Spend a holiday in the foothills of Cadair Idris, a land steeped in myth and mystery. Where King Arthur and Merlin, according to legend, once walked. Where the locals still speak a language older than Latin.
This area is ideal for walking, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, or just relaxing watching and listening to the wildlife.
There is a trout lake just 10 minutes walk from the cottage, a mountain biking centre at Coed y Brennin, 10 miles away. pony trecking at Bwlch Gwyn Farm near Fairbourne.
The area has a wealth of history and beauty. Visit the slate mines at Blaenau Ffestiniog, King Arthurs Labyrinth, the craft centre at Corris and the alternative technology centre. There is the castle at Harlech, and the ruined Cymmer Abbey just outside Dolgellau. There are mountains to climb, Cadair Idris is on the doorstep, and Snowdon is about an hours drive away. It is said that on a clear day the mountains of Ireland can be seen from the summit of Cadair.
The stone bridge above Arthog can be found by walking up the road between the houses in the village, or by walking across the fields from the cottage. Nearby is a circle of stones believed to have once been a bronze age round house, and about half a mile away is a stone circle. There are many standing stones (menhirs) and barrows in this part of Wales. The old farm nearby, Pant y Llan, is believed to take its name from the site of an old monastic building which may have been on a ramped area above the farm many years ago.
The precipice walk above Dolgellau gives spectacular views along the valley.
Creggennan lakes are 10 minutes walk from the cottage, the smaller lake is stocked, and the larger lake is wild. Fishing permits can be obtained from the farm above the lake, Ffridd Boedal. The hill above the lake is the ''Pared y Gefnhir'' it is from this hill that the house and cottage get their name.
Arthog falls can be reached from the footpath opposite the church in Arthog.
The Blue Lake above Fairbourne is an old reservoir, and the water is truly blue. It can be reached from Ffordd Panteinion, Friog. (opposite the telephone exchange) Parking can be difficult, but a few hundred yards up the road is a gate and style on the right, follow the path, it is quite steep, and it will lead to the blue lake. The water is always blue and ice cold!
The Mawddach estuary in the snow, viewed from below the house
Creggennan Lake frozen over and covered in snow with the mountain in the background. Sometimes the snow can be 18 inches deep.
Gefnir nestling under the mountain in the snow.
