Top Five Hidden Gems
Our staff share with you some of the wonderful hidden gems around the Trefeddian for you to explore when you stay with us.
Roman Road
The old Roman Road is a coastal footpath for walkers and explorers at the southern end of Aberdyfi. The path leads to a quiet, secluded beach known locally as "Picnic island" (although, it isn’t actually an island!) If you are lucky, you may get it all to yourself. The footpath was carved out of mudstone by the Romans, making it particularly slippery when wet - so make sure to wear good shoes! The path has two small bridges that cross natural fresh water outlets, allowing the flow of water from the hills to the estuary. The track was built for the use of horse and carriage in 1808, but it is unknown what for or where they were headed. Whatever the use, this local coastal path makes for a lovely relaxing walk along the estuary with the water lapping along the rocks and the scenic Cambrian hills in the distance.
Bearded Lake
Headed towards Tywyn is a signpost for Happy Valley. About three miles along this road is the starting point for a 2.5 mile walk to Bearded Lake - a natural beauty spot above Aberdyfi. This is a lovely walk with stunning views. The lake is covered in water lilies from late June through to September, and it is thought that this is what gives the lake its name. However, it is said that a very large, hairy monster lived in the lake and that “Bearded” refers to this creature. Legend has it that this monster was dragged out of the lake by King Arthur’s horse. The indentation in the rock by the lake is said to have been the horse's hoof print.
Dolgoch Falls
The Fathew Valley in the south-western part of Snowdonia National Park takes in a wooded gorge along the Nant Dolgoch stream, a tributary of the River Fathew. Here, you will find three waterfalls tumbling down the steep sides of the gorge into pools below, and a popular circular walk links all three waterfalls. The first part of the walk passes underneath the Talyllyn railway viaduct, and a viewing platform, then rises after the lower falls. Follow the path along the stream to the steps leading to the middle and upper falls. After leaving the middle falls, the path rises to the upper falls and a picnic area. The trail can be slippery in damp weather but on a hot day, it’s a beautiful place for children to play in the rock pools at the base of the upper falls.
Ynysmaengwyn
A short drive away is Ynysmaengwyn, just outside Tywyn. This beautiful woodland setting is perfect for a walk and a wander, or for the more adventurous, there is an orienteering course. Explore the tranquil grounds of the estate - once owned by the Corbett family - where you can see the ruins of the once grand mansion and where the family’s coat of arms, ‘The Salt King’, is displayed. There is also the Dovecote that stands in the grounds, a walled garden and a Fairy Glen hidden in the woods. You can walk along the banks of the estuary from here, along the Broadwater to Tywyn, and loop back to Ynysmaengwyn along the road.
Castell y Bere
A short drive through the Dysynni valley, towards the hamlet of Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, is where you will find the wild and rustic remains of Castell Y Bere. It was a remote outpost of Prince Llewellyn Ap Iorwerth (‘The Great’) dating back to around 1221. The remains of the castle are still very visible, however the path up the ruins can be uneven underfoot. It is free to visit, in a peaceful and beautiful location with stunning views all around. Take a picnic and enjoy the atmosphere amongst the foothills of Cader Idris. Children will also love to explore the castle - let their imaginations run free.
