The small town of Barmouth, nestled at the mouth of the River Mawddach, was once a bustling port for the slate trade. Today, it serves as a tourist hub, boasting an old town adorned with quaint cottages and steep steps, offering breathtaking views of the estuary below.
Barmouth's long beach stretches 6 miles north to the village of Tal-y-Bont. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it is also adjacent to a national nature reserve, making it a prime spot for swimming, fishing, surfing, and windsurfing. Gwynedd Council has designated jet ski zones for the whole of Cardigan Bay.
For those who enjoy walking, the Panorama Walk starting at Dinas Oleu offers the best views of the town. The Mawddach Trail, following the banks of the river, is another popular trek.
About 10 miles south of Barmouth is Tywyn, a small seaside resort nestled among sand dunes. Its sandy beach stretches 4 miles to the south. The Talyllyn Railway, a narrow-gauge railway running 8 miles inland from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn, serves as a starting point for many walking routes. Built in 1865, this railway inspired the Thomas the Tank Engine children's stories.
Beach areas towards Aberdovey are popular with kite surfers and kite buggies, with equipment available for hire and lessons offered on the beach.
Located 3 miles south of Tywyn on the banks of the River Dovey, Aberdovey is a small seaside resort with access to a large beach. It's a favorite holiday spot, particularly for people from the Midlands area of Britain.