The point where the river Mawddach spills its watery contents into Cardigan Bay is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful estuaries in Wales. Defined by vast sea views, wooded mountain slopes, flat, mud plains and the steep slopes of the Cadair mountains, the winding and dramatic route of the river Mawddach was determined over 10,000 years ago when the last ice age ended and the fierce frosts and ice carved out the valley and river paths.

The Mawddach estuary even tempted William Wordsworth away from his beloved Lake District, and it seems he was pretty captivated by his surroundings. He described his surroundings with passion:

“I took a boat and rowed up its sublime Estuary, which many compare with the finest in Scotland. With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious Estuary running eight miles inland, and Cader Idris within compass of a day’s walk”.

Walking the Mawddach Trail is the perfect way to take in this stunning scenery. The trail runs for just over nine miles and links the inland town of Dolgellau with the traditional seaside town of Barmouth. It follows an old railway line along the southern edge of the estuary, before crossing the wide river mouth via the iconic Barmouth Bridge, which has stood proud and strong as an adopted symbol of the town since it was built in 1867. On a bright and clear day, the views from the bridge along the estuary, the valley and even to the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia in the far distance have captivated walkers’ hearts and imaginations.

Of course, it’s possible to walk the length of the Mawddach Trail (approx 10 miles) and even the return journey if you’re feeling energetic (although this could be done via public transport – check bus times before you set off). You can also cycle the trail – it’s open to bikes as well as walkers.

However, our circular walking route this week takes in a short part of the trail – so you can enjoy all the views and stunning scenery, in just a few miles. But, however you enjoy walking the Mawddach Trail, why not give it a go? It really is one of Snowdonia’s hidden gems….

Where: Penmaenpool, Dolgellau

Distance: Approx 5 miles

Difficulty: Quite easy

Start: Car park beside RSPB Observatory in Penmaenpool (take the A493 from the A470 at Dolgellau; park on right, just before George III hotel.

Grid Ref: SH 695 185

OS Explorer 18 – Harlech, Porthmadog and Y Bala

Directions:

Turn right along main road; cross. Left up footpath. Stay to left of large house and through woodland. Turn left at track signed by yellow pointer, bear right at fork to continue following yellow pointers uphill and through wood.

When you reach pond, turn right and uphill, soon coming to steps and ladder stile. Walk ahead to track, turn right. Where track bears right, continue ahead towards house and then through gate past house. Turn right through field with wall on left and rejoin track.

Go over two stiles. At farm turn right to reach way-marked gate; go through and turn uphill and half left to marker post. Turn right along track and cross stile and stream. Head left through gap in wall and continue uphill to stile over wall.

Cross stile and look for tracks leading up to ridge; take furthest, which has post visible at top.  Half left turn to ladder stile and cross, turning right along track downhill and over two stiles. Through gate onto minor road, turn right for A493 road.

Turn left, cross road. Right for drive to Abergwynant Farm. At farm follow track ahead and keep Afon Gwynant on left. Through two gates and follow woodland track. Don’t bear right with track; stay ahead to reach post. Straight ahead and through gate to old railway track. Turn right; follow track to Penmaenpool.

**Please note that these directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.