The Mawddach estuary is of great scenic beauty. A road runs along its shores to Dolgellau (10mi/16km), a town of stone-built and slate-roofed houses beautifully situated in the valley of the Wnion. Around the turn of the century there was a "mini gold-rush" here, when gold was found in some of the mountain streams nearby. The gold used for the
wedding rings of the Queen, the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana came from veins of quartz at the Clogau St David's Mine, the hallmark of which carries the Welsh red dragon. Being within reach of so much magnificent scenery, Dolgellau is a favorite base for walks and climbs in the surrounding hills and on Cadair Idris. To gain an initial impression of this beautiful landscape, the visitor is recommended to take the Precipice Walk to Moel Cynwch (1,068ft/326m) and on to Cymmer Abbey, a Cistercian foundation of 1,198, of which only the Norman church (restored) has been preserved.
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