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Graig Wen Cottages

North Wales Gwynedd Dolgellau

From £62.14 a night
4 Cottages Sleeping 2–6

Four cottages with breath-taking views in a beautiful part of Wales

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If the glamping at Graig Wen isn't for you but the Snowdonia location really appeals, then you can enjoy the splendid holiday cottages in a breath-taking location in a beautiful part of Wales. All cottages are dog-friendly and on arrival you will receive a welcome treat for dogs and a towel for muddy paws as well as information about nearest walks.

Ty'r Adar (sleeping 4–6), which means 'House of Birds' in Welsh, due in part to the fact that you can drop off to sleep at night listening to the hooting of owls in the trees outside; and three others (Pine Cottage, Little Haven and Small Barn), sleeping between 2 and 6. They're all beautifully furnished and very up-to-date, with flatscreen TVs, DVDS, dishwashers and more. Yet they're cosy too: Ty'r Adar has a wood-burning stove and sumptuous Welsh blankets.

The location can't really be beat (and Pine and Little Haven in particular have grandstand terraces), with woodland and meadow walks down to the beautiful Mawddach Estuary trail, linking seaside Barmouth and the historic nearby market town of Dolgellau. (By the way, the owners also have a dinky little stone holiday cottage available in town, too, called Isfryn Cottage.) Bikes are available to hire nearby and using the estuary cycle path you can cycle all the way to the sea without seeing a road. There's also a stack of more challenging mountain-bike trails at nearby Coed-y-Brenin, around 5 miles north of Dolgellau, and walkers can tackle Cader Idris, the spectacular mountain right at the back of Graig Wen. Finally, Graig Wen is an ambassador for the Snowdonia Dark Skies Reserve and hosts various special Dark Skies events in the latter part of the year.

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Details

Facilities

From the cottages at Griag Wen, there is direct access down a 600 metre track through our wild woods and the meadows of our tent camping fields to the Mawddach Trail. Please be aware the track is steep in a couple of places so those with mobility issues may find this a struggle.

Isfryn Cottage in Dolgellau has steep and narrow stairs with limited parking.

Suitable For

Graig Wen is an amazing holiday location for couples, families or friends to get together in Snowdonia National Park.

Family holidays in Wales at Graig Wen make the kind of memories that become family folklore: the time your brother fell into the mountain lake fully clothed; the time the kids caught 50 crabs in Barmouth harbour; the owl Dad saw on a dawn visit to the compost loo; the friendly mouse/baby rabbit/ toad who came to your tent and the kids named; the place you saw the shooting stars.

Of if there's just a couple of you looking for a comfortable place to chill out in between walks in beautiful scenery or more adventurous challenges, there is so much to do on the doorstep. Whether that's strolling along the Mawddach Trail, beach walks with the dog or scaling Cader Idris mountain range. Coed-y Brenin mountain bike centre is 15 minutes away, with Snowdon and Zipworld activities under an hour’s easy drive away.

Larger families can spread out across a few cottages or book camping/glamping options at Graig Wen for other group members.

Please be aware we are a tranquil site in a rural location so not suitable for large groups looking to party late and loud!

Well behaved dogs are welcome at all the cottages.

Nearby

Cadair Idris (892 metres) - clambering up the mountain is a great local option and the Pony Path makes it family friendly. Alternatively walk straight off the camp site along the stunning (and flat) waterside Mawddach Trail to the seaside treats of Barmouth. Go crabbing or visit Knickerbockers ice-cream parlour. As well as the cycle track along the estuary to the Fairbourne beach, there’s mountain-bike routes for all abilities, at nearby Coed-y-Brenin (01341 440747), around 5 miles north of Dolgellau. Head north to Llechwedd Slate Caverns where Zip World (01248 601444) is hugely popular. Over 8km of wires are strung throughout the mountains providing a truly unique areal experience. SKing Arthur’s Labyrinth, on the A487 between Dolgellau and Machynlleth (01654 761584) is an attraction themed around ancient myths and legends.

Food & Drink

There’s a great range of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants within 10 minutes drive of Graig Wen (or a few steps from your door if you book Isfryn Cottage in Dolgellau). From salt marsh lamb to Cardigan Bay crab and Dolgellau’s delicious specialty honey buns, you’ll find plenty to tingle your tastebuds!

Dolgellau has an excellent butchers, artisan bakery, wholefood store and greengrocers as well as a couple of small supermarkets. And, there’s a large street market every Wednesday in Machynlleth (a stunning half hour drive through the mountain pass) which is good for fresh veg too. Fork Cork and Feathers deli has an excellent range of Welsh cheeses and other treats and you can order fresh fish from the seaside town of Aberdyfi. You’ll find a warm welcome in our independent stores where you’ll hear the Welsh language being spoken – try saying Diolch / thanks!

