Bryn Araul Nr Dolgellau & Machynlleth

• A North Wales holiday cottage straight from a children's story book set in a magical location surrounded by woodlands.
• A real welcome awaits with fresh homemade Welsh cakes, cupcakes and a bottle of wine. Bird boxes and feeders around the cottage ensure birdsong throughout the year - nuthatches, nesting blue tits and even woodpeckers can be seen feeding.
• There are beach toys in the shed for long summer days and sledges for winter fun. Guests will love feeding the ducks and chickens in the owners' garden nearby.
• Pristine white interiors, bedrooms with simple crisp white bedding, 1930s fireplaces and pretty accessories. In the lounge a crackling log fire in the wood burner makes a cosy retreat - open the patio doors for an enchanting woodland atmosphere. Spend your evenings relaxing in the porch of this small woodland retreat and absorb the tranquil setting.

• Right from the doorstep of this North Wales woodland retreat follow the disused railway line down towards Dolgellau. Bring bikes and cycle quiet lanes to the newly renovated ancient hostelry, the Cross Foxes, for food and drink. Walk or cycle along the Mawddach Trail on one of the most sublime estuaries in Britain or for the more adventurous try the North Wales Precipice Walk and appreciate the Mawddach Estuary in its entirety.
  

• Visit the interesting old town of Dolgellau which has a lovely café culture. Try T.H. Roberts, a converted Edwardian emporium, now a stylish café for homemade soups, scrumptious cakes and good coffee. There are excellent restaurants in the town - 'Dylanwad Da' (good influences) is recommended - and a popular farmers market every 3rd Sunday in the month. Euro Spar on the fringes of the town - winner of the Independent Retailer of the Year 2012 - also supplies homemade fish pies and Indian takeaways.

Snowdonia National Park

• Discover breath taking mountain and coastal scenery, steam trains, excellent local produce, fascinating industrial heritage and exhilarating adventure activities.

• The 'Chair of Idris' with its glacial lakes, wooded gorges and spectacular summit is popular with walkers and hikers. A number of approaches lead to Pen y Gadair the 6.5 mile ridge at 2930 feet above sea level.  

• A forest park crisscrossed by spectacular mountain bike trails, walking routes and running trails suitable for all abilities. Beics Brenin within the forest offer bikes for hire and a full service bike shop. Visit the Forest Cafe for a wide selection of refreshments.

• The substantial ruins of this Cistercian Abbey founded in 1158, set in glorious countryside make an idyllic picnic spot or pleasant focus for a country walk.
  

• Fairbourne and Barmouth are a pleasant drive away with miles of golden sands at Barmouth and a smaller sandy beach at Fairbourne. Drive down to the lovely seaside resort of Aberdovey with candy coloured houses, long uncrowded beach and seaside atmosphere.

• There are stunning views from the course at the top of the hill in Dolgellau but more challenging are Aberdovey and Harlech's Royal St. Davids - both renowned throughout the golfing world.

• Set in the Cors Dyfi Reserve near Machynlleth an osprey nesting platform was erected in 2007. The project has grown in strength with a breeding pair, Monty and Glesni regularly using the platform to raise their chicks. Their fascinating activities can be viewed via the nest cam with film being broadcast in the small visitor centre on site.
  

• Go Green - at The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth which exhibits tools, devices and projects that work with nature rather than against it.

• King Arthur's Labyrinth is close by - children will love the spooky underground boat ride!

• Talyllyn Railway at Tywyn goes up the beautiful Dysynni Valley - stop off at Dolgoch Falls for the waterfall walk before returning. The famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are at Porthmadog - both go through Snowdonia National Park's best scenery.

• Nearby Bala has the biggest natural lake in Wales, perfect for all water sports and the world class white-water rafting centre is a short drive out of the town.

• Discover the natural beauty of Wales' largest island, Anglesey, a patchwork of rural tranquility surrounded by a spectacular rugged coastline dotted with myriad unspoiled beaches, tiny coves, sleepy harbours and scattered evidence of ancient occupation. The elegant town of Beaumaris with independent shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, galleries, museums, traditional pier and majestic castle are well worth a visit.