Popular with walkers and hikers who love the beautiful wild landscape, it is also great for horse riding and for the more adventurous, white-water rafting on the nearby Lake Bala. It is a popular base for climbers hoping to scale Cadair Idris and for aircraft lovers to visit the low-flying jets in the valleys of the Mach Loop.
If you prefer something a little more sedate, hop aboard the Mawddach Trail, a railway line that runs for eight miles from Dolgellau to Morfa Mawddach, near Fairbourne on the coast. Or follow the same trail by mountain bike to the lovely little seaside town of Barmouth.
Lake Bala
There are also some narrow-gauge heritage railways in the area such as the Talyllyn Railway and the Corris Railway for dedicated trainspotters.
For a bit of history, take a short walk out of the town to the ruins of the 12th century Cymer Abbey in the nearby village of Llanelltyd; you can stop off on the way for a coffee at the Dolgellau Golf Course. Then head on to Dinas Mawddwy which was allegedly the site of the last battle of King Arthur, steeped in myth and legend.
There are also other lovely walks in the district, such as Torrent Walk and New Precipice Walk which has amazing views of the Mawddach Estuary way below, some say the best in the area.
A walk around the town gives you an insight to its history, with grand old houses, winch-hoods on the buildings of the town and old Pandy mills dotted on the Afon Aran.
"Walk to the legendary Dinas Mawddwy, allegedly the site of the last battle of King Arthur..."
Wander amongst the narrow streets of this town to find somewhere to have a bite to eat. There are bistros, pubs, cafes and bars in beautiful old stone buildings dotted in and around the town, as well as a selection of little shops, perfect for a spot of souvenir shopping.
There is also a farmers market on the third Sunday of every month which has a selection of sumptuous local produce.
Dolgellau is home to the annual world music festival, Sesiwn Fawr, which started as a free street festival but now attracts such names as Bob Geldof and Cerys Matthews. In the summer, it also hosts the Festival of the Countryside which is a charitable fete and country show.
Whatever time of year you choose to visit, you will always find something to do near our Dolgellau cottages.