Dolgellau

Introducing Dolgellau

Dolgellau is a place steeped in history with lots of historic architecture and a genteel feel. It’s thought the Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr met with fellow rebels here, although the likely venue (on Bridge St) is now derelict and forgotten.

The Dolgellau area also has historical links with the Society of Friends or Quaker movement (with its philosophy of direct communication with God, free of creeds, rites and clergy). After George Fox – the most influential exponent of the Friends’ philosophy – made a visit in 1657, a Quaker community was founded here. Converts, from simple farmers to local gentry, were persecuted with vigour because their refusal to swear oaths – in particular to the king – was considered treasonous. Many eventually emigrated to William Penn’s Quaker community in America.

Dolgellau was a regional centre for Wales’ prosperous wool industry in the early 19th century. Many of the town’s finest buildings, sturdy and unornamented, were built at that time, and the town centre hasn’t changed all that much since. Local mills failed to keep pace with mass mechanisation, however, and decline set in after about 1800. The region bounced back when the Romantic Revival of the late-18th century made Wales’ wild landscapes popular with genteel travellers. There was also, surprisingly, a gold rush here when waves of hopefuls descended to pan for gold.

Today, however, this grey-slate, charmingly gruff little market town relies on tourism. Dolgellau is an ideal base to climb Cader Idris (892m) or to explore the lovely Mawddach Estuary. Recently, the town has also smartened up its act with new and more sophisticated places to sleep and eat. It has a lively feel and enough facilities to make it a great base for activities in the Snowdonia National Park.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009