Welcome to southern Snowdonia
Snowdonia, in north-west Wales, is best known for its mountains, but its southern half has a gentler character that rewards a slower visit. This guide concentrates on the towns of Dolgellau, Barmouth, Bala and Porthmadog, and the countryside, lakes, estuaries and narrow-gauge railways between them. It is an independent information resource and is not a tourist office, a booking service or an accommodation provider.
The towns
- Dolgellau sits on the northern side of the Cader Idris range and makes a good base for walks.
- Barmouth is a seaside town with a big sandy beach and views of Cader Idris across the water.
- Bala lies beside Bala Lake, the largest natural lake in Wales.
- Porthmadog stands on the estuary of the Afon Glaslyn and is the hub for two famous railways.
A wider overview is on the towns and villages page.
Things to do
Walkers will find routes from short riverside strolls to mountain paths, and the old railway line between Dolgellau and Barmouth has become a nine-mile trail. The things to do page collects gardens, lakes, railways and other attractions, and a separate top ten for Dolgellau picks out highlights within ten miles of the town.
Heritage railways are a major draw. The Welsh Highland Railway, billed as the longest heritage line in the UK, runs for 25 miles from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, while the Ffestiniog line climbs to the slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Events through the year
From music and food festivals to trail races and agricultural shows, the area has a full calendar. The events listing and full events page are drawn from an archived 2016 calendar and show the kinds of occasions held each year.
Where to stay
Our accommodation page describes the range of places found in the region, from guest houses to coastal hotels. See also the photo gallery.