See & Do

The local area

Gwanas Fawr is ideally located for exploring Wales’ many attractions which are on our doorstep.

Very Closeby Walks

• Torrent Walk (1 mile) a moderate 2 mile circular walk through the striking Clywedog Gorge. One of our favourite walks with our dog Albert.
• Precipice Walk (7 miles) a moderate 3 mile circular walk taking in spectacular views of the Mawddach estuary and principal mountain ranges of Snowdonia.

Torrent Walk

For fabulous walks it’s hard to beat the nearby Torrent Walk.

Created by the Richards family of the Caerynwch estate in the late 1800s Torrent walk is a beautiful circular route through spectacular woodland along the waterfalls of the Clywedog river.

Restored in recent years the path allows you to walk down one side and up the other crossing the river at each end and admiring the views from both sides. Highly recommended and one of our regular dog walks.

Precipice Walk

Also popular is Precipice Walk which is 10 minutes from Gwanas Fawr by car. This takes you through the Nannau estate and offers fantastic views of the Snowdonian mountains and the Mawddach Estuary and out to the coast at Barmouth.

Dolgellau

Only 4 miles away the quaint market town of Dolgellau has a good selection of attractions and shops and to the south Machynlleth is brimming with antiques, craft shops, galleries and entertainment.

Coed y Brenin Forest Park

Coed y Brenin Forest Park is one of Forestry Commission Wales’ Premier recreation sites. If you fancy trying some exciting outdoor activities, Coed y Brenin Forest Park has everything from challenging orienteering routes and geocaching to world class mountain bike trails.

Beautiful beaches

We are also only a short car ride to the sea and the beautiful beaches at Barmouth and Fairbourne and well connected to the rest of Snowdonia and Mid-Wales if you’d like to explore further afield.

Where to eat

• Cross Foxes Inn (5 mins) Great Sunday roast very nearby.
• Mawddach Pizza (7 mins) Excellent pizza overlooking the mountains. Llanelltyd, Dolgellau
• Fork Cork & Feathers (5 mins) Deli, wine bar & bistro Dolgellau.
• Y Sospan (5 mins) Restaurant , food served all day Dolgellau.
• George III Pub & Hotel (7 mins) Great pub on the Mawddach Estuary. Penmaenpool
• Dylanwad ( 5 mins) Wine shop and bar Dolgellau.
• Penmaenuchaf Hall (7 mins) Great for a treat or afternoon tea. Fabulous Sunday lunch.
• Gwen Restaurant (20 mins) Intimate fine dining. Machynlleth
• TY Medi Vegetarian Restaurant Machynlleth

Hiking

• Cader Idris – Minfford Path (4 miles) a strenuous 6 mile hike up and back down the mysterious Cadair Idris.
• Snowdon (40 miles) a strenuous 7-9 mile hike depending on the path you take. Or a relaxing ride on the mountain railway!

Cycling trails and forest walks

• Mawddach Trail (4 miles) featured in Julia Bradbury’s Railway Walks this flat 9.5 mile footpath and cycle route follows the Mawddach Estuary from Dolgellau to Barmouth.
• Coed-y-Brenin (8 miles) multiple world-class mountain bike trails and family walks catering for all abilities.
• Dyfi Bike Park (7 miles) 650 acre bike park, set in the heart of the Dyfi Forest.

Watersports

• Bala (9 miles) Wales’ largest natural lake and it’s surrounding rivers offer sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, rafting and much more.

Local Towns

• Dolgellau (4 miles) a rural market town full of history and culture. Handy for groceries and gifts.
• Machynlleth (13 miles) an historic town full of independent shops and galleries offering antiques, local art and crafts, plus plenty of cosy cafes.

Coastal Towns/Beaches

• Barmouth (13 miles) a popular seaside town with sandy beaches
• Fairbourne (12 miles) rocky/pebbly beach with sand at low tide
• Tywyn (18 miles) long sandy beach
• Aberdyfi (17 miles) long sandy beach, our favourite.

Crafts

• Corris Craft Centre (7 miles) 9 individual craft studios

Gin Distillery

• Dyfi Gin Distillery (7 miles)

Music & Comedy

• Ty Siamas National Centre for Welsh Folk Music
• Machynlleth Music Festival 17th- 24th August 2025 A week long international music festival.
• Machynlleth Comedy Festival 2-4 May 2025.
• Sesiwn Fawr 17th -20th July 2025 Live music Event

Historic Steam Railways

Visit the Heritage Railway Heaven page at Visit Wales for comprehensive inforamtion about the narrow gauge and miniature steam trains of Wales

RSPB Nature Reserves

• Mawddach Valley (7 miles)
• Ynys-hir (20 miles)
• Lake Vyrnwy (26 miles)

Family/Adventure

• King Arthur’s Labyrinth (7 miles) an underground adventure. Literally set sail into and under the mountains!
• Corris Mine Explorers (7 miles) discover the underground workings of a slate mine.
• Centre for Alternative Technology (11 miles) information presented in a fun environment on all aspects of sustainable living.
• Zip World & Bounce (50 miles) exhilarating adventures for the adrenalin junkies.

Low flying Aircraft

• Mach Loop Flight Path opportunity to witness RAF low fly training through the valleys of Snowdonia
• RAF operational low flying training timetable

Golf Courses

• Fairbourne Golf Club (13 miles)
• Machynlleth Golf Club (14 miles)
• Aberdovey Golf Club (20 miles)
• Royal St David’s Golf Club (24 miles)

Historic Buildings/ruins

• Cymer Abbey (5 miles) ruinous Cistercian abbey
• Castell y Bere (11 miles) remote and ruinous Welsh castle