Things to do

Harlech (8 miles) is dominated by its spectacular Castle. The Lion Hotel on Pen Dref is a traditional pub with good beer and the town has two good restaurants - see places to eat below.

The beaches in Cardigan Bay offer safe swimming with sandy beaches spectacular views across the bay to Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsular. Shell Island Harbour is near by . www.shellisland.co.uk

In the opposite direction is the traditional Edwardian seaside town of Barmouth (12 miles) with magnificient views across the estuary to Cader Idris. The Mawddach Trail is an easy and scenic walk along the estuary. The Last Inn on the main street overlooks the harbour, stocks good beer and has a waterfall in the pub!. Call 01341 280530 www.lastinn-barmouth.co.uk

 

The Llechwedd Slate Caverns (23 miles) are good option on a rainy day. Experience the life of a Victorian slate miner. Call 01766 830306 www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk

Close by the Slate Caverns is the Ffestiniog Railway takes you through stunning scenery of the National Park. Call 01766 516000 www.ffestiniograilway.co.uk

After the grey of slate enjoy the colour of the Italianate architecture of Portmeirion (17 miles) www.portmeirion-village.com

Dolgellau (20 miles) is a pretty market town built around the wool trade and with a bustling community. It is a great place to watch the world go by at one of the several coffee shops in the town - you might try Y Sospan on Queen's Square.

The National Trust properties in the area include Plas Newydd House and Gardens, Anglesey www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-plasnewydd and the wonderful gardens at Bodnant www.bodnant-garden.co.uk

Gwydir Castle is a very special place to visit, nestling in the beautiful Vale of Conwy in the foothills of Snowdonia, the castle is regarded as one of the finest Tudor houses in Wales. Open March until end of October. Closed Mondays and Saturdays (except bank holiday weekends). Call 01492 641687 www.gwydircastle.co.uk

For gardeners, the unmissable garden and nursery at Crug Farm Plants near Caernarfon, is open on Thursday - Saturday from March to the end of October. Call 01248 670232 www.crug-farm.co.uk

The butcher in Llanbedr is excellent, Dylan Richards on the High Street sells a wide range of locally grown meats.

Wenalt Stores, also on the High Street, sells local health and organic produce including cheeses, greengrocery and wines.

Bwtri Bach is a small delicatessen in Harlech with local meat, cheeses and bread. Call 01766 780373

Poptyr's Dref Bakery in Dolgellau is one of Rick Stein's food heros. Worth a visit if you are nearby and to be found on Upper Smithfield Street. Call. 01341 422507

Dolgellau also hosts a weekly Country Market on Thursdays in the Free Library on Mill Street. You will need to be early because stalls start closing at 11.30.

Hughes Farm Shop, a further 9 miles outside Dolgellau along the A470, for produce straight from the farm.

The nearest supermarket is Tesco in the High Street, Porthmadog.

 

Close to Nantcol

In Llanbedr the Victoria Inn serves typical pub food. Call 01341 241213 www.victoriannllanbedr.co.uk

The Ty Mawr Hotel is open to non residents and a little more sophisticated than the Victoria Inn and the bar srerves good real ales. Call 01341 241440.

A little further away

The Castle Cottage in Harlech serves good food from local produce. Well worth a trip and best to book. Call 01766 780479 www.castlecottageharlech.co.uk

The Plas restaurant on the High Street in Harlech hides an elegant restaurant in the conservatory with views across the bay to the Llyn peninsular. Closed on Wednesday, check for winter opening times. Call 01766 780204 www.theplas.co.uk

A good curry can be had at Harlech Tandoori opposite the entrance to the High Street. Call 01766 781306 www.harlechtandori.com

Good food in a stunning building with views of Cader Idris can be found at Mawddach near Dolgellau. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Call 01341 424020 www.mawddach.com