Cosy Snowdonia lodge, Y Felin – the ultimate rural weekend break in Wales
I knew a little about Snowdonia before we booked a long weekend there at the end of February half term. I’d heard tales of its beauty, its ancient rocks, extinct volcanoes rising out of the sea and the rare wildlife that lives in its secret valleys. I’d listened to stories of the people that live there, holders of the key to this mountainous land and unwavering in their duty to protect one of Britain’s most spectacular national parks. But I’m not sure I was quite prepared for the rugged, breath-taking beauty of this area in uncharacteristically warm February weather – it totally blew us away! Exploring from our cosy Snowdonia lodge, Y Felin, a gorgeous, remote mill in rural Wales, we lived out our wildest country living dreams. If you’re looking for a short break to Snowdonia, you will not be disappointed here!
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Cosy Snowdonia lodge holiday
If you can, drive in daylight to Y Felin, because the journey to this Snowdonia lodge is one hell of a photogenic road trip. We drove from Bristol, and I was blown away by how soon we hit rolling hills and open countryside on the other side of the Severn Bridge.
Those magnificent hills half silhouetted in darkness, half glowing orange in the afternoon sun, loomed alongside our car all the way to our destination in the southern part of Snowdonia National Park, finishing with a final fifteen minute flourish of wow factor alongside Tal-y-llyn lake.
Y Felin means ‘mill’ in Welsh and this bucolic water mill dates back to the 1600s. Snuggled between impossibly steep hills in 1200 acres of farmland – the house sits at the bottom of a dramatic glacial valley, slap bang next to the rushing Dysynni river.
Stepping out of the car, the first things that spark the senses are the sound of the river – it’s almost deafening but peaceful at the same time – quickly followed by the freshness of the air and its mossy scent. Kids do need to be watched near the river, it’s shallow but very fast flowing, with slippery stones. The lodge’s water actually comes from their very own mountain spring and – for extra safety – goes through a purification process in the Storage Room.
Inside cosy Snowdonia lodge, Y Felin
Inside, Y Felin is an upside down house (which delighted the kids no end) renovated tastefully using local oak, slate and stone. Downstairs there are three bedrooms – a kids room with two bunk beds, a double (with a cot provided by the owners on request) and a master bedroom with its own log burner (lighting it at night and falling asleep to the flickering flames and the sound of the stream was such a treat) and a bathroom – perfect for our two families of four.
Upstairs the lodge’s big windows make the most of the surrounding panoramic views and neighbouring river, though you’ll need to be sitting to see the tops of the hills as they’re just below eye-level. That’s no hard task though, there are three huge sofas on which you can soak up the scenery and get cosy next to the log burner (firewood from the farm is provided). There is further heating from an eco-friendly ground source pump.
The house is set up for good old fashioned family and friends time and there’s no WiFi or TV, just a ton of games (Draughts, Backgammon, Chess, Monopoly, Cluedo, jigsaw puzzles, lego and more), books, maps and guides plus a music system with iPod docking system (the old kind, so you’ll need an adapter if you have a new one…although we did leave ours there so you might be ok!) and a CD player.
Click here to check availability and book this cosy Snowdonia lodge
The kitchen has a big dining table and is very well stocked and you’ll find real coffee, sugar, tea, salt, pepper, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, spices and ingredients for the bread maker (amazing), which you are free to use. There was also a lovely lemon cake was waiting for us in the fridge when we arrived, a welcoming little touch.
Food – high quality and sustainable – is very important to the owners and before you arrive, they’ll give you plenty of information about how to order award-winning organic meat online, which can be delivered frozen, direct from Coombe Farm (we went for nitrate free bacon and four juicy steaks). You can also phone through an order (including fresh local fish, meat and bread) to the EuroSpar in Dolgellau, who are making a big effort to source local goods.
A door separates the open-plan living area and the end of the house with it’s handy little boots area and another gigantic, fabulous bathroom and wet-room-style shower with it’s own eye-level views to gaze over while you scrub. From here you can also exit onto your very own idyllic patio area beneath the dizzying Craig Coch slope, overlooking the hilly valley and stream one way, stone walls, farm gates and fields full of sheep the other. In fact the nearby farm raises up to 1500 lambs from 1100 ewes, so don’t be surprised if you get your very own sheepish visitor. A fire pit is also provided, so you can sit out until late and gaze up at the spectacular stars in the darkest of nights.
Things to do nearby
- Get salty at the seaside, Aberdyfi beach is about 15 minutes drive away, looks out to distant hills and is huge, with sand dunes to play in, fish and chips on hand, plus yachting and golf if you’re into that sort of thing.
- Hit the pub – I highly recommend eating at Riverside in the pretty village of Pennal between Machynlleth and Aberdyfi. It’s another 15-minute drive away, on the way back to Y Felin.
