Cycle route to Barmouth

[waleswhaleswails]

So this is an ultra specific thread!

We're in mid wales and want to do the cycle way to Barmouth but our kids are only 6 and I think the full route there and back is too far. Does anyone know of a good place to park to shorten it?

We were advised the George 3rd pub is a good place to start but when I googled it there's still 7 miles into Barmouth (and back!) and I think the kids might still struggle.

Any other suggestions to reduce down to 3ish miles there or is it as easy as our lovely host suggested and we could do the whole 14 miles without tears before bedtime?!

Anyone?!

If you’re talking about the route from Dolgellau to Barmouth, there’s very little opportunity for parking. The George is the nearest place you could get a car to as far as I know. The route is very flat, but as you cycle to Barmouth you can get the wind in your face as it blows into the estuary so it can be hard going sometimes if it’s a windy day. There are plenty of benches along the way where you can stop and rest though.

Mawddch trail? I've walked it in two sections. It is dead flat but Pennmaenpool will be way too far for your kids. There are places to park at Arthog, the best bet is morfa mawddch station car park which is a few hundred metres to the bridge and then you are in Barmouth - watch it as you cross the road at the end. You can also take the flat trail into Fairbourne, there's a turn off before the bridge.

But...you won't get a parking space there on a bank holiday weekend. On a normal weekday outside school holidays I've found a space up to about noon. Perhaps a station further down the line and take the train? They run every two hours or so.

Barmouth was rammed yesterday (says the local Facebook groups and Google traffic). The road on the other side of the estuary didn't seem as bad.

Thank you! Arthog I think is where the campsite we're staying in Oct so might wait til then and just drive to aberdovey tomorrow.

They can do 14 miles on the greenway near our house but that's the activity, not that plus beach so I think the way home would just be a whingefest.

just found my photo of the distances sign on the trail. Arthog to Morfa Mawddch 1 mile, 1 mile further to Barmouth (it says) although I think it is more than that. Once beyond Morfa Mawddch you get views too.
If the beach doesn't wear them out, divert to Fairbourne on the way back for extra distance. Crossing the bridge is fabulous even for kids who don't care about views, especially if a train comes. (Remember to feed the toll troll...)

I also saw on the Barmouth facebook group that there will be further chaos tomorrow as they are bringing a train in by road (?) - best avoided.

Thanks that's really helpful. I'll pray for beach weather in Oct and hit somewhere nearer tomorrow.

Barmouth beach is lovely even if the weather isn't hot. It got trashed yesterday so October may well be better anyway. Enjoy your trip - I hope to get there in September.