If you’ve spent any time at Rhiw Goch Inn, you know that I’m a bit of a sunset obsessive. There is something about the way the light hits the Rhinogydd mountains, turning the peaks into silhouettes against a sky that looks like it’s been painted by someone who’s had one too many sherries, that just stops you in your tracks.
Being the owner of a 16th-century inn that’s currently undergoing a massive (and sometimes exhausting!) renovation since the fire in 2018, I spend a lot of time thinking about what makes a perfect evening. While we’re busy restoring the old tavern to its former glory, complete with that future games room I keep promising, I’ve made it my personal mission to scout out the best places for our guests to grab a pint and watch the day disappear.
Whether you’re staying in The Lodge House, crashing in the cozy Hideaway Bed, or pitching a tent at our Snowdonia campsite, you’re perfectly positioned for some of the best "golden hour" spots in North Wales.
So, put down the hiking boots, grab your sunglasses, and let’s talk about the five sunset pubs within a short drive of LL41 4UY that everyone is raving about.
1. The Rhiw Goch Inn (Our Very Own Front Row Seat)
Postcode: LL41 4UY
Distance from your lodge: 0 minutes (You’re already here!)
I might be biased, but you really can’t beat the view from our own grounds. While the main inn is still a work-in-progress (trust me, the 16th-century stone walls are stubborn!), the sunsets from the Rhiw Goch grounds are legendary.
I often stand out by the wildflower meadow near The Hideaway Bed and watch the sun dip directly behind the Rhinogydd mountains. It’s quiet, it’s vast, and because we’re tucked away in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, there’s no light pollution to ruin the show. If you’re staying in The Lodge House, you can literally watch the sky turn pink from the comfort of your underfloor-heated living room. It’s the ultimate "holiday North Wales" experience without having to find your car keys.
2. The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog
Address: Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4EB
Distance: 10-minute drive
Just down the road from us is The Grapes Hotel. This place is a classic. It’s one of the oldest inns in Wales, and walking inside feels like stepping back in time, much like Rhiw Goch. They’ve got a fantastic outdoor seating area that looks out across the Vale of Ffestiniog.
What I love about The Grapes is the atmosphere. It’s got that "hiker-friendly" vibe where no one cares if your boots are a bit muddy. When the sun starts to set over the valley, the light filters through the trees and hits the stone buildings in a way that’s just… well, it’s why people move to Wales. The food is proper pub grub: huge portions that are perfect after a day of mountain biking at Coed y Brenin Forest Park.
3. The Cross Foxes, Trawsfynydd
Address: Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4UP
Distance: 3-minute drive
This is your closest "local" if you want to pop into the village of Trawsfynydd. The Cross Foxes is a traditional Welsh pub through and through. It sits right near Llyn Trawsfynydd, the largest lake in North Wales.
If you want a truly spectacular sunset, I recommend grabbing an early dinner at the Cross Foxes and then taking the 2-minute stroll down to the lake shore. Seeing the sunset reflected in the still water of the lake with the mountains in the background is something you’ll be posting on Instagram for weeks. It’s peaceful, authentic, and exactly what a holiday in North Wales should feel like.
4. The Oakley Arms Hotel, Tan-y-Bwlch
Address: Tan-y-Bwlch, Maentwrog, LL41 3YU
Distance: 12-minute drive
The Oakley Arms has one of the most impressive terraces in the area. It’s elevated, giving you a panoramic view of the mountains and the Dwyryd estuary in the distance.
I’ve spent many an evening here "researching" (that’s what I tell Leticia, anyway) the best local ales. The terrace faces west, meaning you get the full force of the sunset. It’s a bit more formal than a standard pub, making it a great choice if you’re staying at the Lodge House for a special occasion or a romantic getaway. Pro tip: try to snag a table by the edge of the terrace about 45 minutes before sunset.
5. The Cross Foxes, Brithdir (Near Dolgellau)
Address: Dolgellau, LL40 2SG
Distance: 18-minute drive
Don’t confuse this one with the one in Traws! This Cross Foxes is located at the foot of Cadair Idris. It’s a bit more of a "destination" gastropub, but the drive from Rhiw Goch is stunning, taking you through some of the most beautiful parts of the A470.
The views here are world-class. Because it sits at a crossroads high up in the hills, you get a sense of the scale of Snowdonia. The sun sets over the Mawddach estuary area, and the colours are incredible. It’s the kind of place where you order a nice bottle of wine, sit back, and realize that life is actually pretty good. It’s a great stop if you’ve been exploring the shops in Dolgellau or finishing a walk on the Precipice Path.
Why Stay With Us?
After you’ve chased the sun across the park, there is nothing better than coming back to the tranquility of Rhiw Goch Inn.
- Direct Access: We are perfectly positioned on the A470, making all these spots (and the Snowdon walks) incredibly easy to reach.
- Unique History: You’re staying on a site that has welcomed travelers since the 12th century. I like to think I’m just the latest in a long line of people making sure you have a good night's sleep.
- Modern Comfort: Whether it's the luxury cast iron bath in the Lodge or the sunset views from the Hideaway, we’ve built these spaces to be your sanctuary.
I’m working hard on the restoration of the main Inn: the fire was a blow, but the history of this place is worth saving. Every time a guest books a stay at our holiday apartments, it helps us get one step closer to opening those tavern doors again.
So, come for the sunsets, stay for the peace, and maybe I’ll see you out on the grounds with a camera in hand, trying to catch that perfect glow over the Rhinogydd.
Ready to book your Snowdonia escape?
Check our availability for The Lodge House, The Hideaway, or our Campsite over at www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk.
See you soon,
Peter Dive
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