Walking and Rambling around Kings, Dolgellau
Overview
The quieter area of southern Snowdonia, with fewer tourists, is absolutely beautiful and a great place for walking. The hostel is on the slope of Cader Idris, so there's plenty of mountainous terrain to explore! Many circular walks can be accessed direct from the hostel including low level walks like the Mawddach Trail.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking enthusiasts will have heard all about Coed-y-Brenin. Approx 15 minutes from the hostel and run by the Forestry Commission, it's the mountain bike mecca of Wales. Bike hire is available and there's a route for all abilities including low level for families and extreme routes for the mad ones! There are also trails in the Machynlleth including Mach 1, 2, 3 and the Cli-machx. If you want to explore on your own, there are unofficial trails straight from the hostel door.
Cycling
The Mawddach trail between Dolgellau and Barmouth is ideal for families who enjoy gentler cycling. Running alongside the estuary, following the route of the old railway, it is totally flat and offers fantastic views. The hostel is just off national cycle network route 8 and many people cycle this route using YHA Kings as a base.
Climbing
Don't miss the amazing views from the crags on Cader Idris and routes to conquer Snowdon. There's a training area in Barmouth, known as 'The Slabs' offering instructor led courses and equipment hire. The area is suitable for all levels and abilities including the most experienced.
Watersports
The National White Water Centre is at Bala, 20 miles from the hostel, with white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking - you can hire your equipment or get tuition. For something a bit different you can try dinghy sailing on the lake. The Mawddach estuary is great for canoeing/kayaking. There are huge sandy beaches nearby - ideal for surfing and windsurfing, you'll need to bring your own gear or drive to the hire centre 30 minutes away.
What makes it special
- Great for sports
- Perfect for families
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Cycling around Broad Haven
Rise and fall with the countryside on quiet lanes and exciting downhill sprints in this stunning area. Try one of the ride with GPS routes that we've created.
Cycling in Borth
Cycle down the coastal roads and round the Dovey estuary. There are loads of minor roads around Borth and into the foothills of Plynlymon Fawr to explore.
Watersports in Borth
YHA Borth is just 20 metres from a four mile beach, so windsurfing, kite surfing and surfing are all available right on the doorstep.
Zip World - Slate Caverns
A unique range of very special adventures. Experience Europe's longest Ziplines, or massive underground trampolines and high-rope cavern adventures called Bounce Below. See the Zip
Llanfair Slate Caverns
Descend Jacobs ladder and wander through tunnels and chambers. Outside the caverns there's breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion, the setting for the cult 60s series The Prisoner – 'I am not a number. I am a free man.
Centre for Alternative Technology
The Centre for Alternative Technology aims to inspire, inform and enable people to explore new ways of living. Visit the CAT website
Machination Visitor Centre
The only permanent exhibition of contemporary Automata in the UK. The interactive models move with a variety of fascinating mechanisms.
Cycling around Kings, Dolgellau
The Mawddach trail between Dolgellau and Barmouth is ideal for families who enjoy gentler cycling. Running alongside the estuary, following the route of the old railway, it is totally flat and o
Mountain Biking around Kings, Dolgellau
Mountain Biking enthusiasts will have heard all about Coed-y-Brenin. Approx 15 minutes from the hostel and run by the Forestry Commission, it's the mountain bike mecca of Wales. Bike hire
Climbing near Kings, Dolgellau
There's a training area above Barmouth, known as 'The Slabs'. Local firms offer instructor led courses and equipment hire. The area is suitable for all levels and abilities including the m
Watersports near Kings, Dolgellau
The National White Water Centre is at Bala, 20 miles from the hostel, with white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking - you can hire your equipment or get tuition. For something a bit different
Discovering Britain walk with the Royal Geographical Society
The Queen of Welsh Resorts
Watersports in Betws-y-Coed
White water rafting is a must for any water enthusiast in this area.
Cycling in Idwal
The Lon Las route takes you from Portmadog to Bangor. You can either do the route in one day, or take time to explore the mountains and use the hostel as your base.
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Travel on the glorious line from Caernarfon through Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog – some 40 miles of narrow-gauge steam! These are 2 separate railways which meet at the central station of Por