Ahhh, Snowdonia. It's the mountainous skylines of North Wales
that are awe-inspiring to me. Maentwrog is exactly what I imagined
'up North' to look like before I moved here from South Wales - a
sleepy village with stone built houses, nestled within a colourful
tree-lined landscape. Maentwrog is situated in the Vale of
Ffestiniog, within the sublime Snowdonia National Park, the River
Dwyryd weaving a course through it. If you're still not convinced
(hard to please, aren't you?!), here are a few more reasons why you
should stay in this magnificent part of the world.
A great base for exploring
Maentwrog is in a great location. Enjoy a hike up Snowdon one day
and sun yourself on a sandy beach on the Llyn Peninsula the next! A
short drive away is Portmeirion, a must-visit Italianate
village...in North Wales. If you're anything like me, you'll spend
a whole month's wage on the incredible pottery that they produce
and sell there. Porthmadog is popular for its pretty harbour but
it's the steam train which really draws the crowds; you can ride to
the historic town of Caernarfon via Beddgelert or to
Tan Y Bwlch. Marvel at the blooms at Plas Brondanw or Bodnant
Gardens, the latter also having a great restaurant, tearoom and
farm shop. Not forgetting the magnificent castle in Harlech, which boasts the most
breathtaking views, or the waterfalls at Rheadr Ddu. I could go
on...and on…
Perfect for outdoorsy types
Despite being inland, Maentwrog is actually on the Wales Coastal
Path. You can walk from Maentwrog to Llanystumdwy (18 miles) or
from Llanbedr to Maentwrog (17 miles). If you're a cyclist or keen
mountain biker, don't despair, we've got you covered! Coed Y Brenin is perfect for the more
adventurous mountain biker, with its woodland trails (also great
for hikers). For those preferring a less strenuous ride, Sustrans have all the information you'd need
on the many cycle routes nearby. Plas Y Brenin - The National
Mountain Centre is run by enthusiasts and they provide courses for
all levels of experience and ability, year-round.
Something for the little 'un's
If you've got the children in tow, then why not treat them to a
day at the beach? Abersoch is renowned for it's watersports,
Aberdaron is popular with families, as is Porthdinllaen (home to
the world famous Ty Coch Inn!). Criccieth has a lovely beach but if
you tire of the sand, there are fantastic places to eat, quaint
shops, and a castle to run around, pretending to be knights with
plastic swords and shields (just me?). At Blaenau Ffestiniog you'll
find not only the incredible Victorian mine at Llechwedd Slate
Caverns, but a zip wire to hurtle down at eye-watering speeds
and subterranean trampolines. At Betws Y Coed - another
picture-postcard-perfect village - you'll find not only gorgeous
shops and the superb Alpine Coffee Shop (decadent cakes, healthy
food and loose leaf tea abound!), but the mega-fun Tree Tops
Adventure.
Featured cottage: Dolwaen,
Maentwrog
Where to stay?
We have four fabulous cottages within the village itself and each
has it's own personality; all are within walking distance of The
Grapes, a well-known pub at the heart of the village that serves
good food and has great ale (a must for me and mine!). Greystones, sleeping 2, is a sweet cottage,
perfect for a romantic getaway. Cosy and snug in the winter, yet
for the warm summer months there's a beautiful garden that you can
sit out in and enjoy. Dolwaen sleeps 4 and is a Grade II listed stone
cottage with a delightful wood burning stove and a delightful
modern finish - picture postcard perfect! Pen Y Bryn, sleeps 5+1, is
decorated in a chic country style and makes a delightful home from
home. I can just imagine sitting on the balcony, soaking up the
incredible view on a clear sunny day, with a glass of something
cold. Bliss!
If you'd like to see all the cottages in Maetwrog, then click here.