Best of the Meirionnydd Coast Path
Steeped in Welsh history and folklore, the Meirionnydd Coast Path makes for some fascinating walking. With Snowdonia’s rugged mountains as the backdrop, not only is the scenery something to behold but there’s also an abundance of historical sites to marvel at and wildlife to spot. You’ll complete some of the most wow-worthy sections of the Wales Coast Path, walking from Penrhyndeudraeth to Aberdyfi and into the rolling countryside around Machynlleth.
What you’ll love
- Soaking up miles of sweeping beaches
- Discovering standing stones, Iron Age hill forts, and Harlech Castle
- Exploring Shell Island, home to over 200 varieties of shells
- Spotting a wealth of wildlife in SSSI areas
- Completing part of the Wales Coast Path
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
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.
Distance: 8.5 miles (13km)
Ascent: 590ft (180m)
From Penrhyndeudraeth (meaning ‘the cape between two beaches’), we’ll cross the Dwyryd Estuary before following an embankment beside salt marshes. Enjoy views towards Ynys Gifftan island and Portmeirion village before crossing another smaller estuary. On our way to Harlech we’ll head along field tracks, then there’s a steep walk up to the castle. You've the option of visiting this must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site or spending time exploring.
Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)
Ascent: 540ft (160m)
From Harlech, we’ll weave our way through sand dunes as we head towards one of the most jaw-dropping sandy beaches in Wales. We then ascend steeply and continue down a minor road to Llandanwg, with its quaint medieval church and pebbly beach to explore.
Following the Artro estuary, we’ll walk on a causeway to Shell Island (so-called for its eye-popping variety of shells) and yet more miles of unspoilt sandy beaches. Be sure to keep a lookout for the wild orchids known to flourish in the area. Our day ends in the village of Talybont.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the house, walk independently, or visit local places of interest. Suggested options include:
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
Established in 1832, this heritage line offers nearly 40 miles of Snowdonia (Eryri) scenery. The Ffestiniog Railway runs from Porthmadog to Tan y Bwlch while the Welsh Highland Railway travels from Caernarvon to Beddgelert. Porthmadog station is a 40-minute drive away.
Portmeirion
Designed by celebrated Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the mid-1920s, this Italianate-style coastal village is an hour’s drive away. For walkers, not-to-be missed sights include the Dwyryd Estuary and the subtropical forest known as The Gwyllt.
Llechwedd Slate Caverns
A 40-minute drive away, this visitor attraction is best known for its deep mine tour that descends 500 feet underground. Highlights include learning about the subterranean chambers and enjoying a fabulous light and sound display at the underground lake.
Discover more about Dolserau Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
Distance: 13 miles (21km)
Ascent: 2,040ft (630m)
We’ll start in Tai Croesion, near Talybont, where we’ll use the seafront road to take us to Barmouth. We cross the bridge enjoying views over the Mawddach Estuary on our way to Fairbourne, and from here, we’ll have a steep climb to an abandoned slate quarry through forest and open farmland on our way to Llwyngwril village. We’ll wind up at Rhoslefain after admiring the views of Cardigan Bay and Llyn Peninsula.
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 410ft (125m)
From Rhoslefain, we’ll descend through an abandoned quarry to the Dysynni valley and the outskirts of Tywyn. There’ll be plenty of opportunity to soak up the fresh sea air as we stride out along the seafront promenade. We'll continue over dunes and sandy beach for the remaining miles, until we reach the seaside village of Aberdyfi.
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 2,260ft (660m)
We'll set off from Aberdyfi and turn inland where we head into wilder, rolling countryside on our way towards Machynlleth. The path rises steeply through fields and farm tracks to crest a ridge for superb 360-degree views over the estuary. We descend to the Dyfi Valley and continue to the village of Pennal where the path climbs back uphill. After a stretch of path through the forest we begin our final descent to Dyfi Bridge.
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 |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
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 InformationAddress
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* and Mach Taxis* directly.
Cader Cabs
A local, 24/7 firm, who can provide transport from nearby train stations and bus stops. No pre-booking is required.
Tel: +44 (0)7766 983 103
Email: info@cadercabs.co.uk
Mach Taxis
We recommend pre-booking your taxi at least seven days in advance.
Tel: +44 (0)1654 702048
Email: taxi@machtaxis.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Dolserau Hall.
*Cader Cabs and Mach Taxis 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 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.
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
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
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Dolserau Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
142Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
