Group of 6 (3 couples) heading to Machynlleth next weekend Fri-Mon

Other than bikes (obvs) what little gems shouldn’t we miss?

Thinking of getting up Cadair and possibly taking the train to Barmouth one afternoon, looks like its a nice trip?

In terms of biking, is the local trail centre the best bet? Been off ghe bike for ages so wont be pushing it.

Food, pub tips appreciated.

centre for alternative technology if that is your thing

Go watch the kites being fed at Nant Yr Arian

Admire the excellent selection of beer available in the Spar.

Kebab shop is great. Espcially after a hard day getting dirty and knackered. Thast your choice! Big kebab and a beer from the supermarket best easten sitting in the gutter.

Only one thing to do….

https://machloop.co.uk/

I’d second junkyard’s suggestion.
Enjoyable even if you know a lot of it. Good for a slightly wet day.

The 3 mach trails are nice for a more natural ride although all the local trail centres are great. Dyfi Osprey project for some wildlife. There’s a wide selection of second hand shops that are worth a wander. Corris craft centre might appeal to some. For a bit of beach Aberdyfi is nice or the south side of the estuary mouth you can drive into the beach. Lovely area.

Right yes lots to do

Mach itself isn’t great but as a base you can do lots

Cadair – Great walk Minfodd path is probably the best for a first go with a group.

Sarnies at the top, ice cream in the Cafe (they only do coffee from a jar) and then a pint and dinner at Cross Foxes
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1785070-d1917459-Reviews-Cross_Foxes_Bar_Grill-Brithdir_Dolgellau_Snowdonia_National_Park_North_Wales_Wal.html

Another place decent for dinner and a drink is Riverside @ Pennal (2 miles out of Mach)
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g552064-d2164456-Reviews-Glan_yr_Afon-Machynlleth_Powys_Wales.html

The train to Barmouth is stunning! (Barmouth is not great though)

The train at Tywyn is great even without kids
http://www.talyllyn.co.uk
Get off at Dolgoch Falls wall for an hour round the falls and catch the train as it returns

If you like beaches the Aberdovey is stunning (just walk away from the crowds)

Red Kites at Nant yr Arian are a spectacular site at feeding time (3pm but check)
Likewise check the Ospreys at Ynys Hir are great but I prefer Nant http://www.dyfiospreyproject.com

The mines at Corris are just mind blowing, some if the caves are huge
http://www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk

There’s loads more.., what’s your plan?

Only one thing to do….

https://machloop.co.uk/

Two things. As above, then stuff face at the superlative Quarry Café

Cadair Idris as mentioned is also spectacular. And a nice ancient track goes from Llyngrwil to Cregennen Lakes if you fancy riding the area. My spelling of these places is suspect.

Yes definitely visit the quarry cafe!

Depends what is your cup of tea, but from when I lived in Dolgellau for a few years as a nipper in the 1980s…
Cadair Idris (and the lovely back roads towards Fairbourne that pass the lakes)
Bala lake (including the narrow gauge railway)
Mawddach Trail
Precipice Walk
Torrent Walk
Coed y Brenin
Fairbourne beach (plus the narrow gauge railway)
Harlech castle
Portmerion
Blaenau Ffestiniog slate mines

I’ve not been back to the area since ~1987, but I’d love to go back there these days with either a road or mountain bike, there are so many options!

Thanks for all of the replies guys. I will have a lookinto the suggestions but think they more than cover mon-fri

there is a nice pub in the centre with an outstanding cheese board.

edit: just want to emphasise, it was OUTSTANDING

Comedy festival, but your a month or so late.

The Spar is truly a jewel. They had both flavours of vienetta

Maybe we chose pubs poorly but they all felt a little bit assaulty, if not actually stabby- I wound up the scottishness to 11 to ensure the ancient treaties protected us but not everyone has that option

And don’t forget the Holgates Ice Cream shop at Tywyn after you’ve been to the beach at Aberdyfi, or indeed after you’ve been up Cadair. Or both.

Wynnstay hotel is nice for a beer, and they have a great Pizzeria too.

Rather than train to Barmouth get train to Criccieth and watch the world go by outside Dylan’s. Food is fairly unexciting but lovely spot to have a beer and chill.