10. Llechrwd Campsite
The campsite is where the valley begins to flatten out, which makes it in a good central position for accessing everything we have mentioned in this section, and for accessing other tourist attractions in the area which we will talk about in a new section. The Manod mountains can be seen from most of th campsite , and from the higher field you can see the Moelwyn mountains peeking over the oak covered hillside on the other side of the valley.
The walk to the Cynfal waterfall , mentioned in the Llan Ffestiniog part, can also be accessed from our campsite , by leaving the site at the end of the third field , walking up through a small bit of woodland and then along a quiet lane until you pick up one of the many footpaths that lead down through Ceunant Cynfal down to the waterfall and back down along a gorge, you then come out at the bridge on the main road, with a short walk back along the road to where you started.
11. Maentwrog
At this quaint village you can find the old church of St.Twrog named after an eminent British saint, who lived at the close of the fifth and beginning of the sixth centuries. The church, with its battlemented tower was rebuilt in 1814 but occupies the site of a previous ancient structure. There is also a story of a Giant named Twrog associated with the village.
There is also one of the oldest coaching inns in Wales in the village - The Grapes , which you can walk to from the campsite (about a mile away) http://www.grapes-hotel.co.uk/
Along the road a little way (towards Harlech) you can park in a layby and walk round the nature trail at Coed Felinrhyd which goes up a wooded ravine and comes back in a big loop.
12. Tan Y Bwlch
On the opposite side of the valley on the main road to Porthmadog you will come across the Oakeley Arms hotel http://www.oakeleyarms.co.uk/ where you can get a drink or a meal , and shortly after that is Mo's kitchen / White Barn who do cream teas during the day and really yummy home cooked meals tues to sat evenings and sunday lunch (booking is required 01766 590391).
At the Oakeley arms you can turn up the B road which will lead you up to the many splendid walks through the old Tan Y Bwlch estate , which includes extensive forests , several lakes , and you can meet up with the walk mentioned earlier fron Rhyd-Y-Sarn. The Ffestiniog railway loops through parts of the woodland , and there are several small halts and a station at Tan Y Bwlch where there is a cafe.
http://snowdonian.wordpress.com/2009/07/18/walkers-guide-tan-y-bwlch/ The house and gardens of Plas Tan Y Bwlch are accessed off the main Porthmadog road. The beautiful historical gardens have stunning views of the valley below, and is one of the first gardens in Wales to be managed in a wildlife friendly manner on such a wide scale. The house is now owned by the Snowdonia National park and is used as a study centre. The conservatory on the terrace is open to the public and you can watch a video about the history of the Plas and the families who lived there, and the history of the slate industry, the main source of their wealth. It may be possible to visit some of the rooms in the Plas depending on the activities of the day. http://www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/home/studycentre/gardens.htm
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13. Bryn Mawr
Along the main Porthmadog road , just before Laundry cottage there is a layby (opposite a large house called Bryn Mawr) where you can access the river Dwyryd with canoes and kayaks. As the river is tidal up to the bridge at Maentwrog you can follow the river upstream to there , or go downstream to Aber Gaffron, Ynys, Porthmadog Harbour and Borth-Y-Gest.
14. Slate Quays of Tyddyn Isa
This is the best preserved of the six quays along the Dwyryd, the two buildings were both magazines for the storage of black powder for use in the quarries. It can be reached by footpath along the embankment from the footpath opposite the layby near Laundry cottage, or from the track which leaves the main road at Cae Falli.
15. Ynys
You can park here on the foreshore with great views across the estuary towards Portmeirion and the island Ynys Gifftan. When the tide is out you can walk on the sands (but please be aware that the tide comes in fast so make sure you take note of tide times before you go out there , and leave yourself plenty of time to get back). You can also canoe from here , we enjoy going up the river (Afon Glyn) which is short but very interesting. The whole area is great for bird watching.
A short way before you get to Ynys, a minor road on the left opposite the toll road from Porthmadog, leads up steep hairpin bends to a pretty waterlilly fringed lake (Llyn Tecwyn-Isaf), its a perfect place for a picnic, and hill walking. Up the lane to the North of the lake high on the hillside, with tremendous views, is the very old church of Llandecwyn.
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16. Portmeirion
After you pass through the villages of Penrhyndeudraeth and Minffordd a left turn takes you to the stunning and unique Itallianate village of Portmeirion, where you can explore their extenisive woodland walks, secluded cove and take a walk round the village which includes a few shops and places to eat. http://www.portmeirion-village.com/
17. Harlech
Along the coast from Ynys is the historic village of Harlech. The upper village is the old part, which includes the imposing Harlech Castle which looks out over Cardigan Bay. The lower village has a swimming pool , and access to Harlech's long sandy stretch of beach that is popular with families.
18. The Cob
The Cob runs along the estuary to Porthmadog , there is a walkway below the road for looking at the inner estuary which is great for bird watching, you can also walk along the upper part next to the Ffestiniog railway to look out towards Borth-Y-Gest.
19. Porthmadog
At the town of Porthmadog there are plenty of shops, it is the terminus for the Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway which is currently being extended. There is a pretty harbour, plenty of places to eat, and a leisure center that includes swimming pool, tennis, squash and badminton courts etc.
20. Borth-Y-Gest
The prettyl village of Borth-Y-Gest has a picturesque harbour and walks round to several secluded coves (you can walk from here to Black Rock Sands - at Morfa Bychan if you wish). There are two places to eat at Borth-Y-Gest, the Seaview cafe and the Moorings.
Please remember when walking, canoeing or doing anything outdoors to wear appropriate clothing, and be aware that the weather can change very quickly round here, especially up the mountains.
