Van Miles

If you’re looking for an easy cycle route near Dolgellau with incredible mountain and estuary views, the Mawddach Trail is definitely one to add to your list. Running for approximately 9.5 miles between Dolgellau and Barmouth, this mainly traffic-free trail follows the route of an old railway line alongside the Mawddach Estuary.

Before our holiday I knew there was a disused railway cycle track in the area, but if I’m honest, I didn’t really know much more about it. Our cottage on the campsite in Arthog actually backed directly onto the Mawddach Trail, so from the campsite grounds we could look down and get a little glimpse of the trail below.

But nothing really prepared me for the views once we actually got down there.

We had brought our two bikes with us, along with our Innopet dog pram which converts into a bike trailer, and a Buddy Rider for one of our Chihuahuas. Having three dogs meant we weren’t sure how cycling would go, so before attempting a longer ride we decided to have a short trial run.

That first little cycle completely changed our plans for the week. The dogs were happy, the trail was easy to cycle and the scenery was unbelievable.

Mawddach Trail Quick Information

• Location: Between Dolgellau and Barmouth, North Wales
• Distance: Approximately 9.5 miles/15 km one way
• Return distance: Approximately 19 miles if completing the full trail there and back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain: Mainly flat former railway trail with a well-maintained surface
• Traffic: Mainly traffic free, with care needed around road crossings and at the town ends
• Suitable for: Cycling and walking
• Dogs: Yes, but this is a shared trail so keep dogs under close control
• Refreshments: Dolgellau, George III at Penmaenpool and Barmouth
• Toilets: Available at various points including Dolgellau and Barmouth
• Main route: Dolgellau – Penmaenpool – Arthog – Morfa Mawddach – Barmouth

Our First Cycle on the Mawddach Trail

Before committing to a longer cycle, we decided to take the dogs on a short trial ride from our accommodation towards the George III at Penmaenpool.

We mainly wanted to see how they would cope travelling on the bikes.

Two of our dogs travelled in the Innopet trailer and we used the Buddy Rider for one of our Chihuahuas. Thankfully, we had no issues at all and they were all settled and content.

It took us around 20 minutes each way to cycle to the pub and back.

Even on this short section, the views were unbelievable. We were cycling alongside the estuary with mountains surrounding us and I couldn’t believe we had this trail practically on the doorstep of our accommodation.

The section we cycled was flat and easy to ride with a mainly gravel-style surface. We managed comfortably with our normal bikes, the Innopet bike trailer and the Buddy Rider.

Our little test cycle ended up making us want to see the whole trail.

Cycling the Mawddach Trail from Arthog to Barmouth

On a separate day, now that we knew the dogs were happy travelling on the bikes, we decided to cycle in the opposite direction towards Barmouth.

Once again, the views were incredible.

We passed a free car park with toilets along the route, which I made a mental note of as it would make a useful starting point if you aren’t staying somewhere with direct access to the Mawddach Trail.

For much of this section we had beautiful open views across the Mawddach Estuary. As we got closer to the end of the estuary, the scenery started to change and we cycled through lovely green, shaded areas.

There is an opportunity to leave the route towards Fairbourne around this area, but we carried on towards Barmouth.

Cycling Across Barmouth Bridge

One of the highlights of this direction was crossing Barmouth Bridge.

The railway bridge stretches across the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary and takes you directly towards Barmouth. When we visited there was an honesty box and we paid £1 per adult to cross.

Cycling across the bridge with the estuary and mountain views around us was a lovely way to arrive in Barmouth.

Once we came off the bridge we headed into Barmouth, found somewhere to lock our bikes and got the dogs out for a good walk.

It worked really well because Barmouth gives you a proper destination rather than simply turning around at the end of the trail. You can stop for something to eat, walk around the harbour or head towards the beach before cycling back.

Cycling the Other Direction to Dolgellau

We had now explored the Barmouth side of the trail, but on another day we decided we wanted to see the rest of it.

This time we cycled towards Dolgellau.

We passed the George III at Penmaenpool again and continued along the trail.

There was another free parking area with toilets along this section which again looked like a useful place to join the trail.

What surprised me was how much the scenery changed.

The huge estuary views had been one of my favourite parts of the Mawddach Trail, but as we moved away from the open estuary we cycled through beautiful wooded areas.

Eventually the trail took us right into Dolgellau.

We noticed another car park around this end of the trail, and being able to cycle directly into town meant we could lock the bikes up and do a little bit of shopping before heading back.

Stopping at the George III at Penmaenpool

On our return cycle we stopped at the George III for tea.

It sits directly beside the Mawddach Trail overlooking the estuary, so it’s in a fantastic location for walkers and cyclists.

The food was very nice and it was dog friendly when we visited.

