ERYRI – SNOWDONIA

Located in southern Eryri, 99 Barmouth Bay is the ideal base exploring the mountains of North Wales. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is about 25 miles away (50 minutes by car to Beddgelert); Cader Idris is about a 30-minute drive as are the Moelwyns, while the Rhinogs are even closer.

My mother was born in Dolgellau and we visited my Nain and Anti May at Plas Canol just off the town square at least once a year for our family holidays. So I feel as though I grew up in this part of Eryri. It’s one of the reasons I decided to get a caravan near Barmouth – I know the area well, yet every time I visit, I discover something new.

 Most of the things to do are outdoors, so let’s explore…

The Beach

 Sometimes I’ll spend a day walking on the beach and along the Ysgethin River  which runs alongside the site and into the sea. The five miles of sands runs from Llanaber just north of Barmouth to Shell Island, just south of Harlech. The beach is a few minutes from the caravan and is never busy. Dogs are allowed all year round. The sunsets over Lleyn are spectacular.

 Ysgethin River

There’s a large car park at the Ysgethin Inn in
Tal-y-bont. Go behind the pub to the Ysgethin River walk along the banks of the fast-flowing mountain river. Ideal for a short riverside walk or follow the river up into the Rhinnog hills and join the ancient drovers trail.

Roman Steps

This is a proper hike up into the Rhinnogs. Go prepared. It’s one of the more remote areas of Eryri. Drive to Llanbedr and turn right at the Victoria Inn. Follow the road and then track until you reach Llyn Cwm Bychan. Park in the field by the lake and follow the sign for the Roman Steps.

Barmouth

I love Barmouth. We went every year with Nain and Anti May when I was growing up. They were strict Baptists and didn’t approve of the pubs, amusements and other diversions at the town end of the beach. So we always headed for the quieter far end and made a picnic site close to the groynes.

Rediscovering Barmouth many years later, I am struck by its quirkiness. It’s got character and charm and an interesting history. In summer, there re so many people from Birmingham in Barmouth that I sometimes wonder if there is anyone left in the Second City.

Fairbourne

Facing Barmouth across the Mawddach estuary, Fairbourne couldn’t be more different. It’s windswept dunes and marshy fieldsare a far cry from the seaside delights of Barmouth. Fairbourne has got a fascinating history and a miniature.

Read about the history here

and find railway details here

Portmeirion

Portmeirion is beautiful. Best-known for its Italiante village and as the location for the cult 60s TV show, The Prisoner, it also has 70 acres of magnificent gardens and a wonderful beach along the Dwyryd Estuary 

The site was aquired in 1925, Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. He had been searching for a suitable site for his proposed ideal village for several years and when he heard that the Aber Iâ estate near Penrhyndeudraeth was for sale, he did not hesitate to make an offer.

There’s so much to write about Portmeirion. Take a look at the website for more info here

The cost of an annual ticket is £40 and a day ticket is £20, so it’s worth getting the annual pass if you plan to return.

Take the train

The train from Birmingham to Pwlleli stops at Tal-y-Bont about a 25-minute walk from the caravan. Head north to Criccieth (great castle) Pwlleli, Port Madoc, Minffordd (Port Meirion) or south across Barmouth Bridge to Towyn