We are lucky here at Graig Wen to be right on the banks of the Mawddach Estuary in Snowdonia National Park. Walk through our gate and you are on the Mawddach Trail, regularly mentioned by the media as one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in Britain.
Many people have heard about The Mawddach Estuary through Julia Bradbury’s BBC TV Railway Walks programme and book. But the best way to experience perhaps the most beautiful estuary in Wales is to walk or cycle the trail.
The Mawddach Trail runs for 9.5 miles along the estuary from the historic Welsh market town of Dolgellau to the seaside resort of Barmouth. Following the course of a disused railway line, the trail is traffic free for 9 miles. Unusually for Wales, the trail is completely flat, although access to it from our camp site, holiday cottages and B&B is via a steep track. It’s a fantastic cycle route for families, and many of our younger guests have learnt to ride a bike along here.
As well as looking at the dramatic mountain scenery, sparkling water and ancient woods, you can see all sorts of wading birds and wild flowers. There are plenty of picnic spots en route so it’s best to take some supplies with you.
The most dramatic section is the ride across the rickety wooden viaduct which stretches for a kilometre across the estuary. On the Barmouth side you will find plenty of places for a well earned ice cream, pint or fish and chips before the return trip.
If you don’t have your own bikes with you, then our guests can hire a couple of adult bikes from us and there are several companies offering bikes for hire for all the family and abilities, including tag alongside, e-bikes and hand bikes.
Some useful resources to plan your trip:
Watch a film we made about a day out along the Mawddach Trail
Download maps and and a guide to historical points of interest
Families can download this new Celtic Tales app from Sustrans which picks up on stories of mystery and history along the Mawddach.
Follow a film of cyclists along the trail