Things To Do...
There is certainly no shortage of things to do in the local area, especially if you like the outdoors - and who wouldn't with the magnificent scenery of the Snowdonia National Park surrounding The Escape!
Within a short distance of The Escape there are a large variety of interesting and exciting places to visit. Whether you fancy an active day out, a leisurely stroll or a trip back in time on a historical journey there is something nearby to suit everyone.
There are lots of wonderful walks, cycle routes and mountain bike trails, some of which you can do straight from our door!
There is also a championship golf course at Aberdovey, Kite & Windsurfing, Fishing and Pony Trekking.
At the Escape we have tried to cater for the needs of walkers and bikers by adding extra facilities to make your stay more comfortable...
- Drying room for wet or damp clothes
- Secure bike storage room with bike locks
- Outside sink and power washer for cleaning down bikes, golf clubs or other equipment
- Packed lunches and flasks of hot / cold drinks (available by prior arrangement)
- Books, maps, guides and leaflets available for reference - and plenty of advice!
The Escape Guest House is an excellent base from which to explore the local area being ideally situated in the middle of all the areas most popular places and tourist attractions.
Below we have listed some information about a selection of these places but there are many more.
Aberdovey / Aberdyfi
Aberdovey / Aberdyfi is a small and beautiful seaside village nestling on the north side of the Dyfi estuary. It is a very popular resort and has a thriving little harbour, a picturesque seafront, shops, cafes and restaurants. It has a lovely sandy beach with sand dunes aplenty and is a haven for those wanting to partake in watersports including sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing, boat trips and more!!! There is also an 18 hole championship golf course here for the golf enthusiast.
Machynlleth
Machynlleth is a small thriving market town, and stands at the head of the Dyfi estuary. It's main claim to fame is that it was the location of the crowning of Welsh Rebel Owain Glyndwr as Prince of Wales in 1404 and for his holding of parliament in the town. The clock tower is the first thing that many visitors will notice when entering the town and was built by the townspeople in the 1870’s. It has lovely gift shops, antique shops, cafes and tearooms not forgetting the lively and vibrant street market held every Wednesday.
Pennal
You don't have to go far from The Escape to find areas of interest as Pennal itself has some fascinating places for you to enjoy. There is the church, St. Peter Ad Vincula which dates from 1406 and was Prince Owain Glyndwr's Chapel Royal. There is also Cefn Caer which was used as a residence by Glyndwr and built on the remnents of a first century Roman fort. The house has won many awards for the restoration work carried out and has a wealth of history, character and original features.
Walking
There are many spectacular walks in the area - here are links to more information:
Mountain Biking
It doesn't get much better than this!! Machynlleth has Mach 1, 2 & 3 plus Climachx and Coed Y Brenin and Nant Yr Arian are both just over half an hour away - ENJOY!!
Aberdovey Golf Club (click to go to website)
If Golf is your passion then the area has a wealth of opportunity for playing top class courses with dramatic scenery and challenging conditions. The two most famous of them being the links course at Aberdovey Golf Club and the championship links course at Royal St.Davids in Harlech. Both of these wonderful clubs have been voted in the top 100 courses in the world, thanks in part to the Ryder Cup which comes to Wales in 2010. We are affiliated to Aberdovey Golf Club as a recommended accommodation provider.
Nant Yr Arian (click to go to website)
Nant Yr Arian is a Forestry Commission site just to the east of Aberystwyth. It has spectacular views down the valley to the sea, visitor centre with restaurant, children's play area, waymarked walks and superb mountain biking trails.
It is also famous for being a Red Kite feeding centre and you quite often see 40-50 of these birds circling just above the tree tops. Feeding is daily at 2 or 3pm depending on the time of year.
Coed Y Brenin (click to go to website)
Coed Y Brenin is quite simply the best place in Wales for mountain biking. Most of it's routes offer challenging technical riding with the backdrop of dramatic scenery though there are trails available for the less adventurous rider.
There is a fantastic visitor centre with restaurant, bike shop with hire facilities, bike wash, showers and a great adventure playground for the kids. Also, there are great waymarked walks through the forest.
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) (click to go to website)
Well worth a visit, the centre for alternative technology is Europe’s leading eco-centre.
The visit starts with a ride up the mountain on the 180ft water-powered cliff railway. Once at the top there are seven acres of interactive displays to see and learn about, along with delightful organic gardens to wander round. Plenty to do for all the family.
King Arthur's Labyrinth (click to go to website)
Experience a unique Underground Adventure as you sail deep inside the spectacular caverns of the Labyrinth and far into the past.
As you explore this dramatic underground setting, tales of King Arthur and other ancient Welsh legends unfold.
Complete with stunning tableaux, light and sound effects this is a fascinating adventure for all ages.
Talyllyn Railway (click to go to website)
The Talyllyn railway is the first preserved railway in the world and the steam trains run daily. The route takes you from Tywyn to Dolgoch falls, Abergnolwyn and Nant Gwernol, all of which have lovely way marked walks from the stations. There are also café facilities, shop and museum at Tywyn along with café facilities at the stop at Abergnolwyn.The railway boasts lots of special events including Victorian week, The Race the train event and many others. Click here to visit their website for further details.
Corris Railway (click to go to website)
5 miles North of Machynlleth the narrow gauge railway retraces part of the old slate line in the Dulas Valley.
A round trip is about 50 mins including a visit to the engine shed.
There is free parking here and a railway museum.