Dolgellau is a historicmarket town at the southern end of SnowdoniaNational Park, in north Wales, set atthe foot of the rugged slopes of Cader Idris. Thetown is on the banks of the River Wnion, crossed by an ancient stone bridge, YBont Fawr, dating back to 1638.
Dolgellau's history is arich tapestry woven around the woollen industry, a gold rush in the 19th Century— British royal wedding rings are made from Welsh gold to this day, includingthose of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge — and a community of 17thcentury Quakers who fled to Pennsylvania after being persecuted.
Staying inDolgellau
Dolgellau has manyhotels, guesthousesand B&B accommodation both in the town itselfand in the surrounding area, fullof character to make your stay a touch out of the ordinary.
For example, a Grade-II listed building beside theMawddach Estuary dates back to the 17th Century, with carefully preserved periodfeatures as well as 21st Century facilities. Another stone-clad building usedto serve as the town's maternity home and combines quirky vintage design andfurnishings covered in pretty fabrics with en suite rooms each with its own flatscreen TV.
In addition to this, self-catering holiday lets areeasy to find, ranging from log cabins, barn conversions and charming stonefarmhouses through to a group of cottages that sleep up to 19 people.
Scenic campsites are available too, as well as budgetaccommodation in bunkhouses and the chance to stay in a yurt.
Eating Out inDolgellau
Delightful opportunities to tantalise your taste budsare to be found in Dolgellau.
There is four star dining, catering for vegans andvegetarians as well as meat-eating gourmets, in an intimate restaurant in amedieval cellar. Another acclaimed restaurant has been in the Good Food Guideevery year since 1990.
Then there are pubs serving home-cooked, locallysourced food, there are cafés, bistros, steakhouses, fish and chips bars,Indian, Bangladeshi and Spanish cuisine — you will never go hungry inDolgellau.
Shopping inDollgellau
Dollgellau is arefreshing place to shop if you would like to get away from high street chainsand browse in small independent stores with personality and local colour.
Locally grown produce and farm-reared meat,artisan-baked bread, jewellery made from gold mined in the area, woollenclothing and sheepskin rugs — it is all here to tempt you. There is also amonthly farmers' market if you are lucky enough to be inDolgellau at the right time.
Activities inand Around Dolgellau
Dolgellau is the perfectplace if you love to wander in areas of outstanding natural beauty, taking inthe spectacular mountain scenery. A host of different outdoor pursuits willkeep you active, from rambling, mountain biking, horse-riding, fishing andgolfing to canyoning and caving.
The seaside resort of Walesis just 20 minutes away by road, with its beautiful sandy beach and shelteredharbour, or if you feel the need for urban excitements, Aberysthwythis an hour away.
Dolgellau is a greatplace to visit, whatever the season.
