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Tywyn is an ideal base for a mountain biking holiday, with a number of trails in the area. The ascent of Cadair Idris from Llanfihangel y Pennant is classified as a bridleway, and therefore can be used by mountain bikes. It's a tough slog up (you'll be carrying in places), but the descent (from 892 m at the summit to only a few metres above sea level in the valley) must rank as one of the finest in the country. Bear in mind that the right of way does not follow the farmer's gravel track for the whole length - be sure to look out for signs and/or use a map in order to stick to the legal route. Not recommended for summer weekends due to the number of hikers. There are other ancient roads in the area which can be used by mountain bikes. The pass of Nant Braich y Rhiw from Rhyd-yr-onnen, south of the village of Bryncrug, through the Tarren hills to Happy Valley is a popular route, though it can be very muddy after rain as it also used by 4x4 vehicles. The Ffordd Ddu (Black Road) leads from the village of Llanegryn, across the western flanks of Cadair Idris and down to Dolgellau via the Cregennan Lakes. Ordnance Survey Explorer Map sheet OL23 Cadair Idris and Bala Lake is essential to follow these routes. There are a number of marked trails in the Dyfi Valley, centred around Machynlleth, 15 miles to the south-east, including the purpose-built CliMachx route. Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau, 20 miles to the north, has 6 waymarked trails.
Eglwys Sant Cadfan
Though some of the church is more recent (14th century onwards), the nave dates from the 12th century. There are records of a church on the site dating to the 9th century, though the earliest structures were wooden and were burnt down by Viking raiders. St Cadfan's is home to the Cadfan Stone on which is carved the oldest known writing in the Welsh language. As can be seen, from some angles it looks a bit like a Doner Kebab. Also of interest is the 14th-century effigy of knight Gruffudd ap Adda, which is locally reputed to shed tears when rain is on the way.
In a purpose-built building at the Talyllyn Railway's main station, the museum aims to tell the story of the narrow gauge railways across the British Isles. An interesting place to spend an hour even if you are not a trainspotter!
Built in the 13th century by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, Castell y Bere is not one of the best known of North Wales' many castles. However it is well worth heading off the beaten path to pay it a visit. Though the castle lies in ruins, this only adds to the atmosphere of the site, standing proudly on a rocky outcrop, but towered over in almost every direction by steep mountainsides.
The hamlet has a lovely church and the ruins of Tyn-y-ddol, home of Mari Jones, who in 1800, at the age of 16, famously walked barefoot the 25 miles to Bala to purchase a Welsh-language copy of the Bible. This is said to have been the inspiration for the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. There's a small exhibition telling Mari Jones' story in the vestry of the church, along with a beautiful 3D map of the Dysynni Valley, rendered in patchwork by local needle workers.
The remains of Iron-Age Celtic Hill Forts can be found at the summit of Craig-yr-Aderyn in the Dysynni Valley, and above the nearby coastal village of Llwyngwril.
4 motorbike race meetings a year (Easter, Spring Bank Holiday, July, August Bank Holiday) are held by Crewe and South Cheshire MCRR at the Tonfanau cicuit. Tonfanau is a 1-mile, clockwise circuit, built on part of a former military base.