If you're staying at Dolgellau, you have to ride the B4405 past Tal Y llyn Lake (
N52 40.051 W3 54.334) to Tywyn - it must be one of the best roads we took earlier in the Summer. There's a pub at the end of the lake where you can stop off for a shandy and a sandwich while admiring one of the best views in Wales.
If you have time, stop off at Castell Y Bere (
N52 40.029 W3 57.786) which is very impressive, but you have to walk up to the castle ruins to really appreciate how smart it is. Its an easy 10 mins walk, and well worth it.
If you find yourself in nearby Machynlleth with a bit of time to spare, you may want to visit the first and last Welsh parliaments in Welsh history in the town centre and on the A489. I dont have the exact co-ordinates, but if you go to
N52 35.446 W3 50.986 just look for a 600 yr old stone building.
It was set up in 1404 by Owain Glyndwr a national hero ever since he rose up against the occupying English who apparently for years had imposed draconian anti-Welsh laws, which stayed in place until the accession to the English throne of Henry VII, a Welshman.
Don't forget that its traditional for every "Essex boy" to march into
every town centre pub on a Saturday night, and to entertain the locals with ancient stories of how the country was occupied, and how badly some of the local peasants were treated. The locals will show their appreciation by buying you drinks for the night
