Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Steeped in history, the landscapes of southern Snowdonia unfold to reveal one of Wales’ best-kept secrets. Tucked away from the honeypot hotspots to the north of the National Park, the solitude and stunning scenery await discovery on our Guided Walking holidays.
Highlights:
Dolserau Hall, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 2AG (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.
Enjoy a full day’s walking with fellow guests and leave all the planning and navigation to us; it’s what we do best. Nobody knows the UK’s best places to walk like us. Our knowledgeable leaders make sure you’re never short of the inside story on local features, viewpoints and places of interest.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience.
Walking Grades Explained:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
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You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. (D, T)
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall
Option 1 – Wnion Valley & Roman Road
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (260m)
In Summary: Our walk climbs the lower slopes of the Wnion valley through farmland to the track of a Roman road with extensive views of the mountains of southern Snowdonia. Crossing two ancient bridges, believed to be Roman, we reach the hamlet of Brithdir. Leaving Brithdir, we visit the Art Nouveau church of St. Marks and then descend the iconic Torrent Walk to return to the house.
Highlight: Nearly 3km of the walk is easy going on the track of a Roman road, with stunning views of the Cadair Idris and Rhinogydd ranges.
Option 2 – Rhobell Fawr Foothills
Distance: 8.5 miles (14 km)
Ascent: 1350 feet (420m)
In Summary: This is a varied route in the remoter parts of southern Snowdonia. We ascend through farmland then a forest to the slopes of Rhobell Fawr. We then follow a track through rugged, rocky terrain, with streams and sometime waterfalls, visiting a disused slate quarry. There are far reaching views throughout. The descent is gradual, eventually walking beside the Wnion river to return to the House.
Highlight: Wild and rugged scenery, with stunning views, away from the crowds, and always reasonable gradients.
Option 3 – Rhobell Fawr
Distance: 10.5 miles (17½km)
Total ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)
In Summary: Ascend steeply to the local summit of Rhobell Fawr. Descending to the southwest, with great views of Coed y Brenin forest, we follow an old drovers’ road then walk back through park land to Dolserau Hall.
Highlight: Rhobell Fawr is another outstanding viewpoint, with a sweeping panorama across all the peaks of north Wales.
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – New Precipice Walk
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Total ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In Summary: Enjoy the New Precipice Walk with its spectacular views of the Mawddach Estuary. We take this classic trail to Penmaenpool, returning on the Mawddach Trail to the lovely market town of Dolgellau.
Highlight: Another classic trail that contours around the hillside; the view down the Mawddach Estuary is stunning.
Option 2 – Cader Idris
Distance: 5½miles (9km)
Total ascent: 2,750 feet (850m)
In Summary: Follow the Minffordd path up Cader Idris, passing an impressive corrie lake and dramatic ridge. We descend along the Victorian pony track, taking in superb views on our way. Please note that due to operational reasons this walk is limited to 15 guests.
Highlight: Cader Idris is the most impressive mountain in Southern Snowdonia; a favourite with many walkers.
Option 3 – Cader Idris Ridge
Distance: 8½ miles (13½km)
Total ascent: 3,150 feet (960m)
In Summary: Ascend to the top of Cader Idris via the Minffordd path. This outstanding mountain walk continues along this wonderful ridge, taking in two more summits, before descending gradually to Dolgellau.
Highlight: A fabulous ridge walk atop one of Britain’s most loved mountains, with great views down the Mawddach Estuary to the sea.
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – The Old Precipice Walk
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1,150 ft (360m)
In Summary: We walk up through a former medieval deer park to the Precipice walk, visiting Llyn Cynwch, to a viewpoint overlooking the upper Mawddach valley, returning to the House by farm track and quiet lanes
Highlight: Historic medieval deer park, historic mansion, stunning views of south Snowdonia
Option 2 – Foel Offrwm and The Old Precipice Walk
Distance: 9 miles (15 km)
Ascent: 2,000 ft (620m)
In Summary: We walk up through a former medieval deer park, then ascend to the summit of Foel Offrwm (Hill of Sacrifice). Retracing our steps, we descend to the Old Precipice Walk, perched high above the Afon Mawddach before returning to the House by farm track and quiet lanes.
Highlight: Historic medieval deerpark, historic mansion, iron age fort, stunning views of south Snowdonia.
Option 3 – Waun Oer
Distance: 13 miles (20.5km)
Ascent: 2,950 feet (880m)
In Summary: We explore the seldom visited Dyfi Hills at the southern extremity of the Snowdonia National Park. Walking steadily uphill through woods and on lanes, we cross open moorland before climbing up to the ridge and over the summits of Waun Oer and Mynydd Ceiswyn. Descending from the ridge, we pass through a SSSI noted for its orchids, and the Torrent Walk back to the house.
Highlight: An old coach road across open moorland, an interesting disused slate quarry, stunning views of Cader Idris, the Dyfi Hills and Dyfi Forest, and (in season) possibly finding orchids.
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Along the Coast to Harlech
Distance: 6½ miles (10½km)
Total ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: Follow the coast from Llanbedr to Harlech. Our walk takes in the delightful beach at Llandanwg, and the rolling hills above the coast.
Highlight: Visit Harlech Castle which commands a wonderful position overlooking the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay with the mountains of Snowdonia behind.
Option 2 – Bryn Cader Faner
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In Summary: Walk on the lower slopes of the Rhinogs above the Ardudwy coast. Our walk passes a beautiful lake, and an ancient stone circle before we descend gradually to Harlech.
