The Best Things to See and Do in Wales

One of the very best things to do when you come to Wales is to visit Dolgellau in Gwynedd. A picturesque town of traditional architecture, Dolgellau is a historic town that lies at the foot of the Cader Idris mountain and beside the River Wnion, a tributary of the River Mawddwch. It dates back to the pre-Roman Celtic period and currently has a population of 2678 (2001 census). Ship building, the wool industry, printing and the gold rush all weave a colourful tapestry throughout the town's history.

Today tourism is the town's major industry. Considered to be the gateway to the Snowdonia National Park, Dolgellau, and it's surrounding area, offers stunning scenery and a spectacular landscape. Waterfalls, mountains, shorelines dotted with nature reserves and forests. This natural beauty encourages walkers, climbers, bird watchers and mountain bikers from all over the world.

There are many places to see and activities to take part in. Here are just a few of the attractions enjoyed by tourists who visit this unique and beautiful place.

Climb Cader Idris (2927 feet) and you will be rewarded with a panorama of stunning scenery. There are two routes to the summit. The Minfordd which is 6 miles/10km and the Pony Path which is 9 miles/14.6km

Want to enjoy the forest? Five miles out of the town, Coed y Brenin Forest Park, is a forest developed for the sport of mountain biking and has a network of routes suitable for both families/novices and experienced riders. Plus several all-ability walking trails so everyone can enjoy the forest. Facilities at the centre include bike hire, bike wash area, visitors shop, cafe and picnic sites. Additionally, in the heart of the forest you will find the Go Ape tree top adventure. Get an adrenaline rush with a great outdoor adventure of high wires and zip wires.

The Mawddwch Trail is a 9.5 mile footpath and cycle route that winds itself along a disused railway track offering the opportunity to be at one with nature. The trail starts at Dolgellau and finishes when you cross the iconic railway bridge at Barmouth. Essentially flat, it is suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users.

Portmeirion is a popular tourist village built in the style of an Italian village which served as a location for the 1960s hit show The Prisoner. The stunning architecture and beautiful gardens boast a hotel, cottages, restaurant, shops and cafes. The village is also surrounded by 70 acres of exotic woodland with easy to follow trails and coastal walks.

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an education and visitor centre and major centre for environmental inspiration. With an eco-shop and vegetarian restaurant on site, the centre also runs courses and hosts residential educational trips. The centre is located between Dolgellau and the town of Machynlleth.

Shell Island located at Llanbedr, is famous for shells washed up by the winter storms. 450 acres, of which 300 acres are for camping, it's Europes largest campsite with excellent facilities including bars and a restaurant and 3 bathing beaches.

Twenty miles from Dolgellau is the town of Harlech. Harlech castle, built by Edward 1st, is constructed at the top of a cliff once close to the sea and is noted for its massive gatehouse. The town of Harlech with its winding streets and stone buildings has cafes and small shops.

King Arthur's Labryrinth is an underground, story telling adventure in Corris, near Machynlleth. Sail through the great waterfall and deep into the spectacular labryrinth of caverns while you enjoy tales of king Arthur and other Welsh legends. At the nearby Corris craft centre, where talented craftspeople can be seen producing a range of quality items, there are workshops packed with unique, handcraft gifts.

The Ffestiniog railway is a narrow gauge heritage railway and a major tourist attraction within the Snowdonia National Park. It runs from the habour at Porthmadog to the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog through mountainous scenery.

Discovering Dolgellau is fun for all the family and one of the best things to do and see when you visit Wales.