It’s Sunday, the 21st of June, 2026. Happy Summer Solstice, everyone! If you’re reading this from a stifling office in London or a sweltering patio in the South East, I’ve got some news for you: you’re doing summer all wrong.
While the rest of the country is currently melting into their flip-flops, I’m sitting here at Rhiw Goch Inn (LL41 4UY) with a gentle mountain breeze coming off the Rhinogydd range, watching the sun take its sweet time to dip below the horizon. It’s glorious.
The travel industry has a fancy new word for this: "Coolcations." Apparently, the trend for 2026 is officially "ditching the 40-degree heatwaves of the Med for the refreshing altitudes of the mountains." Personally, I just call it "having a bit of sense."
I’ve been spending my evening wandering around the grounds here in Bronaber, checking on the progress of the 16th-century Inn renovation. We’re deep into restoring the old girl to her former glory: soon enough, that tavern will be the heart of the village again. But for now, our guests in The Lodge House and The Hideaway are reaping the rewards of this "coolcation" vibe.
If you’re planning a holiday in North Wales to escape the heat, here’s my personal guide to the best family activities, pubs, and hidden gems within an hour of our front gate.
1. The Ultimate Forest Chill: Coed y Brenin
Distance: 10 minutes (5 miles)
Address: Ganllwyd, Dolgellau LL40 2HZ
If you’ve got kids with more energy than a pack of border collies, you need to head south to Coed y Brenin Forest Park. It’s basically the mountain biking capital of the UK, but even if you aren’t a hardcore cyclist, the forest canopy keeps everything wonderfully cool.
I was down there last Tuesday, and the smell of the pine trees in the afternoon sun is something else. They’ve got world-class trails, but also some cracking walking routes along the river. It’s the perfect spot to tire the kids out before coming back to the Inn for a BBQ.
Peter’s Pro Tip: Rent an e-bike. Life’s too short to struggle up Welsh hills when technology can do the heavy lifting for you.
2. Going Underground: Zip World Llechwedd
Distance: 15 minutes (9 miles)
Address: Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB
Talk about a literal coolcation. When the sun is beating down on the slate peaks of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the best place to be is 500 feet underground. Zip World Llechwedd is an absolute staple for anyone staying at Rhiw Goch Inn.
You can take the Deep Mine Tour to learn about the history (and it’s a history I’m very fond of, given the 12th-century roots of our own property), or you can jump on "Bounce Below": which is essentially a giant subterranean trampoline park in a cavern the size of a cathedral. It stays a constant, refreshing temperature down there all year round.
3. Steam, Scenery, and a Bit of Soul: Ffestiniog Railway
Distance: 15 minutes to the station
Address: Blaenau Ffestiniog Station, LL41 3ES
There is nothing quite like the sound of a steam whistle echoing through the valley. The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest narrow-gauge railway in the world, and it runs right through some of the most spectacular scenery in Snowdonia.
I love taking the train down to Porthmadog. You get to sit back, let the breeze blow through the carriage, and watch the landscape shift from rugged mountains to coastal estuaries. It’s a slow-paced way to see the area, and for me, that’s what a holiday in North Wales is all about: slowing down.
4. Where to Eat & Drink (The "Peter-Approved" List)
You can’t have a proper holiday without knowing where the good grub is. While we’re working hard on getting our own tavern open (watch this space!), here are my local haunts:
- The Grapes Hotel (Maentwrog, LL41 4EB): Just a 10-minute drive away. This is a classic 17th-century coaching inn. The outdoor seating area by the river is elite on a warm June evening. Great for a proper steak or a cold pint of Welsh ale.
- The Cross Foxes (Dolgellau, LL40 2SG): About 15 minutes south. It’s a bit more "boutique," but the food is exceptional. If you want a "posh" dinner after a day of hiking, this is your spot.
- The Brondanw Arms (Garreg, LL48 6ER): Also known as 'The Ring'. It’s about 20 minutes away and tucked into the beautiful Brondanw estate. It’s got that authentic, slightly eccentric Welsh vibe that I absolutely love.
5. Sunset at Llyn Trawsfynydd
Distance: 5 minutes (2 miles)
Address: Trawsfynydd, LL41 4UP
Right on our doorstep is Llyn Trawsfynydd. It’s a massive reservoir with a walk that goes all the way around (about 8 miles if you’re feeling ambitious). On a night like tonight: the longest day of the year: the reflections on the water are mind-blowing.
I often take a stroll down there just to clear my head. There’s a narrow footbridge that crosses the lake which is a prime spot for photos. If you're staying in our Hideaway apartment, you actually get these views right from your window, but there's something special about being down by the water as the light fades.
Why Rhiw Goch Inn is the "Coolest" Basecamp
When Leticia and I first looked at Rhiw Goch, we knew it was special. It’s not just the history: though being part of a site that dates back to the 12th century is a hell of a responsibility: it’s the location. We are perfectly positioned on the A470, making us the gateway to both the high peaks of Snowdon and the quiet beauty of the Rhinogydd.
Whether you’re staying in The Lodge House (with that luxury cast iron bath: perfect for soaking sore legs after a mountain walk) or you’re pitched up on our campsite watching the sheep graze, there’s a sense of peace here that you just don't find in the big tourist hubs.
Our campsite has 5 electric pitches and plenty of space for tents. I was chatting with a couple from Manchester this morning who were amazed at how quiet it is. "Peter," they said, "we can actually hear the birds." That’s the Rhiw Goch magic.
Upcoming Events to Watch Out For
If you’re heading this way later in June or July:
- Mend Our Mountains: Keep an eye out for volunteer days in late June. It’s a great way to give back to the National Park we all love.
- Local Farmers Markets: Dolgellau usually has a great market on the third Sunday of the month: perfect for grabbing some local Welsh lamb for the BBQ.
Final Thoughts from the Inn
The "coolcation" trend might be a new buzzword, but the draw of the North Wales mountains is timeless. There’s a reason people have been coming to this specific spot in Trawsfynydd for centuries. It’s rugged, it’s real, and it’s a hell of a lot cooler than the city right now.
So, if you’re ready to trade the heatwave for a hike and a pint in the mountains, come and see us. We’ve still got some availability for late summer, but things are booking up fast as people realise that Snowdonia is the place to be in 2026.
Check our latest availability and book your stay at www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk.
See you at the Inn!
: Peter Dive
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