Strolling In The Sunshine

With the sun shining and the weathermen predicting more good weather, we are looking forward to taking advantage of the warmer days and heading out for a spectacular coastal walk.

Wales is the first country in the world to have a footpath that follows the whole length of its coastline. Aberdovey and the hotel are perfectly located, right in the middle of its route, and here are just three sections of the Wales Coast Path that our team really enjoy.

Morfa Mawddach to Barmouth

Either take the train along the stunning Cambrian Coast route or park your car at Morfa Mawddach station and walk across the Barmouth Bridge. Spanning half a mile, the bridge is the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest in Britain offering amazing views towards Cadair Idris, the second highest mountain in Snowdonia and out to Cardigan Bay across the Mawddach estuary. 

The bridge opened in 1867 and included a lifting drawbridge section to permit the passage of tall ships at the northern end. The section was rebuilt in 1901 as a swing bridge with two steel spans.

The pretty seaside town of Barmouth is the perfect place to get a spot of lunch and to meander the independent shops before heading back to relax in one of the lounges at the hotel.

Llwyngwril to Tywyn

Starting in the beautiful village of Llwyngwril, with a long and rich history, this section of the Wales Coast Path takes you away from the sea to follow the country lanes where the trail takes a downhill route across some farmland.

The coast is a distant memory as the track contours the hill of Foel Llanfendigaid to the landward side before following a quiet road past the former army base at Tonfannau with its abandoned airplane hangars and soldier billet huts.

The lane reaches the mouth of the Dysynni River and runs past a large salt lagoon, known as the Broadwater, then heads into the seaside town of Tywyn. Home to the Talyllyn Railway, this Victorian seaside town has a fabulous promenade along the seafront where you can sit and watch the dolphins swimming in the bay.

Tywyn to Aberdovey

Taking the Wales Coast Path from Tywyn to Aberdovey brings you right back to the sea.

Starting at the Neptune Caravan Park, the route takes you to the beach and you can stroll along the four miles of golden sandy beach. Head past the peat beds left by the petrified forest and enjoy panoramic views that stretch down the Pembrokeshire coast as far as Fishguard and looking north to the Llyn Peninsula.

You will walk past the hotel in its enviable position on the hill, overlooking the golf course and Cardigan Bay beyond. Here you can cut across the sand dunes and golf course back to the hotel to put your feet up or carry on into the pretty harbourside village of Aberdovey to enjoy a homemade ice cream from The Sweet Shop Aberdyfi.