7 Night Southern Snowdonia Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Dolserau Hall

7 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Jul-Oct 2026, Jan-Nov 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 details

115kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£899

pp

Members From

£869

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
A perfect introduction to Southern Snowdonia (Eryri), this self-guided walking holiday gives you the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please. Activities within easy travelling distance include the Mawddach Trail and Coed y Brenin Forest Park. The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway and Llanfair Slate Caverns are also within easy reach.

Accommodation

HF Country House
We’re delighted to share that Dolserau Hall has now reopened following a significant investment in this much‑loved Welsh HF Country House. With beautifully updated social spaces, refreshed bedrooms, and thoughtful enhancements throughout, it’s the perfect moment to rediscover this special spot in southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Read more. Dolserau Hall enjoys arresting countryside views at this 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).  With only 21 rooms, it's one of HF Holidays' smaller country houses and 40% of it's rooms are reserved for singles, making it easier than ever to have your own space.
Exterior - Dolersau Hall, Dolgellau-2.jpg

Walking grades and options

Explore at your own pace and choose the best walk for your pace and ability. 


What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the Southern Snowdonia (Eryri) landscape on foot
  • Climbing to the summit of the 893-metre-high Cader Idris
  • Discovering more peaceful parts of North Wales’ most famous park
  • Relaxing on the lovely sands at Barmouth Beach
  • Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations  
  • Staying at Dolserau Hall, our Victorian country house

What's Included

  • 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  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

Self-Guided

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

These are a selection of longer walks that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. Due to the remote areas that several walks visit, the use of a car is required. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Dolserau Hall range from 3 to 5.5 miles and visit popular areas such as Harlech Beach and Bird’s Rock, and the classic Precipice Walk just north of Dolgellau.

Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others require the use of a car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Dolserau Hall range from 1 to 2.6 miles and visit popular areas such as Coed y Brenin Waterfalls, Llandanwg Beach, and Castell y Bere. 

These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others require the use of a car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Dolserau Hall range from 5.5 miles to 12.2 miles and visit popular peaks such as Cadair Idris and Rhobell Fawr.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Grade 3 Grade 4

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Grade 5

Harder Walks

Good fitness and stamina required. Expect rocky terrain with sustained ascents and descents. Walks may include high summits and ridges.

Accommodation

Dolserau Hall

We’re delighted to share that Dolserau Hall has now reopened following a significant investment in this much‑loved Welsh HF Country House. With beautifully updated social spaces, refreshed bedrooms, and thoughtful enhancements throughout, it’s the perfect moment to rediscover this special spot in southern Eryri (Snowdonia). Read more. Dolserau Hall enjoys arresting countryside views at this 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).  With only 21 rooms, it's one of HF Holidays' smaller country houses and 40% of it's rooms are reserved for singles, making it easier than ever to have your own space.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

 •  21 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 31 guests minimum  • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Full-board (including a cream tea welcome)  •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounge  •  Garden  •  Well-behaved dogs welcome •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit Wales

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

A choice of guest rooms at Dolserau Hall

Designed with your comfort in mind, Dolserau Hall has 21 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.  

Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

Choose Your Room Service 

Some guests love choosing a particular room, for the view, a quiet spot in an annex, or to be  close to the dining room. Many return to the same room time and again, creating a familiar and comforting sense of place for only £30 per room. 

 

 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Dolserau Hall

Getting here

Address

Dolserau Hall
Dolgellau
Gwynedd LL40 2AG

Tel: +44 (0)1341 422522

By train

The nearest station is Machynlleth.  

For train times and to plan your route check National Rail. 

By taxi

The 16-mile journey from Machynlleth railway station takes about 30 minutes.

For pricing, please contact Cader Cabs directly.

Cader Cabs

A local, 24/7 firm, who can provide transport from nearby train stations and bus stops. No pre-booking is required.

Cader Cabs are offering a 10% discount on all taxi journeys for guests coming to or going from Dolserau Hall. 

Tel: +44 (0)7766 983 103

Email: info@cadercabs.co.uk

*Cader Cabs are not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

From Machynlleth take the T2 bus to Dolgellau. You can complete the two-mile journey to Dolserau Hall by taxi. Or if you alight at Dolgellau Starbucks, it’s a one-mile walk along a quiet country lane to the house.

By car

It takes about 90 minutes to drive from the M56 at Chester or the M54 at Telford to Dolserau Hall. 

From the north  
Head to Chester, then take the M53 and A55 to join the A550, followed by the A5104 for about 20 miles, then finally the A494 signposted to Bala.  
 
