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My late g/f grew up there, after her folks bought a hotel in Barmouth. She went to school there and learned Welsh, which she was trying to teach me. She loved it there, and any time the area popped up on telly she’d point out places she remembered.
I love the area been going there since I was 18 , & I'm now edging toward 50 (yeah I'm from the Birmingham area).. Barmouth was definite struggling for good few years but has improved loads lately, and am really happy to recommend it, with the proviso that it gets really busy. That said, the whole area is beautiful with loads of stuff to do (walking/cycling), I will be going back as soon as possible. Also you've all forgot <shudders at the memory of sandancer> it the cheapest way to get to Las Vega's (amusements)
it's a real pity the idiots have meant that the like of the blue lake access is now closed to the public
The Mawddach estuary really is one of the most beautiful places in Wales and that's a pretty high bar.
Really love the area, stunning hill walking to be had, and quieter than the North end of Snowdonia. The last few times I’ve been there we stayed at Graig Wen campsite (s/c accommodation there too) and it’s probably the nicest campsite I’ve ever stayed at- large pitches, stunning views and fire pits. It’s a few miles from Barmouth but a nice easy walk or ride. Barmouth itself seemed to have several miles of traffic queuing to get in much of the time, and this was mid June so not exactly peak season.
I live in Talybont four miles up the coast from Barmouth moved here from Machynlleth.
It has a strong possibility it could turn out to be the most awesome holiday ever.
We did holidays in Tywyn for several years, beautiful part of the world, and a great base to explore from.
Barmouth was a strange mix to me, in parts such as the arousal cafe and the fairground, very Blackpool, then walk away from the centre and you had boutique furniture shops, craft shops. Something for everyone.
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Bit like the arousal cafe, when you see it
Whenever I've been to Barmouth I've met at least 2 people I know. It's usually full of Brummies & scousers. Great scenery but will be absolutely rammed if the weather is dry.
Not all the pubs advertising Sky Sports are to avoid
True you can get a cracking gammon steak and pineapple ring.
I’m late to reply to this so most of the useful information will have been posted.
I thought I would just add my experience as a kid from the Midlands it felt like I spent 30% of my youth between Barmouth and Aberystwyth. I love it now, but when I was a kid I hated it, it was boring.
If your kids are older and into the outdoors then you’ll have a great time, if you’re after a nice beach holiday, then I’d maybe consider the south coast, the beaches are lovely but they’re normally packed or being rained on. Or if your kids are younger and want something today I’d head for Dumfries and Galloway
Lovely part of the world, many happy memories over the years. As a family, we love the whole area - we visit regularly (well, until last March!) and the kids ask to go back which says something!
The mountains, the trails, the walks, the beaches - stunningly beautiful.
Yes there are some parts of Barmouth itself you may choose to avoid... but isn't that the case anywhere? Likewise there are some lovely places - Knickerbockers Ice Cream / Fudgeridoo Sweet Shop (same company?). Epic Fish & Chips by the harbour/bridge. A lesser-known gem is the steep walk up out of the town centre, through the 'old town', to Dinas Oleu (Citadel of Light). The first land gifted to the NT in the late 1800's. Stunning, panoramic views. SUPing on the estuary. The huge beach is lovely but as has already been said, other than v. early a.m. or much later p.m. it gets VERY busy. Uncomfortably so. No thanks, not for us. Tricky when the weather turns - we found it difficult to find things to do when the kids were younger/toddlers. Mawddach Trail is incredible. Across Barmouth bridge and along the estuary to Dolgellau and back is an amazing ride. It's just under 20 miles (?) but flat so easily do-able. Dolgellau is very quaint with some lovely re-fuelling places. Cadir Idris is a must but it is a tough walk - be prepared, as the weather can turn very quickly - like Snowdon. Choose your day/weather window. Take plenty of water & food.
Beyond Barmouth... coast road up to Harlech and Porthmadog is a great road ride, but a fast road (60) in places so probably not ideal with the kids. Trawsdir campsite (3 miles N of Barmouth) is honestly one of the best we've ever stayed at. So clean and well equipped. Fab. There are some slate caverns between Barmouth and Harlech which are well worth a visit. Harlech beach is amazing... and massive! Like, proper massive. Usually plenty of space but the CP and narrow path to it through the dunes can get busy... Harlech castle is great. Likewise the 'World's Steepest Road' (contested with NZ!) is a good challenge... to crawl up, and maybe ride!
