3 Night Southern Snowdonia Guided Walking Holiday
For awe-inspiring landscapes with spectacular mountain peaks, enchanting forests, and glorious coastline, Southern Snowdonia (Eryri) is hard to top. This guided walking holiday rewards with excellent trails, panoramic views, and comfortable accommodation at Dolserau Hall – our characterful Victorian manor house.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the dramatic scenery of Southern Snowdonia (Eryri) on foot
- Climbing to the summit of spectacular mountain tops
- Keeping your eyes peeled for buzzards, merlins, and black grouse
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at Dolserau Hall, our Victorian country house
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to three different-grade daily walks
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Wnion Valley & Roman Road
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (260m)
In summary: Our walk climbs the lower slopes of the Wnion valley through farmland to the track of a Roman road with extensive views of the mountains of southern Snowdonia (Eryri). Crossing two ancient bridges, believed to be Roman, we reach the hamlet of Brithdir. Leaving Brithdir, we visit the Art Nouveau church of St. Marks and then descend the iconic Torrent Walk to return to the house.
Highlight: Nearly 3km of the walk is easy going on the track of a Roman road, with stunning views of the Cadair Idris and Rhinogydd ranges.
Option 2 - Rhobell Fawr Foothills
Distance: 8.5 miles (14 km)
Ascent: 1350 feet (420m)
In summary: This is a varied route in the remoter parts of southern Snowdonia (Eryri). We ascend through farmland then a forest to the slopes of Rhobell Fawr. We then follow a track through rugged, rocky terrain, with streams and sometime waterfalls, visiting a disused slate quarry. There are far reaching views throughout. The descent is gradual, eventually walking beside the Wnion river to return to the House.
Highlight: Wild and rugged scenery, with stunning views, away from the crowds, and always reasonable gradients.
Option 3 - Rhobell Fawr
Distance: 10.5 miles (17½km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In summary: Ascend steeply to the local summit of Rhobell Fawr. Descending to the southwest, with great views of Coed y Brenin forest, we follow an old drovers’ road then walk back through park land to Dolserau Hall.
Highlight: Rhobell Fawr is another outstanding viewpoint, with a sweeping panorama across all the peaks of north Wales.
Option 1 - Castell-y-Bere & Abergynolwyn
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 1000 feet (300m)
In summary: Walk to Castell y Bere, a 13th century castle - the last stronghold of the Welsh Princes, and Mary Jones’ chapel, before the Dysynni valley takes us to Abergynolwyn village.
Highlight: The views from the Dysynni Valley and Castell-y-Bere are stunning.
Option 2 - Cader Idris via the Minffordd Path
Distance: 5½miles (9km)
Total ascent: 2,800 feet (850m)
In summary: A classic mountain day. From the car park we follow the Minffordd Path up through woods and into an impressive corrie. After pausing at the lake, we climb to the ridge and follow it to the summit of Cadair Idris. Continuing on the ridge at the head of the corrie we descend to meet our outward track down through the woods to the car park.
Highlights: Wild mountain scenery, an beautiful corrie lake, superb views of Eryri (Snowdonia) from summit ridge.
To note when choosing your walk: This walk has significant ascent and descent over rough terrain.
Option 3 - Cader Idris Ridge
Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)
Total ascent: 3,150 feet (960m)
In summary: Ascend to the top of Cader Idris via the Minffordd path. This outstanding mountain walk continues along this wonderful ridge, taking in two more summits, before descending gradually to Dolgellau.
Highlight: A fabulous ridge walk atop one of Britain's most loved mountains, with great views down the Mawddach Estuary to the sea.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Dolserau Hall
Arresting countryside views dominate at this characterful Victorian manor house at the southern end of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. The location is idyllic; think ancient woods and craggy uplands in all directions (parts of the park served as the inspiration for Middle Earth in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings). There’s no shortage of things to do, either, including following the Mawddach Trail along the edge of the Mawddach Estuary, discovering the compact range of hills known as the Rhinogs, and climbing the rugged foothills of Cader Idris – the highest mountain in southern Snowdonia (Eryri) at 893 metres. You’ll also be close to Dolgellau, the small market town best known for its once flourishing woollen industry (ruins of the Pandy fulling mills used to remove fats and grease from the wool cloth can still be seen along the Afon Aran River).
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Dolserau Hall has 23 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The rooms in the main house or converted coach house. Some come with standout views of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Dolserau Hall
Getting to Dolserau Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Dolserau Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
01 Mar - 04 Mar 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £419 Double from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
15 Mar - 18 Mar 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £399 Double from £439 £399 pp |
from £439 £399 pp |
from £439 £399 |
Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
29 Mar - 01 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £489 £439 Double from £489 £439 pp |
from £489 £439 pp |
from £489 £439 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
12 Apr - 15 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £549 £529 Double from £489 £469 pp |
from £489 £469 pp |
from £549 £529 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
26 Apr - 29 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £505 pp |
from £515 £505 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £10 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
10 May - 13 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £505 pp |
from £515 £505 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £10 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
07 Jun - 10 Jun 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £505 pp |
from £515 £505 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £10 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
21 Jun - 24 Jun 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £480 pp |
from £515 £480 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
12 Jul - 15 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 £495 Double from £515 £495 pp |
from £515 £495 pp |
from £515 £495 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
26 Jul - 29 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £515 £495 pp |
from £515 £495 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
20 Sep - 23 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £515 £465 Double from £515 £465 pp |
from £515 £465 pp |
from £515 £465 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
11 Oct - 14 Oct 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £489 £439 Double from £489 £439 pp |
from £489 £439 pp |
from £489 £439 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
25 Oct - 28 Oct 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
01 Nov - 04 Nov 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
3 nights
from
£439pp
£389pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
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