Morfa Mawddach is a beautiful
estuarine valley that begins it's journey in the heart of
Meirionnydd and opens out into Cardigan Bay
The Morfa Mawddach Trail guides you up the estuary from Barmouth to Dolgellau.
The most outstanding feature of the Southern end of the Snowdonia National Park
is the interaction between mountain and coastline and this geological drama is
very much in evidence on the Mawddach. The estuary also has a rich variety of
wetland and woodland habitats which makes the walk a very special experience.
Winding, lazily along a disused railway track, the Mawddach Trail which is owned and managed by the Snowdonia National Park Authority, follows the Mawddach estuary for 15 kilometres (9 miles) from Abermaw (Barmouth) to Dolgellau. The path, having been surfaced using compacted dust, has further been developed between Penmaenpool and Dolgellau to cater for disabled users.
Awe inspiring views can be seen whilst walking and cycling the path, especially of the estuary and the spectacular Abermaw bridge. Also hidden along the path verges and outlying land are species rich habitats such as wetland and forestry, for example Coedydd Abergwynant, a woodland adjacent to the path which is owned by the Authority.
The two RSPB reserves in the Mawddach Valley offer superb scenery and beautiful walks through oak wood and scrubland. In the spring pied flycatchers, wood warblers and redstarts can be heard in Coed Garth Gell. Ravens and buzzards are present throughout the year. The trail at Arthog Bog is accessible to wheelchair users.
The Mawddach must be one of the best short cycle rides in Wales combining spectacular mountain and coastal scenery with a totally unspoilt estuary trail. Most people 'do' the justly famous Mawddach Trail by cycling there and back from Dolgellau to Barmouth. However the route can be extended by including the loop up to Cregennan Lakes. This loop adds a new dimension by cycling most of the outward leg on a quiet mountain lane under the awesome crags of Cadair Idris, passing the lovely Cregennen Lakes and offering a stunning view of the coast from on high.
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