The Mawddach Trail

“There is no better walk than from Barmouth to Dolgellau other than from Dolgellau to Barmouth” proclaimed the great Victorian artist and writer John Ruskin when he visited Barmouth during the nineteenth century, and we have to say, here at the Oakeley Arms Hotel in Blaenau Ffestiniog that we agree with old Mr Ruskin. The walk, now known as the Mawddach Trail is one of the finest coastal walks in North Wales. It follows the route of an old railway line between Barmouth and Ruabon that was sadly the victim of the Beeching axes in the 1950’s.

The trail runs for about 10 miles between the market town of Dolgellau and the seaside town of Barmouth, and can be used to walk, run or cycle; whatever takes your fancy. The trail runs along the southern edge of the Mawddach estuary – one of the most stunning river estuaries in Wales. It is framed by the sparkling waters of Cardigan Bay to the west and the rugged mountains of southern Snowdonia to the south and east.

Before the industrial revolution steamed its way here in the mid 1800’s, the Mawddach estuary was already a hive of activity. Fishing boats lined the harbour at Barmouth and the clang of busy ship-yards resounded along the estuary and up into the hills, but by the mid 1800’s the railways had whipped the wind from the sails of the great boats. In 1869 the Cambrian Railway and the mighty Great Western Railway had completed works on the final links between the Welsh coast and the Midlands, the North West of England and London. The Mawddach estuary’s ships gave way to rail, and slowly but surely Barmouth’s industry gave way to tourists.

Barmouth soon became a fashionable holiday hot-spot, and not a lot has changed. Today, tourists flood here to enjoy the sandy beaches, traditional rock and delicious ice-cream. And at the other end of the Mawddach Trail, the market town of Dolgellau sits handsomely below the craggy slopes of the mighty Cadair Idris.

So, if you fancy a bike ride or a walk along one of Wales’ finest routes, then why not head down to the Mawddach Trail during your stay at the Oakeley Arms? There’s plenty to see along the way – including an RSPB Nature Reserve and two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

You can find out more information about the Mawddach Trail at www.mawddachtrail.co.uk. Ask our staff for details of how to get to there – it’s a short drive from the Oakeley Arms.

The Mawddach Trail by Peter Smyly via Wiki Commons