Aberdovey is a coastal village on the north side of the Dyfi estuary at the southern tip of the Snowdonia National Park. It has been a popular seaside resort for many decades, with excellent resources for those keen on walking, climbing and spotting wildlife in this beautiful part of Wales.

The natural wonders of Aberdovey

Aberdovey and the surrounding area offer some excellent opportunities for walking and viewing the remarkable scenery of this part of the world. Heading north east out of the village will lead you onto the spectacular Panorama Walk, with views of the entire estuary to the south. Other walks include the ten-mile trek up into the hills behind Aberdovey to Bearded Lake, or a ramble along the nearby ridge into the Happy Valley. You can also walk the pathways through the sustainable forest of Llanerch y Llyn a short way north of the village. The town is within easy driving distance of the Snowdonian peaks of Cader Idris and Aran Fawddwy, which offer some of the most popular walking and hiking routes in the whole of Wales.

Things to do

Aberdovey’s pristine beach is one of the main draws for the many tourists that return year after year to the area. Apart from offering a much sought-after sunbathing spot it is also a key water sports haven, with sailing, sailboarding, rowing, fishing and boat trips in addition to the annual summer regatta. There’s even the option of a donkey ride on the beach if you’re keen to take the weight off for a while.

A visit to the Talyllyn Railway is a must for new visitors to the area. First opened to passengers in 1866, it has been preserved as a historic steam railway operating from the nearby town of Tywyn to Abergynolwyn to the north east, all throughout the summer months. The average speed of the train is less than nine miles per hour, and offers passengers a journey along the beautiful and unspoilt Fathew Valley in the original carriages that remain in regular use to this day.

Aberdyfi Pier juts out into the estuary, more of a large jetty than a traditional pier and makes for a pleasant stroll. Beneath the pier is an art installation by sculptor Marcus Vergette, a bronze time-and-tide bell which is rung by the action of water at high tide and was built as a homage to The Bells of Aberdovey, a popular song about the village dating back to 1785.

Eating and drinking

There’s a healthy selection of places to dine and relax in the town. The Seabreeze restaurant offers excellent fish from the local waters, on a menu filled with seasonal selections of Welsh food and drink. Meanwhile the Britannia Inn combines hearty traditional fare with a wide selection of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, as does the Penhelig Arms with its excellent waterfront location. For a traditional Welsh pub experience, head over to the friendly confines of the Dovey Inn, which bills itself as the social hub of the area.