Dog-friendly walks in and around Aberdovey/Aberdyfi

A vast landscape of salt flats, dunes, scrub, farm and woodland, Aberdyfi (also known as Aberdovey) provides a tapestry of wonderful habitats to discover on a walk with your four-pawed best friend by your side.

Soak in captivating, far-reaching views of the town and the sea beyond, pass by magical waterfalls, or navigate the coastline as you tackle one of these wonderful walking routes.

What are you waiting for? If you’re ready to stretch your legs on a dog walking holiday to Wales, browse our collection of pet-friendly holiday cottages in Aberdyfi.

Then grab the lead, pull on your walking shoes and head out on one of these dog-friendly walks in Aberdyfi. But before you go, please familiarise yourself with the Countryside Code and help protect this remarkable corner of Wales.

Aberdyfi/Aberdovey Panorama Walk

Best for incredible views of Aberdyfi

Follow this Aberdyfi/Aberdovey Panorama Walk for fantastic scenery as you explore. The 4-mile trail will take you high above Aberdyfi, with views of the Dyfi Estuary, Borth and Aberystwyth.

1. Turn right from the Aberdyfi Tourist Information Centre then take the first left onto Copperhill Street.
2. Follow Copperhill Street, walk under the railway bridge, and take the first footpath on the left. This footpath climbs steeply uphill and is joined by a second footpath. Take a sharp right onto this path which gradually opens up into a wide tarmacked road.
3. Continue on, before passing between houses to join another road. Cross over the road and you’ll arrive at a wooden gate. After the gate, the path is fairly well marked.
4. Turn left and, as the path takes you steadily upwards, scenic coastal views will appear. Follow this path around the edge of a field to a stile.
5. Cross over and continue along the path, following a fence to your left. You’ll pass through another stile before descending to reach an arrow to the right of Trefeddian Farm.
6. Cross the stream by the sign, pass through the gate and turn left.
7. Pass through another waymarked gate and turn right. Just under 15 metres down the path, a small footbridge will lead you over the stream. Cross the stile ahead.
8. Follow the footpath uphill through a field. You’ll soon pass by the derelict stone buildings of Trefeddian-fach. When the path joins a larger track, turn left. A tarmac lane leads you down through Cwm Safn-ast.
9. When you arrive at the cemetery, take the gate opposite. Turn left and pass through a second gate onto the coast road. Cross over, heading slightly right, and follow the waymarked trail down to the railway.
10. Go through the gates and cross the railway. Be careful to keep an eye and ear out for approaching trains.
11. When you arrive at the T junction, you are at the Aberdyfi Golf Course section of this route and have two options – both of which will take you back into Aberdyfi:

1. Turn left at the junction and follow the path. When it veers right, continue straight on alongside the railway, until you join another track. After Trefeddian Hotel, turn left to pass through the railway level crossing and reach the main road. Turn right to return to the Tourist Information Centre.

2. Go straight ahead and cross a wooden walkway to the beach. Turn left to return to Aberdyfi. This path is slightly longer but offers wonderful sea views and the chance to spot a WW2 pillbox.

Dolgoch Falls Walk

Best for an Aberdyfi waterfall walk

Discover a series of three enchanting waterfalls on the Dolgoch Falls Walk, an easy 1-mile walk with steps and steep sections.

There are many caves to spot along the route too, although they are dark with shallow water so please do not enter, and keep a close eye on children nearby. The best time to see the falls is after heavy rain, although expect to come across mud and slippery sections during this time too.

As you explore, look out for the information posts that include delightful poems from Bryncrug Primary School.

1. Beginning at the Dolgoch Falls Hotel car park, pass through a gate onto the signposted trail and strike out alongside the pretty river.
2. You’ll pass under a railway viaduct and soon approach the Lower Falls where you’ll find a viewing platform. Just left of the falls, you’ll spot the entrance to an old mine. This first section of the trail is suitable for wheelchair users.
3. Continue on along the footpath. When it splits in two, take the right-hand route that follows the river.
4. A set of stone steps leads up to the Middle and Upper Falls (Rhaeadr Uchaf). Take care as these steps can get slippery, especially after rain.
5. You’ll soon arrive at the Middle Falls viewing point. Take a moment to rest and soak in the beautiful waterfalls, before continuing on up the steep path to the Upper Falls.
6. Here there is a picnic area, so bring along a packed lunch to enjoy with a view of the Upper Falls.
7. You can return the way you came or, to avoid the stone steps, follow the path through woodland until you reach a bridge.
8. Cross the river and follow the trail which will lead you back to the Lower Falls. Rejoin the tarmacked path to return to the Dolgoch Falls Hotel car park.

Roman Road and Picnic Island Aberdovey/Aberdyfi

Best for a coastal walk in Aberdyfi

While this route is neither Roman nor a road, it’s certainly a wonderful pick for a coastal stroll with fantastic estuary views for much of the way.

The Roman Road and Picnic Island Aberdovey/Aberdyfi takes you along a path carved out of local mudstone set high above the sea, thought to have originally been created for horses and carriages.

1. Beginning at Aberdyfi Beach, follow the main road east through town to Penhelig Railway Station. You’ll spot the Yacht Club, Lifeboat Station, a jetty and the Literary Institute.
2. Turn right opposite the Penhelig Arms Hotel through Penhelig Park Gardens. This will lead you onto the so-called ‘Roman Road’ that navigates the shoreline to Picnic Island, offering great estuary views along the way. Plan ahead as this route is submerged during high tide, and keep dogs on a close lead.
3. To return from Picnic Island, head back the way you came, then join a path set around 20 metres after Penhelig Arms Hotel, keeping to the left.
4. Steps lead up to another path with further captivating views over the estuary and village.
5. When you reach Aberdyfi Hillside Village, turn right to climb more steps. The path beyond continues up and provides more fantastic village and sea views – make sure you bring your camera to snap a few photos of the wonderful sights on this route.
6. Continue to the gravel road, then turn left to walk down to the crossroad. Turn left at the crossroad and the route will lead you back into Aberdyfi village centre.

Coed y Brenin Forest Park - Forest Visitor Centre

Best for an off-lead walk in Snowdonia

Ready to let your dog off the lead for a run-around during your holiday? Coed y Brenin Forest Park is a great choice for a walk and a game of fetch.

There’s a mix of forest, heathland and steams all across the park, so there’s plenty for your canine companion to get stuck into on a doggy day out.

Begin your day at the Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre so you can pick your route. There’s a choice of waymarked walking paths and mountain bike trails – so do be mindful of bikes rushing by. Two of the walking trails are suitable for off-road mobility scooters, and if you have children with you, there are also children’s play areas and picnic areas.

When you’re done, you can hunt out a fresh bowl of water by the shop or the café balcony for your pup. Dogs are also welcome inside the café.

Please keep your dog under close control, clean up after your canine and be sure to put your pup back on a lead if it’s requested.

Dog-friendly cottages in Aberdyfi

Inspired to begin planning your dog-friendly holiday to Aberdyfi? This beautiful destination has plenty of places for an adventure with your dog by your side, so take a look through our collection of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Aberdyfi and book your next Wales coastal escape.