Things to do and see

The cottage is in a stunning area of north Wales and is in the coastal section of Snowdonia national park.

Nowhere else in Britain will you find so many things to do and see as you will in Snowdonia. There are beaches, steam railways, forests, lakes, valleys, and castles. You will be spoilt for choice so come armed with a "bucket list" and be prepared to want to return.

Around and about in Snowdonia there are standing stones and stone circles, burial chambers and hill forts where the ancient Britons and the Romans left their mark.

Tre’r Ceiri is one of Snowdonia’s best-known ancient sites, an Iron Age hill fort on Yr Eifl Mountain on the Llyn Peninsula where the remains of over 150 stone houses are still visible.

Bryn Cader Faner, not far from Harlech, is one of the easiest to recognise ancient monuments in Wales. This Bronze Age cairn is a circle of thin jagged pillars jutting out from the low cairn.

There are plenty of places to visit within the immediate area. Many outstanding scenic walks start from the doorstep and the beach is a 15 minute stroll. The cottage is a few minutes walk from the Ysgethin Inn which is on the river, and of course a favourite Tony's Italian takeaway. As Talybont is between Barmouth and Harlech it is also a gateway to many other amazing places.

Things to do within easy driving distance

Barmouth - William Wordsworth who visited in the nineteenth century said “With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland and Cadair Idris within compass of a day’s walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival.”

Harlech close by is a must see, not only for the outstanding views over the dunes but also for its medieval castle which stands on a cliff and is also a World Heritage Site, it is also the home of the Royal St Davids golf club for any golfing enthusiasts  Harlech’s beach and shoreline are without a doubt one of the main attractions stretching from Glaslyn estuary in the North to Llandanwg in the South with miles and miles of unspoilt beach.

Portmeirionis a unique village designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. It has served as the location for films and television including the 1960s television series The Prisoner.

Porthmadogcame into existence in 1811 after William Maddocks built a sea wall, the Cob, to reclaim a large proportion of Traeth Mawr from the sea for agricultural use. In 1170 the legendary Prince Madoc is said to have sailed from Borth-y-Gest near Porthmadog on his way to discover America.  Another claim to fame?

The Llyn peninsula, Anglesey, Bala Lake, Snowdon, Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert are all within comfortable driving distance for those wishing to explore further afield.

BeddgelertThis picturesque village not only boasts the Sygun copper mine and Gelert’s grave but also, Dinas Emrys,  an important site in this land of myth and legend. It was here in a lake that the red and white dragons, prophesied by Merlin, fought; the name Dinas Emrys reflects Merlin’s influence, his Welsh name was Myrddin Emrys. Merlin prophesied that the red dragon of the Britons would slay the white dragon of Vortigern’s Saxons.

Betws-y-Coed -another picturesque village full of character and lovely little shops.

Shell Island –   I believe 200 shell varieties can be found on the island the best seen after the spring tides, you need to get there early.

Ffestiniog Railway - The railway is about 13.5 miles long and runs from the harbour at Porthmadog to the Slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, travelling through some spectacular scenery.

Electric Mountain Llanberis - Hydro Electric power in Europe’s largest man made cavern.

Bala Lake - This is the largest natural lake in Wales and is home to a white fish called the Gwyniad - Its ancestors were trapped in the waters of the lake at the end of the last Ice Age. It is now the home of lots of water sports including white water rafting.  I wonder what the Gwyniad think of that?

The options for the energetic are endless and include

Walking -  some walks starting from the cottage itself, and some have been featured recently on the television.

Cycling - bikes can be hired in Barmouth or Coed-y-brenin if you don't want to bring your own. The single track mountain biking at Coed-y-Brenin has been selected as one of the worlds greatest adventures, in the latest Lonely planet Great Adventues book.

Golfing - Established in 1894, Royal St David's Golf Club is the home of one of the finest traditional links courses in the world and it is just 4 miles from the cottage.

Swimming - The beach is less than a mile away.

Climbing - Snowdon, Cadair Idris and surrounds  for the ambitious Bird watching - the Snowdonia area is one of the few breeding sites for Osprey, and the rare Ring Ouzel has been sighted around Cadair Idris so bring your binoculars

Scenic Railways - Many people visit for the easy access to the scenic railways. One runs along the coast from Aberdovey to Pwhelli and the station is a few hundred yards from the cottage.  Steam trains travel right through Snowdonia, one recent addition being the highland railway, and my favourite the Talyllyn Railway 

For relaxation there are some really nice traditional pubs and a few are dog friendly including the Ysgethin 5 minutes away. There are some surprisingly good restaurants so you will never be short of somewhere nice to be spoilt as this sample menu from the Castle Cottage restaurant shows.

Please go to my links page for quick access to plan your activities.