Dolawel Holiday Cottage

The self catering cottage overlooks the Moelwyn Mountains, with the Rhiniog and Cader Idis mountains in the distance. Situated within the Snowdonia Mountains, the small town was once a thriving slate mining area and became known as the capital of the slate industry in Wales and as ’the town that roofed the world’. Originally the slate was man-handled, carted, and then rafted down the river to Porthmadog, were ships transported it to its final destination. The town of Porthmadog owes much of its prosperity and growth to the slate industry of the area. The growing trade of slate and a greater demand as the industrial revolution began required a more efficient way of transporting material and people to and from the coast and so the Ffestiniog narrow gauge railway was built. It is now the world’s oldest passenger carrying narrow gauge railway. Fully restored and open to the public, it carries its passengers through the spectacular scenic countryside from Blaenau to Porthmadog on the coast.

Blaenau Ffestiniog is surrounded by beautiful landscape with scenic views and is geographically close to the centre of the Snowdonia National Park. The area is ideally suited for sight seeing, walking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing and golf. It is an excellent base for touring North Wales.Footpaths close to the cottage lead to the Moelwyn mountains and other low level walks. Nearby are Manod Mawr and Bach mountains and the hidden Manod Lake, providing picturesque walks.

The two main places of interest locally are the Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway and Llechwedd Slate Caverns. There are Copper Mines, Portmeirion Village, Power Stations, Castles, Woollen Mills and beaches that can be visited. There is game and sea fishing (salmon and trout licences are available to visitors on a daily and weekly basis). There are numerous historical sites, lakes, cwms and waterfalls; all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains.


British Rail and Ffestiniog Railway run regular services to and from the town. Frequent bus services connect many of the local towns and places of interest in the area. The town has three supermarkets, variety of shops, pubs and places to eat. There are also churches and chapels of all denominations within the town.

Visit the busy town of Portmadoc or Harlech with its beautiful sandy beach.

An ideal holiday retreat all the year round.