross Foxes road out of
Dolgellau and bearing left just past the Little Chef restaurant and Esso garage.
Follow the narrow track to the bottom of the valley. The path then climbs
upwards through beautiful woodland alongside a mountain stream which leaps from
pool to pool amid a profusion of moss covered boulders on its way from the
slopes of Cader Idris to the River Arran.
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 steams 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.
Precipice Walk
Again, near Dolgellau, this walk runs at great height around the steep slopes on
Moel Cynwch overlooking Ty'n 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.
Detailed instructions for most walks featured and others are available from the Barmouth Tourist Information Centre. (Tel: 01341 280787 open April to October).
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