Green Holiday Travel around Wales
If you’re planning a car-free holiday to Wales, or just want get around more sustainably and leave your car or camper van on site, our Snowdonia holiday accommodation is ideal.
You can reach our glamping, camping and holiday cottages in Snowdonia National Park using public transport.
We welcome quite a few guests who come by train or bus. With a little pre-planning, you can certainly get around and see a lot once you are here without the need for a car. Last year a couple all the way from Switzerland spent a happy car-free week in our yurt and a couple staying in our wagon for 2 weeks used public transport to really get out and explore.
Here we share our tips for sustainable holiday travel in Snowdonia:
Wales holidays by train
A train ride on the Cambrian Coast Railway is a real treat. We’ve been on this train and watched dolphins playing in the sea more than once!
Arrival – Fairbourne is a handy station to get off as there are shops to stock up. Pick up the new G21 bus service here direct to Graig Wen – ask it to stop at the end of our drive. Or the bus takes you straight to our holiday cottage in Dolgellau where there are shops and places to eat on the doorstep.
Exploring – Our nearest train station is actually Morfa Mawddach, a tiny request stop right near Barmouth Bridge on the Mawddach Estuary. You can walk or cycle a couple of miles along the traffic-free Mawddach Trail direct to Graig Wen.
Use the bus link to the Cambrian Coast Railway for incredibly scenic days out up and down the coast of Cardigan Bay. Visit the world famous castles in Harlech and Criccieth and book lunch at Dylan’s wonderful seaside restaurant in Criccieth. Visiting Portmeirion is also possible if you walk a mile or so walk from Minffordd station through their gardens.
Steam enthusiasts can hop on the train to Tywyn to link up with the Talyllyn Railway for some rail travel the old fashioned way. You could also walk along the sandy beach to the next stop at Aberdyfi for ice-cream or lunch at the Penhelig Arms.
The train runs every couple of hours.
Wales holiday by bus
Arrival by bus – our local town of Dolgellau is on the route of the T2 Bangor to Aberystwyth bus and the T3 Wrexham to Barmouth service.
From Dolgellau take the G21 bus direct to us at Graig Wen, Arthog – ask the driver in good time to drop you at the end of our drive.
Exploring – the new G21 bus service from Dolgellau/Graig Wen, Arthog takes you to the beach at Fairbourne, to Tywyn where you can ride the Talyllyn Steam railway, or the Magic Lantern Cinema with its cool Secret Garden for drinks and snacks. It now continues on to the lovely seaside village of Aberdyfi and Machynlleth. Or get the bus from Graig Wen to Dolgellau for cafes, supermarkets and buses connecting to Coed y Brenin forest park, Barmouth, Machynlleth or Aberystwyth.
The G21 bus times are a bit random so do check the timetable before making plans.
Bus to the pub
The last bus into Dolgellau or for the George III is 18.41 from Graig Wen but there are no buses back. Book a cab well ahead unless you want a long walk back!
Tell people about the great bus service and keep up the wonderful spirit of the place
Mawddach Estuary Bike Hire
Hiring a bike is a great way to explore the Mawddach Trail along the estuary. Electric bikes are the way to go for hillier routes! There is a bike hire shop in Dolgellau and firm that will drop off electric bikes at Graig Wen.
Walk from the door
There are many walks you can do from the door of either Graig Wen or our Dolgellau holiday cottage to woods, waterfalls and into the mountains. It is possible to walk up Cader Idris from Graig Wen if you want a full day’s mountain walk. Or you could arrange for Cader Cabs to pick you up.
Your welcome guide packed with tips
When you book with us you are emailed a link to our popular welcome guide which works like an app on your phone. Your guide has loads of contacts for things like bike hire, public transport, bus timetables, taxi numbers, walking routes from the door etc. Look out for our Green Travel Tips which help you plan walks using public transport. Our team are happy to help on site for any additional ideas.
Food and drink at Graig Wen
Our morning croissant and coffee service and Camp Shop are useful for stocking up. You can also order a hamper or bottle of fizz for your arrival.
Other useful contacts for planning car-free Wales holidays
Traveline Wales – your go to guide for train and bus travel planning and timetables. Make sure you choose Graig Wen, Arthog as a destination as there are several Graig Wens!
Cambrian Coast Line – check out this site for inspiration and discount Rover passes for exploring Wales by train.
Electric Vehicle charging in Snowdonia
Unfortunately we cannot charge electric vehicles at our accommodation but there are new charging points in Dolgellau. We have a list of EV points in our Welcome Guide which is updated regularly.
