We believe that our location in the Dyfi Valley has something to offer everyone. Here is a selection of what can be easily accessed from The Old Coach House.
- Angling (River and Sea)
- Bird- watching
- Centre for Alternative Technology
- Corris Mine Explorers
- Craft Centre
- Cycling
- Golf
- King Arthur’s Labyrinth
- Little Trains
- Mountain bike trails
- Quad Biking
- Street Markets
- Swimming (sea and leisure centres)
- Walking
Walking: The Old Coach House is situated on the southern edge of the Snowdonia National Park and it is an ideal location for exploring the magnificent mountains and hidden lakes of Mid Wales. Wonderful walking on the hills in the Dyfi Valley and beyond, with access toCadair Idris, Pumlumon Fawr, the Cambrian Mountains and the Aran Ranges only a short drive away gives walkers many, varied options.Glyndwr’s Way is 2 miles away, accessed at Cemmaes Road. The Ramblers’ Association has two local groups that would welcome visitors to join them on their varied walks programme.
Cycling: Mountain-biking aficionados are well served in the area. We are 17 miles from Coed-y-Brenin, a renowned centre within the Snowdonia National Park for mountain biking and 9 miles from the Machynlleth mountain bike trails. Dolgellau has a cycle hire shop (12 miles). For the less strenuous visitor. the beautiful Mawddach Trail – along the former railway line – begins at nearby Dolgellau. Following the Mawddach Estuary for ten miles, you will catch sight of many species of birds and wildlife as you walk or cycle to the impressive railway bridge leading into Barmouth. Alternatively, reserve a session on Quad-Bikes at Madian Quads. Why not try the adrenalin rush of rock-climbing and mountain-climbing under the expert instruction of Hew Gilbert.
Bird-watching: The area is a haven for bird watchers. Our garden attracts a wide range of birds, including goldfinches and woodpeckers. Buzzards are often seen circling overhead and occasionally red kites can be seen. You may even be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher on the river Dyfi that flows past the The Old Coach House. In recent years The Dyfi Osprey Project just outside Machynlleth has grown in popularity with the successful breeding of a pair of ospreys. The award winning 360 observation tower and boardwalk provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to see these impressive birds.
There are a number of significant Nature Reserves in our area including the RSPB Nature Reserve at Ynys-Hir and the Red Kite Centre at Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian where you can enjoy the spectacle of watching the daily feeding of these beautiful birds in a magnificent Forestry Commission setting.
Golf: Championship links courses at Harlech, Aberdyfi and Borth will provide an enjoyable challenge for all keen golfers. There are also picturesque and equally challenging nine-hole courses at Dolgellau and Machynlleth. All of these welcome visiting golfers.
Beaches: The beautiful beaches at Aberdyfi, Ynyslas, Borth and Barmouth are all easily accessible by car within half-an hour from The Old Coach House with many nautical activities available.
Machynlleth: Nine miles to the south west is Machynlleth – a fascinating town where ancient history and glimpses of the future combine. It was the ancient capital of Wales and the seat of Owain Glyndwr’s Parliament. A few miles from the town is the world-famous Centre for Alternative Technology. Near the Centre, at Corris, younger family members can enjoy the delights of King Arthur’s Labyrinth and explore an old slate mine www.corrismineexplorers.co.uk. Machynlleth owes much of its visual appeal to its setting in the beautiful Dyfi Valley. For more information on attractions in the area, visit www.dyfivalley.org.uk and www.dyfiactive.co.uk. The Dyfi River, famous for its salmon and sea trout, runs alongside the town spanned by a splendid stone bridge with five arches, built almost two centuries ago. On Wednesday, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the vibrant street market that has been held in the same street since 1291, browse around the craft shops or take a walk around the town trail. Y Tabernacl in Machynlleth houses a museum of modern art and frequently hosts a diverse range of musical entertainment.
Other local attractions: For history lovers, there are many castles to delight, including Harlech and Powys with its magnificent gardens. The River Dyfi, flowing past the Old Coach House, is a superb game fishing river with sea-trout and salmon to tempt all abilities of anglers. Six of the “Little Trains of Wales” are within easy reach for a delightful day out, including Tal-y-llyn and Welshpool. King Arthur’s Labyrinth will delight children and adults alike, while the Craft Centre at Corris is the perfect place to purchase that special gift. We are well served with charming local hostelries including The Penrhos (2 miles) at Cemmaes, The Brigand’s Inn (3 miles) in Mallwyd, and The Red Lion (4 miles) in Dinas Mawddwy that serve excellent food and outstanding real ale.
