Dinas Mawddwy is a village in Gwynedd within the Snowdonia National Park. The village stands amongst the spectacular scenery where the Rivers Cerist and Dyfi meet under the hills of Foel Benddin (543 m) and Foel Dinas (478 m).

Understand

Dinas Mawddwy is just to the east of the main A470, and consequently many visitors pass the village by. The village marks the junction of the unclassified road to Llanuwchllyn which climbs up through the mountains to cross Bwlch y Groes at its highest point, the second highest road pass in Wales. This minor road also provides the closest access to the mountain Aran Fawddwy and is the nearest settlement to Craig Cywarch.

Dinas Mawddwy stands at the confluence of three rivers. The Afon Cywarch flows from the mountains to the north and the Afon Cerist flows from the west, both joining the River Dyfi here. The Dyfi flows south to Cemmaes Road where it turns west to head past Machynlleth to the Irish Sea. The mountains to the north are the Aran Fawddwy range of high, rocky peaks. To the south and the west stand the Dyfi Hills, dominated by Maesglase 3 miles (4.8 km) west of the town. Dinas Mawddwy is dominated by Foel Dinas which looms high over the west side of the valley.

Its population in 2011 was roughly 600.

History

There are thought to be two Iron Age fortifications in the immediate vicinity of Dinas Mawddwy. One is on the top of Moel Benddin, where a low depression forms the supposed site. The second fortification was in C'aer-bryn field, to the south of the Buckley Arms Hotel, that still had stonework in place in the late 18th century.

The Ancient borough of Mawddwy was the only remaining part of the Kingdom of Powys still ruled by members of the native royal family (of Powys Wenwynwyn) after 1309. On the division of the realm in 1293, Mawddwy had been awarded to William de la Pole (of Mawddwy) and his descendants. The ruling family in Mawddwy would expire in the male line in 1414.

Dinas Mawddwy was the seat of the borough of Mawddwy and received its charter in 1394; it retained that status until 1886. The Mayor of Mawddwy had the power to try offenders within the borough and punish them in the stocks, and to grant licences to public houses.

In the 16th century, the Mawddwy area was home to a band of highway robbers and bandits named the ‘Gwylliaid Cochion Mawddwy’ or ‘Gwylliaid y Dugoed’. The Gwylliaid were supposedly the dregs of society, who came to the Dinas Mawddwy area having been exiled from their own areas. Some were hanged and others were exiled from the area forever. Two brothers pleaded to be pardoned by the Baron Owain, and his rejection of the plea enraged the Gwylliaid. They were intent on revenge and one night, while the Baron travelled home from Montgomeryshire, the Gwylliaid set traps on the road and shot arrows at the baron and his company. His body was found with thirty arrows attached to it.

Get in

Dinas Mawddwy is just off the A470, the main north-south trunk road in Wales. The nearest railway station is at Machynlleth, from where there is a regular bus service.

See

• 1 Maesglase. 676 m mountain (updated Oct 2016)

Do

• Take the unclassified road from the village centre to Llanuwchllyn, at the southern end of Bala Lake, across Bwlch y Groes, the highest road in Wales.
• The Bwlch yr Oerddrws pass to the west, which carries the A470 towards Dolgellau is a popular location for photographers trying to catch spectacular shots of low-flying military jets.
• There are many outdoor activities in the area: hiking, cycling, golf, sightseeing, horse riding, and shooting
• You can climb Cader Idris, at 893 m it is one of Wales’ most popular peaks for hill walking.
• The Dyfi Valley and the area around Dinas Mawddwy has many hiking trails and rights of way.
• For mountain bikers, the Coed y Brenin Forest Trails and the Machynlleth Trails, are a short drive away.

Buy

• 1 Meirion Mill (Right next to the A470), ☏ +44 1650 531311. Well known outlet for woollen items and other traditional goods. 

Eat

• 1 The Brigands Inn, Mallwyd, ☏ +44 1650 511999. (updated Nov 2016)

Drink

• Red Lion Hotel (Gwesty'r Llew Coch), ☏ +44 1650 531247. The oldest building in the village, dating back to the 12th Century. Real ales and traditional food. Rooms available. 

Sleep

• The Buckley Arms (Buckley Pines Hotel), ☏ +44 1650 531261. Built in 1873, this is said to be the oldest reinforced-concrete building in Europe. This may bring to mind images of grim 1960s shopping centres or tower blocks, but the reality could not be more different as the building resembles many other Welsh country house hotels. 
• Celyn Brithion Caravan and Camping Site, ☏ +44 1650 531344. 

Go next

• Dolgellau
• Llanfair Caereinion
• Machynlleth