Plas Isa Dolgellau, Lion Street, Dolgellau (2026)

Traws Eryri, Snowdonia Way, Lon Las Cymru

Book through www.plasisaguesthouse.co.uk

21/06/2026

Who's Mary Jones, you might wonder?

In 1800, 15-year-old Mary Jones walked barefoot from her home in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant to Bala to buy a Welsh Bible. The story goes, she desperately wanted to own a Welsh Bible and there were none available in her local area.

At that time, Bibles were expensive and not many families owned one. After saving money for several years, she set off on foot—traditionally said to be about 25 miles (40 km)—to the town of Bala to buy a Welsh-language Bible from Rev Thomas Charles.

Today, you can follow in her footsteps on this 28-mile historic pilgrimage through southern Eryri.

For more information about Mary's story and the route description of the walk: Canolfan Mary Jones

https://www.maryjones.org.uk/mary-jones-walk

We have recently walked a section from Dolgellau to Tabor and Brithdir on to Llanuwchllyn. Taking quiet lanes, through farms and fields, with fantastic mountain views of Rhobell Fawr and Moel Offrwm, while leaving Cader Idris in the distance behind us.

Have you walked any part of the Mary Jones Walk?

➡️ Save this post for your next North Wales walking adventure and let us know your favourite lesser-known route in the comments.

19/06/2026

We didn't design Plas lsa from a business plan. We designed it from years of travelling and thinking, "Why don't more places do this properly?"

Today, I am travelling back from 🇳🇱 with plenty of time to look back at how we created Plas Isa for what it is today.

Ian and I met many many moons ago in South Africa 🇿🇦 - enjoying life while travelling the world.
Working and staying in many backpacker hostels, gave us a solid idea of our favourite accommodation places.

Fast forward to about 10 years ago. Around 2016, we started putting the ideas in practice in Plas Isa and in 2018 created a place we would love to stay ourselves.

The basics: A safe place with comfortable beds, spacious and clean facilities, areas to relax and/or meet other guests, proper filling but healthy breakfast with decent filter coffee ☕

But also a few simple things that feel like a real luxury when you have been on the go the whole day:
Beds already made up, private shower rooms with towels, soap and shower gel.
Bedrooms with enough space to hang up your coat and keep your bags.
A properly kitted out kitchen where you feel welcome to cook a meal or make a cuppa.

And of course, friendly approachable hosts 😜 with local knowledge of places to eat and drink, stuff to do that you don't necessarily find on the internet.

Plas Isa is a unique independent hostel for active outdoor enthusiasts.

The place we would ❤️ to stay ourselves.

What's one thing that instantly makes you feel at home when you're travelling?

16/06/2026

The best part of a group adventure weekend away, isn't always the mountains.

It's the conversations afterwards with a cuppa or a pint in your hand.
The muddy boots by the door.
The route debates over breakfast.
The stories that get better every time they're told.

That's why we love welcoming groups to Plas Isa.

Whether you're here for a hiking weekend, a mountain biking trip or a family adventure, having everyone under one roof makes the experience that bit more memorable.

After a day exploring Eryri, come back to hot showers, somewhere to dry your kit and a comfortable place to relax together in the heart of Dolgellau.
It's up to you to choose to cook yourselves, or take a short walk to a pub or restaurant.

Who in your group is in charge of organising the next adventure?

Tag them below 👇

We look forward to hearing from you,
Ian and Hanneke

Plas Isa Dolgellau
Independent hostel accommodation for outdoor adventurers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sleeps up to 19 people | 5 bedrooms
In the centre of Dolgellau a small town in the foothills of Cader Idris

Hiking | Cycling | Walking | Mountainbiking | Running | Swimming | Kayaking
On the Mawddach Trail - traffic free trail to Barmouth
Coed y Brenin | DH Dyfi Bike Park
Traws Eryri | Snowdonia Way | Lon Las Cymru

13/06/2026

We weren't expecting to be talking about a circus today...

but having really enjoyed the show last night, we just HAVE to tell you all about it.

📍 Belly of the Whale 🐋
Peregrine Circus

What we got was live music, impressive acrobatics, plenty of laughs and a story that kept both adults and children engaged from start to finish.

Creative, intimate and genuinely different from your typical evening out.

📍 Marian Mawr, Dolgellau
📅 Running until Sunday 14 June

➡️ More dates available around Mid and North Wales this summer.

What a lovely way to spend an evening, right here in town.

Are you staying in Mid or North Wales (this summer)?

Add it to your itinerary and book your tickets today Peregrine Circus 🎪

08/06/2026

If you're staying near Dolgellau, don't miss this sunset viewpoint.

It's definitely one of our favourite places to end the day.

There's a lay-by on the A493 between Llwyngwril and Friog, high above the sea, with panoramic views across Cardigan Bay.

On a clear evening you can see all the way to the Llŷn Peninsula as the sun sinks into the sea.
If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins below.

💡Top tip: the best views appear as you drive north along this stretch of road.

Have you stopped here before?

Address

Lion Street
Dolgellau
LL401DG

Telephone

+447984737066

Website

https://www.plasisaguesthouse.co.uk/therooms

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Plas Isa Dolgellau posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Hotel

Send a message to Plas Isa Dolgellau:

Plas Isa Dolgellau