Local area and activities
"We had four teenagers which felt like a challenge but they mucked in and did lots of walks, canoeing at Lake Bala and we climbed Cadair Idris which was hard going but worth it once we got to the top, it felt like we'd almost reached Heaven!"
– Serena Perkins, London.
Southern Snowdonia is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, this is a spectacular region of forests, rivers, lakes, towering sea cliffs and sandy beaches. A haven for walkers and cyclists, and perfect for family holidays.
Hendre Ddu Cottage is ideally situated for exploring this beautiful unspoilt region of Mid Wales. There are outdoor activities to suit all tastes and ages, including: walking ∗ cycling ∗ fishing ∗ water sports ∗ horse riding ∗ golf ∗ swimming ∗ rock climbing
And there are plenty of less strenuous attractions too, including:
street markets ∗ craft centres ∗ beaches ∗ narrow guage steam railways ∗ castles ∗ bird watching ∗ underground slate caverns.
Walking
Walkers are spoilt for choice at Hendre Ddu. There are footpaths and trails leading directly from the cottage, but for some truly memorable walks, the magnificent Cambrian Mountains, the Aran Ranges, Cadair Idris, Pumlumon Fawr, Afon Mawddach and Glyndwr's Way are all within easy reach.
For more information about local walks go to:
http://www.parcnet.co.uk
or
http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_a/3017/
Cycling
Cyclists staying at Hendre Ddu are in for a treat. This is mountain bike country. The renowned Coed-y-Brenin in Snowdonia National Park is just over half an hour's drive, and closer still are the Machynlleth mountain bike trails.
For more information about local cycling routes go to:
http://www.mtbbritain.co.uk/dyfi_forest.html
Beaches
This region has some of the most beautiful, unspoilt stretches of clean golden sands, rocky coves and pristine dunes Mid Wales has to offer. Aberdyfi, Ynyslas, Borth and Barmouth are all well worth exploring. Aberdyfi is the nearest beach, a pretty little harbour resort offering various activities from sailing, sailboarding, rowing and canoeing to fishing and boat trips. In the summer there are yachting regattas and other water spectacles.
Families
There are plenty of activities locally, including the Centre for Alternative Technology just outside Machynlleth, King Arthur's Labyrinth in Corris, and the Great Little Trains including http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/ which runs to the top of Snowdon.
Slightly further afield, but still easily accessible in a day is the magnificent Bala Lake, which is popular for boating and water sports; Harlech Castle and the beautiful Italianate resort village of Portmeirion.
For more information on the area and local attractions visit:
http://www.dyfivalley.org.uk/
For information on activities for families go to:
http://www.nineblue.com/attractions_landing.aspx?city=Snowdonia
» Click Here To View The Area Gallery «
Useful Resources
Best Walks - walking books, accommodation, maps and walking holidays.
Snowdonia-Wales.net - information and resources about Snowdonia
Equestrian Wales - information on horse-riding in Wales.
Hendre Ddu Reviews - read what previous guests have said about Hendre Ddu on MyCottageHoliday.co.uk