Riverside Cottage (Bwthyn ger yr afon in Welsh), is a tranquil private cottage within the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and close to the Mawddach trail. It is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts close to woodland, beaches, mountains & lakes.
We love the outdoors, especially the animals we are able to observe and share it with. Sitting outside and listening to the bubbling river Gwynant flow by whilst taking in the surroundings and all the noises of the wildlife is uplifting for the soul, you may even be lucky and spot the dippers as they fly past under the bridge.
The cottage is ideally located; if you wish you can just walk from it and reach a lot of wonderful places. The drive down through the California redwoods is spectacular and we love Abergwynant woods which are a short walk down the road from the cottage. Abergwynant woods are stunning and wonderful to explore. They are tranquil with lots of bird life; including blackcaps, great spotted woodpeckers and flycatchers to name a few. A short distance away you reach the open estuary of the Mawddach trail, from here plenty of waders and other wildlife can be seen. If you are feeling energetic you could carry on walking and cross the Barmouth viaduct into the town to refresh and treat yourself!
If you want to you can jump in your car and go explore the many magnificent sights the area has. Within a short distance there are mountains, lakes, beaches, wooded valleys and stunning views, and approximately an hour away the stunning Yr Wyddaf (Mount Snowdon). During the breeding season, you can visit osprey nests at visitor centres and see the wildlife superstars of the area! For those who like mechanical birds, the Mach Loop is a 12 minute drive away and aircraft can often be heard passing over the area.
Dolgellau the local town, is only a 10 minute drive and has stores you can stock up in, as well as places to browse around, and eateries to relax and recharge in.
The cottage itself has ample parking, whilst inside there is all the equipment you need to ensure your stay is cozy and comfortable.
The cottage has two bedrooms; the first with a king sized bed, and the second which, is accessed through the first bedroom, with a small double. We are trying to make Riverside Cottage as sustainable as we can, so all bedding and soft furnishings are filled with wool. This includes the duvets, pillows and cushion inserts. Wool is not only more sustainable, it also has excellent thermo-regulation properties helping keeping you warm or cool as needed.
The living area has a sofa and two comfy chairs, each chair with their own footstool, our resident sheep Aber and Gwyn! There is a TV in the living and first bedroom, fast WiFi throughout the cottage and two USB charging plugs for those who would like to use them. The cottage is heated by electric radiators as well as an electric stove. There is a fridge-freezer in the living room, and a dining area from which you can look out on the garden and river.
The cottage has a well equipped kitchen and guests will be provided with an inventory ahead of their trip so they can plan accordingly. The bathroom has a bath and electric shower and all guests will be provided with a bath towel and face towel.
Outside there are three different seating areas; a picnic table near the river, a table and chairs to sit and enjoy the garden, and a love seat to relax in by the front porch. In time we are hoping to add a hide in the garden to help visitors have the chance to observe more closely the wildlife around us.
We would love to welcome you to our nature heaven; it is a truly magical place to relax and enjoy all Wales has to offer.
** PLEASE KINDLY NOTE before making an enquiry:
*Booking is from Saturday to Saturday only, with arrival from Saturday 4pm onwards, and departure by Saturday 10am prompt. If you wish to arrive later and depart earlier that is fine, however, the fee will be for the full week.
*The property is strictly no smoking, no vaping & no e-cigarettes throughout.
*Due to the proximity of the river, we are not accepting bookings with children under the age of 14.
*As we are looking to establish a strong relationship with the wildlife that visits our garden, we are not currently accepting bookings with pets.
*Due to the cottage having steps down to the kitchen and bathroom it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
* There are no facilities at the cottage for the charging of electric vehicles, thank you. Charging points can be found locally at Dolgellau and Barmouth.