I would recommend booking if you’re planning to eat here. We turned up midweek and only just managed to get a table.

Once you’ve seen the location, it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular. Sitting looking across the estuary after cycling the trail was a lovely way to finish the day.

How Long Is the Mawddach Trail?

The complete Mawddach Trail is approximately 9.5 miles or 15 km one way between Dolgellau and Barmouth.

If you cycle from Dolgellau to Barmouth and return along the same route, you’re looking at approximately 19 miles in total.

You definitely don’t need to complete the entire trail to enjoy it though.

There are several access points along the route, including Dolgellau, Pont y Wernddu, Penmaenpool/Taicynhaeaf, Arthog and Morfa Mawddach.

For us, staying in Arthog was perfect because we could explore different sections of the trail on separate days.

Is the Mawddach Trail Flat?

This is probably one of the first things I would want to know when planning a cycle here.

The Mawddach Trail is essentially flat and follows the route of the old railway line.

We found it a really easy, relaxing cycle and didn’t have any major hills to contend with. This was particularly important for us because we were also carrying the dogs.

The trail is mainly wide and easy to follow, although there are gates and access points along the route. If you’re using a particularly wide trailer, trike or adapted bike, I would check the access before setting off.

What Is the Mawddach Trail Surface Like?

The sections we cycled were well maintained and we had no problems using our bikes or dog trailer.

Some of the sections we experienced had a firm gravel-style surface, while official route information describes the trail overall as well maintained and suitable for a wide range of bikes.

We certainly didn’t feel that we needed mountain bikes.

For us, it was the sort of trail where you could relax and enjoy the scenery rather than constantly concentrating on difficult terrain.

Where Does the Mawddach Trail Start and Finish?

The trail runs between Dolgellau and Barmouth, following the southern side of the Mawddach Estuary.

The main route is roughly:

Dolgellau → Penmaenpool → Arthog → Morfa Mawddach → Barmouth

You can cycle it in either direction and you don’t have to start at one of the official ends.

This makes it really flexible if you only want a short cycle or walk.

At the Barmouth end, the route crosses Barmouth Railway Bridge and brings you into Barmouth close to the harbour.

Mawddach Trail Parking and Toilets

There are several places where you can park and join the Mawddach Trail.

We passed a number of car parks during our rides, including free parking areas with toilets along sections of the route.

There is also parking at the Dolgellau end of the trail and parking and public toilets are available in Barmouth.

If I wasn’t staying directly beside the trail, I would decide which section I wanted to cycle first and choose the closest access point rather than automatically starting at Dolgellau.

Can You Walk the Mawddach Trail?

Yes. The Mawddach Trail isn’t just a cycle route.

It is a shared multi-use trail and can also be walked, so you could easily choose a shorter section if you don’t want to tackle the entire 9.5 miles.

Because of its relatively flat nature, it was one of the easiest trails we found during our time around Dolgellau.

Just remember that cyclists and walkers share the route.

Is the Mawddach Trail Dog Friendly?

We took all three of our dogs, although they travelled rather differently to most dogs!

Our Innopet dog pram converts into a bike trailer and we also had a Buddy Rider for one of our Chihuahuas.

Doing the short test cycle first was definitely worthwhile because it gave us the confidence that the dogs were comfortable before setting off on the longer rides.

If you’re walking the trail with your dog rather than cycling, remember that bikes can approach from both directions, so I would keep dogs close and under control.

What Can You See Along the Mawddach Trail?

For me, the scenery is what makes this trail so special.

Depending on which section you’re cycling or walking, you’ll experience huge views across the Mawddach Estuary, surrounding mountains, woodland, nature reserves and the impressive railway bridge into Barmouth.

It also connects two completely different places.

At one end you have the historic market town of Dolgellau and at the other you have Barmouth with its harbour, beach, cafés and seaside atmosphere.

In between, it feels incredibly peaceful.

Is the Mawddach Trail Worth Cycling?

Absolutely.

Before this holiday, I knew very little about the Mawddach Trail. I knew there was an old railway cycle track nearby, but that was about it.

It ended up being one of my favourite discoveries of our week in Wales.

You don’t have to be an experienced cyclist and you don’t need to cycle the complete 19-mile return route to appreciate it.

For me it was the combination of everything – the huge estuary views, mountains, wooded sections, cycling across Barmouth Bridge, being able to stop in Dolgellau and having the George III sitting directly beside the trail.

The fact that we could take all three dogs with us made it even better.

If you’re staying around Dolgellau, Arthog, Fairbourne or Barmouth and you’re looking for an easy scenic cycle or a relatively flat walk, I would definitely put the Mawddach Trail on your list.

It was one of those places that I hadn’t really researched before we arrived, yet it ended up being one of the highlights of the whole trip.