Snowdonia Guide
Eating Out
Photo courtesy of Visit Snowdonia.
Rola Cottages is roughly between the towns of Dolgellau, 11 miles and Tywyn, 7 miles. Both have several good quality restaurants such as Y Sospan, The Royal Ship and Tafarn Y Gader in Dolgellau and Saltmarsh Kitchen, Proper Gander and The Retreat Bar & Café. Of course there are many others in the area such as George III Hotel at Penmaenpool, the Peniarth Arms at Bryncrug and Seabreeze at Aberdovey, as well as our pwn village pub in Llwyngwril, The Garthangarad. The Mawddach and Cambrian coast area is surprisingly cosmopolitan and varied with plenty of sea food, local welsh delicacies, modern tastes such as pizza, ribs, burgers and steaks, and traditional take away favourites such as kebabs, Fish and Chips , Indian and Chinese.
Many places are dog friendly and most are online. For an evening meal, do ring first to check and/or book particularly in summer months, and do bear in mind that out of season, eateries can close quite early.
Local Beaches
Photo courtesy of Visit Midwales
The best sandy beaches are found at Fairbourne, Barmouth, Tywyn and Aberdovey where long stretches of sand allow you to kick off the shoes and walk along the shoreline with views of mountains and sunsets on either side. All our beaches are dog friendly although most have specific parts for walking furry friends in the summer months and each combine walking and a train ride if you want to walk one way and ride back the other. Fairbourne and Tywyn also have steam trains so you can please all the family if you have different interests. Our local village has an easily accessed, pebble beach which affords beautiful views of Barmouth and Fairbourne. Another little known gem is Tonfanau beach, a sand and pebble combination but one of the least visited and most peaceful if you want to lose the crowds. Do remember to check tide times as sand is often reduce when the tide is in but most mentioned here have sand dunes to wander through if you find the tide is not on your side.
Wonderful Walks
Too many to mention but three of the area’s best are; The Mawddach Estuary - park at Mawddach station (free) and walk back down the Mawddach trail. After ¾ mile turn left through a kissing gate into the nature reserve and follow the path to the edges of the estuary which gives awe inspiring views. Turn left and return to the start (approx. 45 minutes). Our second is from Bryncrug village (turn left after the pub and park on the right), return to the road and take the path opposite through a gate alongside the river. Follow this as it meanders around the flat Dysinni river area that joins the coastline at Tywyn. For a circular walk turn off into Ynysmaengwyn woods and meander through this historic spot. Turn left and head back to Bryncrug (approx 1.5hrs). Our third walk is the coast path across the hills above Rola Cottages. Magnificent views accompany your every footstep and you can walk for as long or as little as you like. A good spot to start is the Blue Lake above Fairbourne and walk along the top to LLwyngwril, the hills above above Rola cottages, Rhoslefain, Bryncrug or Tywyn. Return by local bus in the villages or by train at Llwyngwril, Tonfanau or Tywyn.
Steam Trains
Photo courtesy of The Welsh Highland Railway
Snowdonia is famed for its historic steam trains where it feels like there is one in every town! Fairbourne has a miniature steam railway, perfect for little ones, Tywyn has the renowned Tallylyn Railway, taking you into the Abergnolwyn hills and a little further away is the majestic Welsh Highland Railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Steaming through breathtaking scenery at every turn with mountains, rivers, woodlands and castles, these trips are a real treat.
Dogs are often welcome and refreshments are either on board or at stops along the way.