Those who fancy a craft beer or lager from one of our local breweries can buy them here on site. There’s a beach bar in Fairbourne or work up a thirst walking along the Mawddach Trail for a pint in the George III pub. Dylan’s new wine bar and shop in Dolgellau has an excellent range of unusual, good value wines by the glass. Or if you’re looking for a boozer with a great atmosphere to watch the rugby then we’ll point you in the right direction! Iechyd Da! / Cheers!

You can walk, or even better, bike to a couple of local pubs. It’s an hour and 15 minutes walk along the beautiful Mawddach Estuary Trail, or 25 minutes by bike on cycle path all the way to the George III at Penmaenpool. Or you can take the Mawddach Trail over one of the most iconic and scenic bridges in the country to the pubs and cafes of Barmouth. You can borrow a bike from us.

Some of our favourite local restuarants include: Bwyty Mawddach, The Salt Marsh Kitchen and Bistro Bermo. And it’s always hard to resist having second helpings of Meg’s amazing cakes at TH Roberts cafe in Dolgellau! You’ll find a full list of recommendations in your Guest Welcome Guide which you receive a link to when you book.

Open

Open 11 months of the year - closed each November.

Pricing

Cottages cost from £90 per night in low season to £157 per night in high season (minimum stays apply).

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The Owner Says

Our self-catering accommodation in Snowdonia National Park is an amazing location for family adventures and those seeking unspoilt scenery and food for the soul. Close to the coast and mountains with castles, steam trains and ancient market towns to explore, your holiday can be action packed or as laid back as you like.

We have 4 holiday cottages at Graig Wen, near Arthog in our rural location on the Mawddach Estuary and we now have a new cottage 5 miles away in the heart of the small town of Dolgellau.

You can walk from the 4 holiday cottages at Graig Wen through our wild woods and meadows onto the beautiful Mawddach Estuary Trail. The 9 mile traffic-free trail links seaside Barmouth and the traditional market town of Dolgellau. It’s a magical location for cyclists, walkers, photographers and wildlife-watchers. The 4 pet-friendly cottages share the same massive Welsh slate roof of this converted Victorian slate cutting shed. They adjoin our small, quiet camp site. Graig Wen is a favourite place for friends and family to get together. Sit back, relax and take in the panoramic views from the houses facing the Mawddach Estuary – one of the most stunning treasures of the Welsh coast.

5 miles away in the handsome town of historic Dolgellau, Isfryn Cottage is close to cafes, pubs and restuarants. Small but full of character, Isfryn Cottage will suit couples or families with one child. Sorry no pets at this cottage.

Each of the 5 properties has its own character and features - so choose which will suit you best.

Location

Contact Website 01341 250 482 Graig Wen Cottages, Arthog, Dolgellau LL39 1YP

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Getting There

For cottages at Graig Wen: On the road between Dolgellau and Fairbourne. Turn off A470 Dolgellau bypass at junction signposted Tywyn/Fairbourne onto the A493. We are exactly 4.5 miles from this point so it is worth setting your milometer as we are easy to miss. A mile and half before Arthog village you’ll spot a post box on your right, and the site is 200m on from that, on the right.

For Isfryn Cottage - see instructions in your Guest Welcome Guide.

Morfa Mawddach or Fairbourne train stations. No G21 Bus stops outside Graig Wen and in Dolgellau.

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Reviews

Let us know what you think of your stay.

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Rated ★★★★★ over 4 reviews

★★★★★

Wow!

What can I say? Beautiful location, peaceful setting and walks from the door. The views from Little Haven were glorious - I could have happily sat up there all day. Everything about the place was welcoming - the emails before we arrived to us being there and after when we had left. The app was so useful and we had two great meals out thanks to it; one at a place that if I hadn’t had the app, would possibly have just driven past.

Dec 10, 2023 by Rachel

★★★★★

Very highly recommend

What a beautiful gem of a place. Perfectly located for walking in the Welsh hills with our dog Lexi. Little Haven has the most amazing views whatever the weather. We loved our little house. Perfect for a family of 4 with a dog. You can walk out of the door directly into beautiful country side. The owners are so helpful - with plenty ideas of where to go and what to do. Whether you love walking, bike riding or getting onto the water - there is something for everyone here. Very highly recommended.

Nov 30, 2023 by Julia

★★★★★

One of the nicest places we’ve stayed as a family

This was, quite possibly one of the nicest places we’ve stayed as a family. The views from Pine Cottage are breathtaking, the facilities are lovely and you have everything you need for your stay. If I could’ve stayed forever, I would!

Jul 3, 2023 by Jamie

★★★★★

Pine Cottage - Great cottage for a great holiday overlooking the beautiful Mawddach Estuary.

Cottage is well kitted out for couples or families, has awesome views of the estuary and is ideally located for exploring the area. The cottage has its own patio area within the Graig Wen site. Great place to chill out and site owners really welcoming and helpful. Hope to return again soon.

May 11, 2022 by Peter Brooks