Mountain Biking, Walking Holidays, Walks In Snowdonia
Mountain Biking, Walking Holidays and Walks In Snowdonia, Dolgellau. Wales, popularly known as 'The Land of Song', is far more than
just that. It's a land of myths and legends, of wild and dramatic moorlands and mountains, of ancient culture and language,
and of fresh air and freedom.
Just a couple of hours drive
from Birmingham, Liverpool or Manchester you enter a world of majestic scenery, Snowdonia,
home to some of the most magnificent peaks in Britain.
In the north lies Snowdon (Y Wyddfa) presiding majestically over the national park to which it gives its name. South to Mid-Wales, land of lakes and mountains, with its isolated peaks of Arenig Fawr, the Rhinogs, Cadair Idris and Aran Fawddwy and its cool clear lakes at Bala, Vyrnwy, Clwyedog and, further south, the Elan Valley.
Each day will offer new challenges and adventures; from a gentle walk along the wide sweep of the Mawddach Estuary or the the beautiful woodlands and waterfalls from Dolgoch to Bird Rock to the legendary ascent of Cadair Idris or, closer to Ty derw, its towering neighbour the less well known Aran Fawddwy; the choice is yours.
Take the children on an exciting quadbike safari or the gentler pursuit of bird watching on the mountains high above the Mawddach Estuary or the RSBP reserve at Ynys Hir. Take a deep breath and go whitewater rafting or sail sedately across the calm water of Lake Bala. Try something new or maybe rekindle old interests - canyoning, rock climbing, canoeing, mountain biking - be adventurous, you are in the best place for it!
You may think that Snowdonia is just mountains and lakes but from Ty Derw is not far from the coast. Turn right as you leave the house and take a gentle drive following the course of the River Dyfi as its makes its way to the sea at Aberdyfi, the jewel of Cardigan Bay. This is seaside at its best. No amusement arcades or 'kiss me quick' hats, just 5 miles of glorious golden beach. The mountains reach down to the sea and its Neapolitan coloured houses hug the shoreline. Walk along the beach, take a dip in the clear water, build a sandcastle or fish for crabs from the pier. Take a boat trip out to see the seals and dolphins and - if you're lucky - a giant turtle! And what visit to the seaside would be complete without the children having a donkey ride? Moses and Delany, the Dyfi Donkeys, provide rides for children on the beach throughout the summer. Drive along the coast a little and turn inland to walk or trout fish at the Cregennen Lakes.
Heritage features strongly in Wales. Tune into our history and culture and take the coast road along the trail of some of the greatest of the Welsh castles - Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy, all of which are World Heritage sites. Head inland to the heart of Snowdonia to Dolwyddelan Castle, simply breathtaking.
Closer to home in the Dyfi Valley spend some time at the Centre for Alternative Technology and discover new ways of what you can do to help the planet. Head towards Machynlleth and visit MOMA Wales, the Museum of Modern Art in Wales which is housed in the Tabernacle, an old chapel which has been converted to wonderful state of the art concert hall. Don't forget to look in at the Corris Craft Centre and take the children to King Arthur's Labyrinth.
Spend the day hopping on and off one of the loveliest of the restored little railways, Tal-y-Llyn, walk to the waterfalls at Dolgoch and then jump back on the train and switch down a gear as you steam away slowly towards the coast. Just one of the Great Little Railways of Wales that are within easy reach of Ty Derw.
Then of course there is Portmeirion, Powis Castle, The National Library of Wales and just so much more, too much to mention. In fact, you won't just have to come back, you will want to come back. One thing is certain, you will never be bored during your stay at Ty Derw.