Our Staff's Favourite...
Have you ever wondered what our amazing team gets up to during their downtime from creating unforgettable stays at the Trefeddian? From the best picnic spots, to their most favourite ice cream stops, here are some of their top picks for a day out in beautiful Mid Wales.
1. Favourite walk
Apart from the beach, a firm favourite with our staff is a walk in the woodland at Abergynolwyn. There are lots of trails and things to explore in Nant Gwernol. The woodland surrounds the remains of Bryn Eglwys Quarry, from which the Talyllyn Railway took slate in the 1860’s. Our staff start their walks from either Abergynolwyn village or at Abergynolwyn Station; you can catch the Talyllyn train from Tywyn to the station, or go a bit further to the end station, Nant Gwernol. There are three routes to follow or you can mix them up and make your walk as long or short as you like. If you fancy a nice lunch after your walk, we recommend the Railway Inn or the café at Abergynolwyn station which has some wonderful cakes and light lunches. Dogs and children love visiting the woods as there is so much to explore.
2. Favourite ice cream
Our staff had a little debate about the best ice cream, so we decided to include two firm favourites!
The first is a honey ice cream which you can find on the outskirts of Tywyn. The ice cream shop overlooks the stunning Dysynni Valley and has a nice outdoor seating area to enjoy the view. Two or three different flavours are served each day alongside the famous original honey.
The second favourite is an ice cream from the Sweet Shop in Aberdovey. Here you will find a huge selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets, plus a selection of dairy-free and gluten-free options. Enjoy your ice cream in the Wharf Gardens overlooking the jetty to Borth and down the coast.
3. Favourite picnic spot
There are lots of nice places to stop for a picnic, but the absolute best - and our favourite - is at Ynysmaengwyn. This is another fabulous place to explore when you are staying with us; it has a hidden fairy garden, dove cote, bug hotel, birdlife, as well as lots of paths around the woodland. In late spring, a stunning array of wild garlic tickles the senses, and swaths of bluebells light up the woods. Amongst the woodland, you will find the walled garden, which is the remains from when Ynysmaengwyn was once a vast country estate. Sheltered from the elements, it makes the perfect picnic spot and can be warm enough even on an Autumn day. There are plenty of benches dotted around so you don’t even need to worry about a seat while you enjoy the peace, quiet and bird song.
4. Favourite bench
Along the sea front in Aberdovey and Tywyn, there are lots of benches for you to sit and watch the world go by. But there is a very special bench in Tywyn which is a firm favourite with our staff. From the Trefeddian, take a walk along the beach (or if the tide is in, walk along the coast path through the dunes) towards Tywyn. After approximately three miles, you will see a footpath sign at the top of the beach before a large stone pile. Walk up the beach to join the footpath and here you will find Iris’s bench. This lovely memorial bench to Iris has beautiful views over the sea one way, and the Fathew Valley on the other. If you are lucky and facing the sea, you may see dolphins or seals, and you are facing the hills, you may even spot a red kite or two.
5. Favourite day out
Voted for by most of the staff is a train trip on the Cambrian Line to the request stop, Morfa Mawddach. From here, you can walk into Barmouth over the railway bridge with stunning views down the estuary. There is lots to do in Barmouth, including fairground rides for little ones and boutique shops for grown-ups. There is a lovely walk up 100 steps, marking the start of the Panorama Walk. You can choose to do the whole four-miles, or just stop at the top, take a rest and admire the wonderful view - it’s well worth the wobbly legs!
