Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nant, joining the Tŷ Nant Path at the latter's midpoint. Llanfihangel is 1.5 miles from the
terminus of the Talyllyn Railway at Abergynolwyn.
The shortest but steepest route is the
Minffordd Path
(6 miles return, five hours), which
begins from the Dol Idris car park (four hours/day £2/4), 6 miles south of Dolgellau at the
junction of the A487 and the B4405. This route requires the most caution, especially on
the way back down, but there's the added incentive of a hot beverage awaiting at the
tearoom, near the car park.
Whichever route you choose, wear stout shoes, carry protective clothing and check the
weather conditions, either online (
www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety
)
or at
the Dolgellau tourist office, which also stocks a trail booklet (£1.50).
Near the Minffordd trailhead is
Tal-y-llyn
, a tranquil lake hemmed in by the encroaching
mountains. It's stocked with trout and popular with both anglers and otters.
WORTH A TRIP
ABERDOVEY & AROUND
From Dolgellau, an interesting drive is the 50-mile circuit of the southern slice of the former kingdom/county of
Meirionnydd, bound by the estuaries of the Rivers Mawddach and Dovey (Dyfi). When the A493 reaches the
broad estuary of the River Dovey it curves east through Aberdovey (Aberdyfi), a pretty town lined with pastel
Georgian town houses. Further east in the village of Pennal, the
Riverside Hotel
(Gwesty Glan Yr Afon;
01654-791285;
www.riversidehotel-pennal.co.uk
;
mains £10-15;
noon-2pm & 6-9pm;
) is a great place
to stop for upmarket gastropub grub and Purple Moose ale.
Sleeping
While Dolgellau is the usual base for walkers, there are a couple of other options tucked
around the mountain.
Kings YHA
( 0845 371 9327;
www.yha.org.uk
; dm/r from £14/54; )
It's slightly creepy and a little rundown,
but this remote woodland hostel has a gorgeous setting beside a stream, 2 miles from the
Pony Path trailhead. Follow the signposts from the A493, west of Penmaenpool.
HOSTEL
£
Old Rectory on the Lake
( 01654-782225;
www.rectoryonthelake.co.uk
; r £60-90 d £90-120, apt £120; )
If you think you
might need a little pampering after your Cader Idris ascent - perhaps a gourmet meal, a
B&B
££