Highlight: There are great views along the coast, and of Harlech castle on the final leg.
Option 3 – Rhinog Fawr
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)
In Summary: Don’t be misled by the ascent – this is a tough walk in the wild and rugged Rhinog mountains. We ascend over rough terrain to Rhinog Fawr then continue along a grassy ridge with great coastal views ahead.
Highlight: The Rhinogs are one of Snowdonia’s lesser-known gems, with rugged shapely peaks and fabulous sea views.
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall (B, L, D)
Option 1 – Llyn Tegid & Craig yr Allor
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Ascent: 1250 feet (380m)
In Summary: A gradual ascent from south of Bala through woodland and on field paths taking us east of the Lake to Craig yr Allor. Enjoy great views before returning to finish in Bala.
Highlight: Impressive views over the largest natural lake in Wales and a visit to the historic town of Bala.
Option 2 – Arenig Fawr
Distance: 8½ miles (14km)
Ascent: 2000 feet (600m)
In Summary: From near Llyn Celyn, we ascend gradually to the llyn then follow a delightful curving ridge, sometimes rocky, up to the summit. The descent is never too steep then we follow a track and minor road passing the disused Arenig quarry to finish beside the lake.
Highlight: Arenig Fawr is a fine mountain rising above miles of wild heather moorland. Being so remote, it is largely ignored by the crowds, but deserves to be better known.
Option 3 – Aran Fawddwy & Benllyn
Distance: 9 miles (14½km)
Ascent: 2950 feet (900m)
In Summary: A big day out, starting midway between Dolgellau and Bala, we ascend to the Aran Ridge, in part grassy, in part rocky, but always with stunning views. We take in the summits of Aran Fawddwy and Benllyn, before descending, with views of Bala lake, to Llanuwchllyn village.
Highlight: A big mountain day on the mighty Aran ridge and the highest peak of Southern Snowdonia.
Accommodation: Dolserau Hall (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Version 1 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2023: March 3, 17 | $1,890 | $2,170 |
| 2023: March 31 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| 2023: April 21 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| 2023: June 9, 23, 30 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: July 21, 28 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: August 4, 18 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: September 1, 15, 22, 29 | $2,330 | $2,610 |
| 2023: October 13, 20 | $2,100 | $2,380 |
| 2023: November 3 | $1,890 | $2,170 |
Pricing
Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.
Supplement applied for single in a double room.
Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees.
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.
Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.
This tour is also available in 3, 4, or 5 night duration.
This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.
While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.
Travel Details:
Address is: Dolserau Hall, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 2AG
By Rail:
The most convenient railway station to Dolserau Hall is at Machynlleth.
By Taxi:
The 16-mile journey from Machynlleth railway station takes approximately 30 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Mach Taxis. As a guide price, it cost £30 per 4-seat taxi in 2020. 8- seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Mach Taxis will arrange shared taxis wherever possible. Please prebook your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:
Mach Taxis*
Tel: +44 (0) 1654 702048
Email: taxi@machtaxis.com
The return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the House Manager.
*Mach Taxis is not owned or managed by us.
By Bus:
From Machynlleth take the X27 bus to Dolgellau. The 2 mile journey to Dolserau Hall from Doglellau can we completed by taxi. Alternatively alight at Dolgellau Starbucks, form where it a 1-mile walk along a quiet country lane to the house.
By Car:
Dolserau Hall is approximately 1 1/2 hours’ drive from the M56 at Chester or the M54 at Telford.
From the North head to Chester, then take the M53 and A55 around the south of Chester. Join the A550 then 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 poast a junction for the B4416 to Brithdir, take the next turning on the left, after the campsite. Follow the country lane for 1/2 mile to Dolserau Hall.
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 poast a junction for the B4416 to Brithdir, take the next turning on the left, after the campsite. Follow the country lane for 1/2 mile to Dolserau Hall.
Walkers in the know head to southern Snowdonia to uncover one of Wales’ best-kept secrets. Stood in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, just a couple of miles from the attractive market town of Dolgellau, Dolserau Hall makes a superb base for getting off the beaten path. The tranquillity of the location wraps around you. A smart country house with breathtaking views from every room, attractive gardens and vistas that stretch across the valley to the summit of Cadair Idris, you’re surrounded by rural inspiration. Depending on what mood strikes, explore the Rhinogs, take on a classic ridge walk with great views, set foot on the Mawddach Trail or follow the coast to Harlech, where the eponymous medieval castle stands on a wonderful position overlooking the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay. Croeso I Cymru, as they say around here.
Address: Dolserau Hall, Dolgellau, Gwynedd LL40 2AG
Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in the smartly presented rooms in the main house or in one of the handful of bedrooms in the converted coach house close by. With 23 rooms, Dolserau Hall has plenty of space and there’s a range of ‘Classic’ and ‘Best’ Rooms to choose from. Enjoy the extra space of Room 1 and soak luxuriously in the tub that comes with the room, or watch the light change outside from the comfort and privacy of the sofa in front of the large picture window in Room 5.
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.
Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, lounge bar, library and board games to borrow
After a day rambling over the slopes of the Rhinogs or summiting a cracking peak, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Wander through the Coach House garden and admire the far-reaching views. Settle into the lounge bar and sink into the comfy leather sofas here. Grab a book or a board game and make yourself comfortable.