Stay on the A494 through Bala heading towards Dolgellau. A mile after going past a junction for the B4416 to Brithdir, take the next turning on the left to follow the country lane for half a mile to Dolserau Hall.  

From the south 
Take the M54 and A5 to Shrewsbury to join the A458 towards Welshpool. Continue on the A458 through Welshpool and after 27 miles turn right at a roundabout onto the A470 towards Dolgellau. As you come down a steep hill before Dolgellau, look out for a petrol station on the right. Take a right turn immediately before it, then you’ll find Dolserau Hall is about one mile along this country lane on your left. 

By Shared Transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Dolserau Hall on Mondays or Fridays, you can join our group transfer from Shrewsbury Railway Station.
2026 prices are £30 per person for a return transfer or £15 per person for a single transfer.
Outward journey: Depart Shrewsbury Railway Station at 15:00; arrive at Dolserau Hall at 16:40. Return journey:
Depart Dolserau Hall at 09:00; arrive at Shrewsbury Railway Station at 10:40.

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester Airport. 
 
You’ll need to allow around five hours, firstly taking the train to Chester, changing to the Sapphire bus to Wrexham, and from there taking the T3 bus to Dolgellau.

More Information

Walking safety (Self-guided)

  • Please complete and hand in your registration card to the House Manager on the first evening of your holiday
  • Please complete our Independent Walker Card each day before heading out on your self-guided walks.
  • Please note the phone number of the accommodation where you are staying (see Travel details section of your trip notes)
  • Check the weather forecast - this is updated regularly and displayed on the Discovery Point. Be prepared for the weather to change during the day and wear appropriate footwear such as walking boots. We would recommend that you wear or carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, a spare warm jumper or fleece, hat and gloves. In addition, we recommend a water bottle, spare food, map, compass, torch, whistle, small first aid kit and survival bag
  • Take a copy of a map and a route card
  • Be aware of ticks – more information can be found at the Discovery Point

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 115kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

7 Night Southern Snowdonia Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

24 Jul - 31 Jul 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,309

pp

Members

£1,279

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

31 Jul - 7 Aug 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,309

pp

Members

£1,279

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

21 Aug - 28 Aug 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,309

pp

Members

£1,279

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,239

pp

£1,209

pp

25 Sep - 2 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

Call to Enquire

Call to Enquire

Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,169

pp

£1,139

pp

2 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,109

pp

£1,079

pp

9 Oct - 16 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,039

pp

Members

£1,009

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,109

pp

£1,079

pp

23 Oct - 30 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£899

pp

Members

£869

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£969

pp

£939

pp

30 Oct - 6 Nov 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£899

pp

Members

£869

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£969

pp

£939

pp

2027

29 Jan - 5 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£909

pp

Members

£879

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£979

pp

£949

pp

5 Feb - 12 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£989

pp

£959

pp

12 Feb - 19 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£919

pp

£889

pp

19 Feb - 26 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£989

pp

£959

pp

26 Feb - 5 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,059

pp

£1,029

pp

5 Mar - 12 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£929

pp

Members

£899

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,069

pp

£1,039

pp

12 Mar - 19 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,069

pp

Members

£1,039

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£929

pp

£899

pp

19 Mar - 26 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£929

pp

Members

£899

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

26 Mar - 2 Apr 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£929

pp

Members

£899

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£929

pp

£899

pp

23 Apr - 30 Apr 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,039

pp

Members

£1,009

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

18 Jun - 25 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,199

pp

Members

£1,169

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2 Jul - 9 Jul 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,319

pp

Members

£1,289

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,319

pp

£1,289

pp

9 Jul - 16 Jul 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

16 Jul - 23 Jul 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,319

pp

£1,289

pp

30 Jul - 6 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,249

pp

£1,219

pp

6 Aug - 13 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,249

pp

£1,219

pp

13 Aug - 20 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,249

pp

£1,219

pp

20 Aug - 27 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,249

pp

£1,219

pp

17 Sep - 24 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,209

pp

Members

£1,179

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,279

pp

£1,249

pp

1 Oct - 8 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

pp

Members

£1,149

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,039

pp

£1,009

pp

15 Oct - 22 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,039

pp

Members

£1,009

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,109

pp

£1,079

pp

22 Oct - 29 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,039

pp

Members

£1,009

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,109

pp

£1,079

pp

29 Oct - 5 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,039

pp

Members

£1,009

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,109

pp

£1,079

pp

5 Nov - 12 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£989

pp

£959

pp

12 Nov - 19 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,059

pp

£1,029

pp

19 Nov - 26 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£919

pp

Members

£889

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£989

pp

£959

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

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Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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