There’s a specific moment every evening here at Rhiw Goch Inn that I never get tired of. The sun starts its slow dip toward the Irish Sea, the Rhinogydd mountains turn a shade of purple that looks like someone’s gone a bit heavy on the Instagram filters, and the air gets that crisp, mountain bite.
I usually find myself leaning against the stone walls of our 16th-century inn: currently under a massive restoration project (don't mind the scaffolding, it's all part of the charm!): with a drink in hand. If you’re staying in The Lodge House or our Hideaway Bed apartment, you know exactly the vibe I’m talking about.
But as much as I love my little corner of Trawsfynydd (LL41 4UY), I know you lot want to get out and explore. Whether you’re here for a holiday in North Wales with the kids or you’re a couple of mountain bikers looking for a post-trail pint, I’ve pulled together my personal "best of" list. These are the spots within an hour’s drive that I actually visit when I’m not busy managing the renovations or making sure the campsite grass is just the right length.
1. The Ultimate Sundowner Ritual
Look, I might be biased, but the best place for a sunset drink is right here on our campsite. Grab a chair, a cold one, and just watch the light play over the valley.
However, if you fancy a change of scenery:
- The Cross Foxes, Trawsfynydd (LL41 4SA): Just a two-minute hop from us. It sits right by Llyn Trawsfynydd, the largest lake in North Wales. There’s something special about the light reflecting off the water as the day ends.
- The Grapes Hotel, Maentwrog (LL41 4HY): About 10 minutes away. It’s a classic, atmospheric coaching inn. If the weather’s nice, their outdoor seating is a prime spot for a sunset ale.
2. Family Adventures (That Won’t Stress You Out)
If you’ve got the kids in tow, you need activities that burn energy without requiring a three-day recovery period. Here are my top picks within a 30-40 minute radius of Rhiw Goch Inn:
- Coed y Brenin Forest Park (LL40 2HZ): This is the holy grail for mountain bikers, but it’s also fantastic for families. They have waymarked walking trails and a brilliant play area. If you’re staying with us, you’re perfectly positioned for easy access to these trails.
- Zip World Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog (LL41 3NB): About 20 minutes north. If your kids (or you) have a death wish: I mean, a love for adrenaline: this is it. Bounce Below is a massive subterranean trampoline park in a slate cavern. It’s weird, it’s loud, and the kids will sleep for ten hours afterward. Win-win.
- Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway (LL41 3ES): A bit more relaxed. You can hop on a steam train in Blaenau Ffestiniog and ride it down to Porthmadog. It’s a great way to see the scenery without having to navigate narrow Welsh lanes yourself.
- Harlech Castle & Beach (LL46 2YH): About 30-40 minutes away. You get a massive medieval castle (world-class stuff) and a huge sandy beach. It’s the quintessential holiday in North Wales day out.
3. Where to Get a Proper Feed
After a day of hiking or biking, you need more than a packet of crisps. Here are the local pubs that I swear by:
- Y Pengwern, Llan Ffestiniog (LL41 4PB): A community-run pub with loads of character. It feels like stepping back in time, and the locals are actually friendly (unlike some tourist traps!).
- The Bryn Arms, Gellilydan (LL41 4EN): Only a few miles from our gate. Great, hearty pub food and a very welcoming vibe.
- Cross Foxes, near Dolgellau (LL40 2SG): If you want something a bit more "upmarket" for a date night or a treat, this is the one. It’s about 15-20 minutes south on the A470 and consistently wins awards for its food.
4. Hidden Gems: The Places the Tour Buses Skip
Since it’s June, the main paths on Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) can get a bit… crowded. If you want a bit of peace and quiet near your Snowdonia holiday accommodation, try these:
- Cwm Nantcol: A stunning valley near Shell Island. It has a hidden waterfall (Nantcol Waterfalls) that’s great for a wild swim if you’re brave enough.
- The Roman Steps (Rhinogydd): If you fancy a challenge, head into the Rhinogydd mountains. It’s much more rugged and quiet than the northern peaks. You might even spot some wild goats.
- Barmouth Estuary Walk: Instead of just going to Barmouth for the chips, walk across the iconic railway bridge. The views up the Mawddach Estuary are some of the best in the UK.
What’s On This June?
If you’re lucky enough to be staying with us right now (early June 2026), there’s a lot happening in the area:
- Slateman Triathlon (June 14, 2026): Based in Llanberis, about 45 minutes away. Even if you aren't competing (and let's be honest, I'm definitely not), the atmosphere is electric.
- Dragon Boat Festival (June 20, 2026): Head over to Llyn Padarn for some charity racing. It’s a great family day out with stalls and music.
- Gottwood Festival (June 11-14, 2026): Over on Anglesey. If you’re looking for some underground electronic music in a woodland setting, it’s worth the hour-ish drive.
Why Rhiw Goch Inn?
I moved here because I fell in love with this view. Whether you're pitching a tent on one of our five electric pitches or tucking into the king-size bed in The Lodge House, you're getting an authentic Welsh experience. We’re right on the A470, making us the perfect base to explore everything from the slate mines of Blaenau to the beaches of Harlech.
We’re a work in progress: the 16th-century inn restoration is a labor of love: but our guests are part of that story.
Ready to book your next escape?
Head over to www.rhiwgochinn.co.uk to check availability for our apartments and campsite. See you at sunset!
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