Courtney
17 November 2021
Our recommended Aberdyfi (also known as Aberdovey) dog-friendly attractions for dog and pet-friendly holidays ensure that every member of your family will have a wonderful break.
The attractions mentioned are often in stunning locations and close to some of the most scenic walks with plenty of places for treating your best friend. Read on to find out more.
Talyllyn Railway
The Talyllyn Railway is the oldest preserved railway in the world, known locally and affectionately as ‘The Railway with a Heart of Gold’. You’d have to go back as far as 1865 to ride on this esteemed line for the first time, putting this railway at over 150 years old. In 1951, the Preservation Society was founded and vowed to commence running the railway after the unfortunate death of its owner, Sir Haydn Jones. The legacy steam engines propel passengers from Tywyn, a pretty coastal town on the fringes of the Snowdonia National Park, to Nant Gwernol hidden in the mountains above Abergynolwyn.
If you want an hour of uninterrupted views of the vast, green countryside in the presence of the rocky behemoth that is Cader Idris, hop on board and take the 7-mile journey from Tywyn through the ancient forests and foxglove-laden fields of the Fathew Valley. Settle in and relax in the covered carriages or choose an open-air one if the sun comes out. Once you’ve had your fill of scenery, turn your attention to the local wildlife and be on the lookout for various winged wonders including peregrine falcons, red kites, linnets, little owls, wheatears, cormorants and redstarts.
When the train stops in Abergynolwyn, Quarryman’s Caban (Welsh for cabin) offers a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks, including jacket potatoes, paninis, homemade cakes, alongside teas, coffees and alcoholic beverages. Grab a bite and then head out on one of the many trails in the area, exploring the beautiful southern tip of Snowdonia National Park.
Pre-booked dogs are welcome in both 1st and 3rd-class carriages and owners are asked to keep them off the seats and under control. A ticket for a dog is just £4 and they receive their very own doggie bag!
There is no charge for Guide/Assistance dogs and they are welcome in all station buildings and carriages.
Dolgoch Falls
Dolgoch Falls, a set of three magnificent waterfalls in a beautiful, wooded ravine, are served by Dolgoch Railway Station and many passengers alight here before re-joining the train later in the day (train service permitting).
The Dolgoch Estate was presented to the people of Tywyn and access is free (with donation boxes). There are various walks around the falls including a circular tour taking in all three levels of the falls. The falls are attractive at any time of year offering restful serenity beneath the trees. If the weather is wet, then the falls are even more stunning as the water thunders down. Please note that for all but the lower falls, the paths are steep with a lot of steps, so care should be taken.
Paddling pups will be in their element here, as there are lots of opportunities to get in the water and have a sniff around. You can let your dogs off their leads and allow them to explore and examine the gorge to their heart’s content.
Bird Rock
Bird Rock or 'Craig yr Aderyn' is renowned for its bird population and is believed to support the only regular inland breeding colony of cormorant in Wales. Over 60 pairs of cormorants nest on the crags, which represents around 1% of Britain’s breeding population.
However, it is the chough, an increasingly rare bird in Britain, which elevates Craig yr Aderyn to a site of international importance and affirms its designation as a Special Protection Area. As well as being an important breeding location, it is also a roosting site for choughs throughout the year. Non-breeders roost during the summer and traditionally high numbers are observed outside the breeding season. Birds using this site largely originate from Ceredigion and Montgomeryshire. A variety of other breeding bird species frequent the rock face, including barn owls, redstarts, peregrine falcons, wheatears, linnets and little owls.
Cader Idris
Cader (or Cadair) Idris is one of Wales’ most iconic mountains. Meaning ‘Chair of Idris’, it is about 893m in height, standing at the southern gate of Snowdonia, overlooking the town of Dolgellau.
The three peaks are Pen y Gadair Fawr (Head of the Chair), Cyfrwy (the Saddle) and Mynydd Moel (the Bare Mountain). In the cwm (valley) halfway down the mountain is Llyn Cau, a supposed bottomless glacial lake. There are numerous stories and legends associated with this mountain and Idris, the giant who takes residence here.
A few of the nearby lakes - such as Llyn Mwyngil (commonly known as Tal-y-Llyn lake) - are reputed to be bottomless, and those who venture up the mountain at night should take heed before sleeping on its slopes. Legend has it that those who sleep on the mountain will awaken either as a madman, a poet or indeed never wake again.
Tal-y-Llyn Lake
Tal-y-llyn Lake is located on a major fault line in Wales known as the Bala Fault, which extends from the Cheshire border to Tywyn on the Cardigan Bay coast.
The depression caused by this was likely carved out and deepened during subsequent glacial periods. Until 1962, Tal-y-Llyn Lake was regarded as the most southerly example of a lake formed in a rock basin, with a terminal moraine on top of the bedrock through which the river had carved a channel.
It is now understood that what appeared to be bedrock is, in fact, massive blocks of debris left by a large landslide. An enormous scar on the valley side to the left of the foot of the lake shows the source of the landslide, and another landslide a few miles downstream caused the River Dysynni to divert into the adjoining valley to the north.
Stay in a dog-friendly cottage in Aberdyfi/Aberdovey
After visiting these great dog-friendly attractions and taking in the sights of beautiful Mid-West Wales, having a place to call your home and rest up ready for the next day of adventures is of paramount importance. Browse our cosy and pet-friendly cottages and book your next adventure today.
Dog-friendly Aberdyfi cottages
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.