Local Attractions

There's plenty of great walking from the door whether you want a mountain hike up Elidir Fawr - one of the Welsh Munroes or a walk up the traffic-free road to the reservoir of Marchlyn Mawr or perhaps a ramble in the sessile oakland of Padarn Country Park.

Its an ideal base for exploring Snowdonia, the North Wales Coast and Anglesey.  

The village of Llanberis is some two miles away. Here you'll find plenty to do. The slate museum is fascinating. Likewise a trip under "electric mountain" to see the workings of the pumped storage scheme.  Of course a trip on a steam railway is a must in North Wales and in Llanberis you can choose from the Snowdon Mountain Railway or a shorter (and cheaper!) trip along the lakeside Padarn railway.  If you fancy going on the water there's a boat trip on the lake or rowing boats for hire.  You can launch your own canoe or windsurfer on the lake and children can paddle from the gently shelving shores of the lagoons. You can hike up Snowdon from here too if you've the energy.

Caernarfon is 8 miles away and you must visit its 13th century castle and walk around the marina and enjoy a meal in the floating restaurant or one of the many pubs and cafes.

Bangor is also 8 miles away and here the castle is Penrhyn Castle a huge Victorian gothic edifice with great grounds. Bangor has a fine pier that almost reaches across to Anglesey.

As well as the town with the longest place name, Anglesey has many family beaches  for swimming or water sports, some fine Neolithic tombs, medieval churches and the famous Beaumaris castle. Beaumaris gaol is fascinating as is the museum of childhood there. The Llyn Peninsular is worth a day visit too with great beaches, and its share of castles churches and sites to see.

Conwy with its own world heritage site castle, port, smallest house and the finest medieval town walls in Europe and Llandudno with its elegant promenade and sandy beaches are also only half an hours drive away.

Outdoor Activities. Ian, the owner who lives next door is a qualified mountain instructor and you can a book a day or a half day with him.  A full day costs £140 (half day £80) and includes all specialised equipment so why not have a family day learning to climb and abseil. 

Mandy, his wife is a qualified Wales Tourist Board guide and is available at £130 for a day (£70 half day) to take you on town or country walks enlivened with all the ghost tales and local legends.

Of course if you want to do your own thing we'll  both be very pleased to giving you suggestions for walks or tours and there's a folder in the lounge of Tal y Waen packed with leaflets and suggestions for good days out. 

Horse riding, canoeing and other water sports are available locally.

Other Cottages
Blaen Cwm Cottage to let in Cwm Penmachno near Betws y Coed

Holiday Cottage West Wales Between Carmarthen and Cardigan set in wooded valley 12 miles from the sea, an ideal base from which to explore the coast and country-side.

Gwenallt is an attractive traditional Welsh stone cottage in Dolwyddelan with 3 bedrooms - sleeps 5

Ty Capel Quality self-catering accommodation for up to 6 people in the small village of Nantgwynant