Dog Friendly Snowdonia
Published on 14 Aug 2014 by Gwion LlwydIf your four legged family members are coming on holiday with you, its good to know where you can go with them so they can join in as much of the holiday fun and frolics as possible…..
The good news in that Snowdonia is a very dog friendly and so it’s not a question of whether they are allowed to go to places, it’s more of a question of what to choose…..
For starters there are the vast number of walking routes available to you – whether you decide to go for the mountain trek or a more leisurely stroll around the forests and rivers, the choices are endless. A long as you’re dog is on a lead (due to sheep), they can join you on your adventure – the Snowdon train does not allow dogs but that doesn’t mean they can’t join you by foot to the summit – dogs can have bucket lists too!
Alongside our wonderful mountains are beautiful beaches where your pooch will have a ball swimming in the sea and rolling in the sand! Most of the beaches allow dogs but usually have a controlled zones which are clearly marked when getting onto the beach. Here are 7 of the best dog friendly beaches across Snowdon:
- ABERDARON is lovely historic village located on the tip of llyn peninsula. Keep to the left of the slipway as you walk onto the beach. There also are boat rides, walks and cycling routes to explore.
- ABERDYI is a village on the Dyfi Estury. The west of the beach is for dogs. Cadar Isdris is easily accessible and watersports are readily available here.
- ABERSOCH is surfing central in the area. As well as the beaches there are shops and bars – very social and a good place to hang out.
- BARMOUTH on the Mawddach estuary is a seaside town. Dogs area’s are clearly marked on the maps located on the prom. Shopping, funfair and harbour add to the attractions.
- BLACK ROCK SANDS in Porthmadog is great as possibly the only beach locally you can drive onto. You have shopping and the Ffestiniog railway close by.
- DINAS DINLLE on the outskirts of Caernarfon allows dogs on the north and south of the beach – great for swimming it also has a good chippy and ice cream shop.
- TYWYN is a traditional seaside town. Keep to the southern end of beach. There is dolphin spotting, water sports and river walks to add to the activities.
Eating out can be a bit of a challenge with your dog in tow and so here is a list of dog friendly pubs and restaurants that will welcome them:
- Aberdovey – Penhelig Arms
- Aberdyfi – The Dovey Inn
- Abersoch – The Sun Inn
- Barmouth – The Last Inn
- Bala – Bryntirion Inn
- Caernarfon – Plas Dinas Country House
- Conwy – Sychnant Pass House
- Criccieth – Castle Inn
If you are looking for family days out at one of the numerous attractions, here are a few that allow dogs – please note that whilst dogs are allowed onto the premises, they are not on the attractions themselves so you would have to have a designated person to be with them at all times whilst on a lead (the dog that is!):
- Bodnant Gardens – Colwyn Bay
- Bala lake – Bala
- Coed Y Brenin – Dolgllau
- Ffestiniog railway – Dogs are charged at £2.50 but not allowed 1st class!
- Glasfryn Park – Activity and Leisure Centre, Pwllheli
- Llechwedd Slate Caverns – Blaenau Ffestiniog
- National White Water Centre – Bala
- Zip World and Bounce Below – Blaenau Ffestiniog
- Zip World – Besthesda
The cherry on the cake is the Harlech dog show on the 17th August – entries start from £1. All dogs are welcome and it will be a great family day out – Crufts, eat your heart out!
If you are looking to bring your family pets on holiday, Dioni offers a wide range of pet friendly accommodation; simply click on the link to have a look of what we have on offer:
