Our Favourite Walks around Dolgellau
Not all those who wander are lost
Who does not love a good walk? Our aim at Plas Isa is to show everyone who visits this beautiful area, what it is that makes it so. To help you chose the best route, we have listed some of our favourite walks which show off all that is special in and around Dolgellau. The walks are long or short and easy to hard, but all contain some of the magic required to make the effort worthwhile.
Just click on the name of the walk below and the detailed description opens up for you.
Enjoy!
Cymer Abbey - A pleasant walk out of town that includes both the ruined Cistercian Abbey (founded in 1189) and the old stone bridge over the Mawddach, near the village of Llannelltyd. 3 miles / approx. 1 - 1.5 hour / difficulty – easy
Meadow Walk - This route takes you through beautiful wildflower meadows (best in June/July), gives wonderful panoramic views of the Cadair range and includes a gentle stroll along the Mawddach Trail back to Dolgellau. Approx. 6 miles / 2-3 hours / difficulty - easy
New Precipice Walk from our back door - Steep climbs take you to an old industrial tramway 800ft above the Mawddach valley, with outstanding views to Barmouth over the estuary. 7 miles / approx. 3 hours / difficulty – medium
Taicynhaeaf to Barmouth - A lovely walk up alongside the Afon Cwm-mynach. There are amazing views of the Mawddach estuary and a finish in the historic seaside resort of Barmouth.
9 miles / approx. 6 hours / difficulty – medium
Foel Cynwch circular - This scenic route takes you around Foel Cynwch and includes the best part of the Precipice walk, followed by a gentle stroll through the Mawddach valley. 8 miles / approx. 3.5 – 4 hours / difficulty – medium
Two wall circular - A varied walk that takes you along rivers, through old woodland and open farmland. On the return to Dolgellau, you follow an old stonewalled track with magnificent views all around. 9 miles / approx. 4 hours / difficulty – medium
Barmouth – Cell Fechan Circular - A short walk above Barmouth, that takes in wonderful views of the Mawddach Estuary, Cadair Idris mountain range and Cardigan Bay. Approx. 4 miles / 2 hours / difficulty - easy
Barmouth, Arthog Falls and Cregennan Lakes - Starting at the historic seaside resort of Barmouth, this route takes you past waterfalls and lakes, with stunning scenery all the way - returning to Dolgellau along the wonderful Mawddach Trail.
13 miles / 5-6 hours / difficulty - medium
Llanfachreth Circular - This route shows off this area’s great views over farmland and river valleys. A wonderful walk for any season. The walk, that follows tarmac road all the way, is easy but involves a small section of uphill walking.
Approx. 9 miles / 3-4 hours / difficulty - easy
Please be aware of the following:
while we have done everything to describe the routes in as much details as possible to keep you safe, using these are at your own responsibility.
events outside of our control for example storm damage, road/path works, etc can affect the route.
the weather can change quickly - we advise you to check the weather forecast before you set off and pack appropriate clothing and a bottle of water at a minimum. For the longer routes it would be advisable to take an OS Map and compass as well. See also “How to prepare for mountain walks”