A little further afield... endless tracks, trails, walks, paths etc. through the mountains 'behind' Barmouth (they effectively go all the way through to the main road North, from Dolgellau to Coed Y Brenin. The Steam Railway at Porthmadog was always a big hit with our kids. Criccieth Castle followed by Fish & Chips from the place next to it and then an ice cream from the place opposite. Yes please. However watch the queues...
Llyn Peninsula is breathtaking but quite a way up the coast - about an hour or so. So it's defo. a 'day out'. Kayaking out from Abersoch/Llanbedrog area towards the islands, one of which belongs to Bear Grylls. 'Hell's Mouth' for surfing/boarding - however, be very careful of the currents, tides, surf etc. as it can be pretty rough - think Cornwall. Abersoch/Pwllheli are very different towns but neither are for us... er, where's the road out of here?! Each to their own.
Hope that helps a little? There's loads to do but as is clear, it's predominantly 'outdoorsy' stuff which is of course no problem/what we all want... however, when (not if!) the weather turns grim - sometimes for days on end - it can be tricky finding enough stuff to do. As you'll know coast + mountains = VERY changeable weather, sometimes within an hour let alone a day. The best times for us are when we've kept a very close eye on the weather and planned accordingly... whilst being ready to adapt at any point!
It's beautiful and you won't be disappointed. Whenever you're able to go, enjoy.
Re: midges/mosquitos etc. - we've never had a problem. We were there end of Aug/start of Sept last year and we didn't notice them at all - and we ordinarily would as for whatever reason, I'm the only one in the family they seem to enjoy biting and eating away at!
From our experience, with many visits over the years from Easter sort of time to Oct. sort of time, nothing to worry about. No problem at all.
I spent 4 weeks a year in Dyffryn Ardudwy as a kid. I loved it up until I was a teenager. Have been back there cycling with my other half on numerous occasions and for the last 3 years at Dyffryn seaside estate with my sister and nieces. They seem to love it too. Have been bothered a bit by midges when sitting outside the pub in Barmouth. Barmouth was absolutely rammed last year on our last night, but it was one of the hottest weekends of the year and I think that and people missing out on holidays due to lockdown had everyone heading for the sea.
Apologies for reopening this one…
We have use of a motor home for a few days next week (Monday 30th Aug to Wednesday 1st).
Hoping to get to the coast for a few chilled days - me the missus and two girls (20 & 16).
Had been considering Shell Island but I gather from comments on here that experiences can be a bit of a lottery if the reprobates are out in force.
Would welcome other thoughts or recommendations please for suitable campervan site?
**Camper is 7.0m long x 2.3m wide so conscious of accessibility
Argoed farm. Llanbedr. I keep my caravan there.
https://www.argoedfarmholidays.com/
You can seen shell Island and the hoards from there.
If the owner doesn't reply. Try again. They are a working farm so can be busy.
Anywhere on Anglesey you can get on, the place is lovely.
check out the RNLI shed on Barmouth beach; they have a massive semisubversible truck crab thing to tow the boat out. its ace.
Makes Blackpool look like Val de Lobo.
Comedy hyperbole aside, that’s not even close to true. Have been to both towns a number of times. Barmouth many.
One is a very small town (resident population 2.5k) located on one of Europe’s most exceptionally beautiful mountain-encircled estuaries. It has a tiny harbour with some good pizza nearby, a few pubs and one small infamous nightclub that you really aren’t compelled to visit or even discover. It’s just an unfussy old-fashioned little town (more a village with a small harbour) which gets swamped by visitors at times and yet is near empty at others.
The other (resident population about 140K, 18 million visitors per year) is a 7-mile Concrete Level of Hell, lined with kebab-grease, disappointment and lager foam.
Spot the differences
Wherever I go I tend to choose visiting ‘out of season’. Because this small Island is increasingly rammed with sheep in cars. And Gwynedd is no stranger to sheep or cars. Oh ye gods. What have I done. 🤦🏼♂️
