Activities
One of the delights of Y Felin house is that the stunningly beautiful and diverse views are panoramic with views from every window. If it is peace and quiet you are looking for, why not just while away some time watching the river flow by and spotting the wildlife – herons, ancient looking and slow in flight, are often seen fishing on the river and at night you may see bats and owls swooping around. Otters are also frequently seen on the nearby Tal-Y-Llyn lake.
Children and grown-up visitors to Y Felin tell us they love it for its haven away from the Wi and Blackberry. There is a good selection of board games and cards at the Felin to keep all ages entertained.
Spending Time on the Farm
The river Dysynni is renowned for trout and salmon and runs through the farm and right past the house. You are welcome to fish at no extra cost – just please let us know in advance if you intend to fish and bring your own rods.
At Y Felin you will also find maps and guides to a variety of walks and beauty spots around the farm and in the locality – including the nearby river pools and some great picnic spots. The walking guides are illustrated and informative – identifying flowers, trees, birds, natural features, geology, history and also inviting you to understand something of the agriculture going on around you. For an extra charge we can also arrange for a local and renowned ecologist to guide you in person on a walk, please contact Ruth for further details. The beautiful Tal Y Llyn lake is within walking distance.
However, if you do wish to move beyond the immediate locality, you will not be disappointed… From mountain biking to bird watching to beach combing to food feasting to alternative technology courses to modern art exhibitions to local crafts to livestock and antique auctions to male voice choirs to sheepdog trials – you will be spoilt for choice – and we are happy to make suggestions if you wish.
Beaches: The nearest beach is only 9 miles away. Our own favourites are Aberdyfi – good if you like some activity including yachting, fish and chips, cafes and sand dunes; and Fairbourne – good if you like a quieter time. You can take a small ferry boat across from Fairbourne to Barmouth and back. Fairbourne also has its own steam train and an excellent butcher shop. Other beaches include Beaches at Towyn, Harlech and Criccieth.
Outdoor Activities:
- Dyfi River – canoeing and other outdoor activities – see www.dyfiactive.co.uk
- Outdoor Activities at Aberdyfi – see www.aberdovey.co.uk
- Canoeing, rafting, kayaking, climbing, abseiling on the Mawddach Estuary near Dolgellau. See www.up4adventures.co.uk
- Cycling or walking around Mawddach Estuary. See www.mawddachestuary.co.uk
- Snowdonia has the longest zip wire in Europe! See http://www.zipworld.co.uk
- Europe’s biggest surf lake is also being built and will be ready for summer 2015. See http://www.surfsnowdonia.co.uk
Steam Trains:
- From Abergynolwyn to Towyn and back. See www.talyllyn.co.uk
- Steam train also at Fairbourne beach. See www.fairbournerailway.com
Climbing & Mountaineering
- Cader Idris either from Tal Y Llyn side or from Dolgellau and other mountains in Snowdonia – see www.snowdoniaguide.com
Walking within easy driving distance or by bus:
Itineraries:
- Discover the secrets of the Dysynni Valley within a ten mile journey Itinerary two ten miles.pdf
- Doorstep Discoveries – family fun within ten miles of Y Felin Itinerary three ten miles family.pdf
Mountain Biking:
- Coed Y Brenin: http://www.beicsbrenin.co.uk
- Also at Machynlleth – see www.dyfimountainbiking.org.uk/
- Mountain Biking Wales
Other ideas:
- The Centre for Alternative Technology is nearby at Corris, Machynlleth – see www.cat.org.uk
- Arthur’s Caves – especially good for children – are also at Corris – see www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk
- Wales is famous for its castles and Castell Y Bere is within walking distance while Harlech and Criccieth are about one hour drive away.
Towns:
Nearby is the town of Machynlleth – home to Owain Glyndwr parliament in late Middle ages – and a vibrant market town today (market day is a Wednesday) with some great shops, deli and a museum of modern art www.momawales.org.uk and concert hall Y-tabernacl . Shops in Machynlleth are particularly strong on ecological goods and information.
About 11 miles away is Aberdyfi – a great seaside town which is becoming a real destination for outdoor activities including a dinghy school, miles of sandy beaches and a golf course. www.aberdovey.org.uk
Dolgellau is also nearby – a historic market town at the foot of Cader Idris – see www.dolgellau.com/ Dolgellau used to be a Quaker stronghold and you can visit the Quaker museum above the Tourist Centre. You could also take a peek at our sister property, Bryn Adda, which is nearby – please call Sarah to arrange.
Tywyn is a town on the up – the local cinema – a real heritage gem – has been privately purchased by some local people and we can look forward to some diverse cultural showings from the comfort of its velvet plush seats. See www.tywyncinema.co.uk
Sarah is more than happy to offer you bespoke advice on what to do and where to go, simply tell her something about yourselves (ages, budget, interests) and she can suggest how you might spend your time. (07952 712104)