- Hop on the stupendously scenic Talyllyn Railway. Starting at Tywyn 9 miles away from Y Felin, the train runs the scenic route via Dolgoch falls to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol.
- Head out on a countryside hike from the cottage. The owners of Y Felin have thoughtfully left several maps with marked routes for walks that can be taken straight out of the back door of the holiday cottage.
- Explore an ancient castle, Castell Y Bere, built by Llywelyn Fawr in the 1200s, was the last Welsh castle to fall to the English and is a ‘demanding’ walk away from Y Felin.
- Get crafty at nearby Corris Craft Centre (on the right of the A487 as you drive from Talyllyn to Machynlleth).
- Explore underground slate caverns at King Arthur’s Labyrinth, book online to avoid disappointment.
Click here for more information on the activities above! Things to do in Snowdonia National Park
Click here to check availability and book this cosy Snowdonia lodge
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Love the eco-friendly vibes of this place? You might like to read about Finca de Arrieta, a super green eco village in Lanzarote.
Discover more family-friendly eco places to stay, recommended by fellow family travel bloggers in this brilliant post by TraveLynn Family.
TraveLynn Family
March 6, 2019What a gorgeous cottage! And what amazing weather you had – you’re photos are just stunning #familyfriendlystays
Mama Travels Earth
March 6, 2019Thank you so much! Yes it was just so beautiful, we really lucked out
Ruth Tudor
March 6, 2019I am Ruth the owner. Thank you so much for this – makes me very happy! I love it too.
Mama Travels Earth
March 6, 2019So pleased you like the review, we had such a lovely stay thank you!
pigeonpairandme
March 7, 2019We’ve found some nice places to stay on Home Away, too. Y Felin looks a bit special! Very much in keeping with the stunning scenery. Bookmarking it for later 🙂 #FamilyFriendlyStays
Mama Travels Earth
March 7, 2019Yes, I’d love to stay here again and do some more exploring!
Nicky@Go Live Young
March 8, 2019What a wonderful cottage! You had a great find there. We love Snowdonia, there is just so much to see and do. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav.
thetravellingwilbennetts
March 8, 2019OMG this is beautiful. What a great review – we are heading to the area at Easter (hoping to climb Snowdon for the first time) but can see lots of other great stuff to do. Will have to check out this amazing property #FamilyFriendlyStays
Mama Travels Earth
March 8, 2019Isn’t it? Thank you so much, ahhh i’m jealous of you going there at Easter! Good luck on climbing Snowdon – how exciting!!
TraveLynn Family
March 10, 2019Just revisiting again from #fearlessfamtrav. Watched your video again – you make me laugh – you’ve got some grooves gurl! 😉
Mama Travels Earth
March 10, 2019Ha ha! Thanks, I’m glad someone thinks so!!
Cath - Passports and Adventures
March 11, 2019Sounds like you had an amazing break in Snowdonia. My hubby and I used to go up every year and explore Snowdonia on his motorbike. But we’ve yet to return with our son. Your post and pictures are making me long to return! #fearlessfamtrav
bavariansojourn
March 11, 2019Soooo beautiful! It’s not somewhere I have visited before so now I am going to look at the calendar to see when we can! Love your photos! 🙂 #fearlessfamilytravel
Annabel Kirk
March 12, 2019This looks so lovely Angharad. I’m really quite tempted by this property and its location. I think that had to be the best Feb half term weather ever, your photos are stunning! We used to have family holidays to Aberdyfi when I was little, really happy memories! Thanks for linking up to #FamilyFriendlyStays
Mama Travels Earth
March 12, 2019Ahh thank you Annabel, yes I loved this place – both the property and surrounding area. Aberdyfi beach is lovely – lucky you!
Laura Schwormstedt
March 12, 2019Oh wow what a gorgeous cottage in one of my favourite parts of Wales – we love visiting Snowdonia and yes it makes for the perfect family outdoor inspired escape!! This place looks magical
Laura x
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
March 15, 2019Ahh it looks so peaceful there! I do love a welsh roadtrip, just a sort drive over the bridge and you’re in the most amazing countryside. You’ve made me to want to go back! #MondayEscapes
ilovedeverythingisawdotcom
March 19, 2019Wow! It looks unreal!! Your stay sounds incredibly blissful. I’m looking forward to going and exploring this part of Wales myself someday.
Mama Travels Earth
March 19, 2019Blissful is definitely the word! I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this area.
Daisy - Dais Like These
March 23, 2019Oh Y Felin looks wonderful! We have a holiday cottage in North Wales, just outside Snowdonia and I have to say it is one of my favourite parts of the world. I love the look of Aberdyfi, it’s not somewhere we’ve visited before but should add it to our list for sure.
Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes