Things to do in Aberdovey / Aberdyfi

Aberdovey is where the sea meets the mountains. We’re at the end of the Dyfi estuary, where the river flows into the sea. Look in one direction and you’ve got a gorgeous beach, look in the other and you’ll see the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance. If you come here you won’t just find peace and quiet – you’ll also have access to some of the best wild adventures the land and sea can offer!

Barbecues on the beach

You’d be hard pressed to find a nicer sandy beach than Aberdovey. It starts off on a little jetty and then goes on for miles and miles. The further you walk, the quieter it gets. It takes a couple of minutes to walk to the beach from our shop and you’ll often find me there on my lunch break. We’re a small village and everything’s in easy reach – from cafés and pubs to small local shops and art galleries. Buy some fresh fish from Dai’s stall at the harbour then have a barbecue out on the sands or at nearby Church Bay.

Get out on the water

We’ve got every kind of water sport here – from kite-surfing and paddle boarding to kayaking and yachting. Surfing is my passion, although it’s not always easy to get the right conditions. If you want to give it a try, Cemetery Beach is your best bet. Paddle boarding is a great activity for the whole family. The calm waters at Church Bay are brilliant, or have a relaxing paddle inland alongside the old Roman road – you might even spot a sea otter! Round off your adventure with a trip to the Penhelig Arms.

Put on your walking boots

The footpaths around Aberdovey hug the coast. The walking is easy, and the views are stunning. Walk up to the old bandstand that sits above the town for amazing views across Aberdovey and the water beyond. It’s a gorgeous four-mile walk along the Cardigan Bay coastline to Tywyn and once you get there you can catch the Talyllyn Railway. This little steam train takes you inland all the way to Nant Gwernol, where you can enjoy some gorgeous walking trails. My favourite is the Cascade Trail that follows the crystal-clear stream uphill. It’s like a fairy glen up there! Afterwards head to Caffi’r Ceunant at Abergynolwyn. They do the best Sunday roasts.

Go hiking or biking

Walk up into the hills surrounding Aberdovey and enjoy the gorgeous views back down the valley. While you’re here you must visit the mystical Bearded Lake – Llyn Barfog in Welsh. It’s the source of many local legends. For mountain climbing, head to Cadair Idris. Less experienced walkers can easily make it to the beautiful blue glacial lake, Llyn Cau, that sits halfway up the mountain. From here it’s a steep climb to the summit. It gets a bit hairy at times, so make sure you’ve got proper hiking boots and clothes for all weathers. I fill the pockets of my cargo shorts with everything I need before I start the climb. On a good day, you can see the very top and bottom of Wales. If you prefer your adventures on two wheels, then the mountain biking at Coed-y-Brenin is fantastic. They’ve got something for every level – from scary black runs to great trials for kids.

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