We had arrived in Dolgellau, at the end of Day 2 of our Mid Wales cycle tour, in the rain. For Day 3, on what looked like another hilly route, this time from Dolgellau to Porthmadog, the day at least started dry. Not that we were taking this as a reliable guide, for rain was predicted at some point.

We started by taking a brief look around Dolgellau Park.

Leaving Dolgellau, we immediately rejoined NCN Route 82, and doing picked up the Mawddach Trail.

A former railway track, the trail runs alongside the spectacular and atmospheric Mawddach Estuary below the foothills of Cadair Idris.

Cycling along the trail provides fantastic views all along its 9 miles.

At the other end of the trail is Barmouth.

We crossed over Barmouth Bridge.

Before arriving on the quay.

We took a break at one of the local cafes.

After the break we continued along the promenade.

We left the promenade and climbed up to the cliff road, then continued to follow the coastline.

Eventually, we moved a little inland.

Before dropping back down to the coast at Pensarn.

Soon Harlech Castle was in site.

We were going to sit outside for our lunch but it started to rain so we headed indoors.

Obviously, we had to take a look at the castle.

We had originally planned to cycle up into the hills at the back of Harlech. However, with the rain and the prospect of some sharp downhills in tricky conditions, we opted instead to stay low and follow the B5473 instead.

Then, as we arrived in Penrhyndeudraeth, on the edge of Porthmadog, the heavens opened and the rain bounced down.

We followed NCN Route 8 into Porthmadog.

As we cycled along the cob we passed the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway. 

You can view our Mid Wales Day 3 route from Dolgellau to Porthmadog  below:

We were staying at the Tudor Lodge.

After an enjoyable meal at the local Tandoori we went for a walk around Porthmadog harbour.