From Barmouth across the Mawddach Estuary
Walk directions
Follow the promenade round the harbour, then go over the footbridge across the estuary (voluntary toll in place). On reaching the path along the south shore of the estuary, turn left to follow the grassy embankment that leads to a track rounding the wooded knoll of Fegla Fawr on its seaward side.
Reaching the terraced houses of Mawddach Crescent, bear right to follow the track that passes to their rear. Turn left onto a tarmac track and follow it along the shoreline, until you reach a gate on the right. Go through this and follow the bridleway across the marshes of Arthog.
Turn left along the old railway track, then leave it just before the crossing of the little Arthog Estuary, and turn right along a tarmac lane by a small car park. Bear left through a gate and follow a raised embankment to a wall which now leads the path to the main Dolgellau road (A493), next to St Catherine’s Church.
Opposite the church gate is a footpath beginning with some steps into woodland. A good waymarked path now climbs above Arthog to meet a track. Turn left onto this and then take the second path on the right to continue climbing steeply, passing several stiles and gates.
Beyond a stile at the top of the woods, turn right to come to a lane. Turn right along the descending lane, then left along a stony track, passing the cottage of Merddyn. The track gets narrower and steeper as it descends into more woodland, beneath the boulders of an old quarry and down to the Dolgellau road by Arthog’s village hall.
Turn right along the road, then left just after a flashing speed restriction sign to join a path back to the railway track and the Mawddach Trail. Turn left along the trail and follow it past Morfa Mawddach Station and back across Barmouth’s bridge.
Additional information
Terrain
- A bridge, good tracks and woodland paths, several stiles
Landscape
- Estuary and wooded hills
Dog friendliness
- Dogs should be on a lead at all times
Parking
- Pay-and-display car park on seafront
Toilets en route
- Near Barmouth’s car park, or near Morfa Mawddach Station
About the walk
Barmouth used to be a seaport, trading the coarse woollen goods of Merionydd with the Americas. In those days the village cottages were strung out across terraces in the cliffs and there was one pub, The Corsygedol Arms. There wasn’t enough room to fit the main road from Harlech between those rocks... and the sea, so it bypassed the village and instead went inland, over the Rhinog mountain passes. In the mid-19th century it all changed. Barmouth built a main street on the beach. Visitors became more frequent and the resort’s sea and sand attracted the gentry from the Midlands. Barmouth also came to the notice of the famous: the poet William Wordsworth said of the Mawddach Estuary that it was sublime and equal to any in Scotland. Artists like J M W Turner and Richard Wilson came to capture the changing light and renowned beauty of estuary and mountainside. In 1867 the railway arrived, and a new bridge was engineered across the estuary sands. It was half a mile (800m) long and had a swing section across the Mawddach’s main channel to allow shipping to pass. Today you can see that Barmouth is still in the most wonderful situation. The view is best when the sun’s shining and the tide’s half-out. Across the estuary your eyes cannot help but be drawn to mighty Cadair Idris. This is not one mountain, but a long ridge with several peaks, each displaying fierce cliffs that soar above the wooded foothills. The biggest is Penygadair at 2,927ft (892m), but the most prominent is Tyrrau Mawr, a shapely peak with a seemingly overhanging crag. As you get to the other side you can look back to Barmouth, and you will see how this town has been built into the rocks of the lower Rhinogs. Across the bridge you’re ready to explore those wooded foothills. Through Arthog the path climbs between oak trees and you find yourself looking across to some waterfalls. At the top you are presented with an elevated view of all that you have seen so far: the estuary, the sandbars, the mountains and the yawning bridge. By the time you return to Barmouth you will have experienced that ‘sublime’ Mawddach.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
The county of Gwynedd is home to most of the Snowdonia National Park – including the wettest spot in Britain, an arête running up to Snowdon’s summit that receives an average annual rainfall of 4,473mm. With its mighty peaks, rivers and strong Welsh heritage (it has the highest proportion of Welsh-speakers in all of Wales), it’s always been an extremely popular place to visit and live.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Restaurant with Rooms
The Fanny Talbot
★★★★
"Not just your average seaside gastro pub...."
- Rooms 7
- Satellite TV
- Wifi
Caravan & Camping
Hendre Mynach Touring Caravan & Camping Park
★★★★★
"Walking distance from the beach and Barmouth attractions...."
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- Shop onsite
- Wifi available
Caravan & Camping
Trawsdir Touring Caravans & Camping Park
★★★★★
"A path leads to a notable eaterie from this top-notch park...."
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- BBQ
- Picnic Area
Nearby places to stay
The Fanny Talbot
First impressions at the Fanny Talbot might suggest a mere seaside resort pub, but this recently launched dining venue offers fabulous interiors, plenty of comfort and a gastro dining r...
★★★★ Rating
Hendre Mynach Touring Caravan & Camping Park
A constantly improving site where the enthusiastic owners invest year on year to enhance the customer experience. Although there is a steep decent to the arrivals' area, staff are alway...
★★★★★ Rating
Trawsdir Touring Caravans & Camping Park
Well run by the owners, this quality park enjoys spectacular views to the sea and hills, and is very accessible for motor traffic. The facilities are appointed to a very high standard, ...
★★★★★ Rating
Islawrffordd Caravan Park
Situated on the coast between Barmouth and Harlech and within the Snowdonia National Park, this site has clear views of Cardigan Bay, the Llŷn Peninsula and the Snowdonia and Cader Idri...
★★★★★ Rating
Barmouth Bay Holiday Park
With a mountain backdrop and direct access to miles of sandy beaches, Barmouth Bay Holiday Park is an ideal location for escaping from the pressures of everyday life. Holiday homes are ...
★★★★ Rating
Penmaenuchaf Dolgellau
Set under the imposing Cadair Idris and overlooking the Mawddach estuary, Penmaenuchaf is a comfortable retreat enjoying peace, fantastic views and dark skies. The house has long been w...
★★★★ Rating
Ty Mawr Hotel
Ty Mawr translates as 'Big House' and this particular house is located in the picturesque Snowdonia National Park. The attractive grounds, opposite the River Artro, provide a popular be...
★★★ Rating
Ynysymaengwyn Caravan Park
A lovely park set in the wooded grounds of a former manor house, with designated nature trails through 13 acres of wildlife-rich woodland, scenic river walks, fishing and a sandy beach ...
★★★★ Rating
Places to eat nearby View all
Places to eat nearby
The Fanny Talbot
AA Rosette Award
Afon Restaurant
AA Rosette Award
Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms
AA Rosette Award
The Hotel Portmeirion
AA Rosette Award
The Firecat
AA Rosette Award
Porth Tocyn Hotel
AA Rosette Award
The Potted Lobster Abersoch
AA Rosette Award
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa
AA Rosette Award



