The Writers’ Cabin is on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and within easy driving distance of several pristine beaches. Hikes such as the walk to Cader Idris (a 25 minute drive away) are popular with our guests, as are the two loops we suggest from the Cabin door which guests who don’t have a vehicle can do. As you might expect, there are also plenty of book-ish things for you to do locally during your stay while we can also advise on the best restaurants, bars and cafes nearby…

Book-ish things to do locally

If you’ve forgotten to bring a good book, the great news is we are spoilt for choice with bookshops and libraries in the Dyfi Valley and the surrounding region…

• Pen’rallt Gallery Bookshop (10 minute drive) in Machynlleth carries both new and second-hand books – opening hours vary so do check their website before a special trip. The bookshop hosts occasional author events in their sister shop, the Senedd-dy. We partner with Pen’rallt to offer a £5 voucher for all Cabin guests.
• Senedd-dy Bookshop (10 minute drive) in Machynlleth is a Welsh-first bookshop situated inside the historic parliament building, Canolfan Owain Glyndwr.
• The Literary Cat Books (10 minute drive) in Machynlleth deals mainly in second hand books.
• Coch-y-Bonddu Books (10 minute drive) in Machynlleth sells books related to angling, fishing, falconry and shooting.
• Machynlleth Library (10 minute drive) is thankfully still going and staffed by incredibly helpful librarians (01654) 702322.
• National Library of Wales (40 minute drive/bus/train) offers free membership; two proofs of identification are needed to access the Readers’ Room.
• Bookshop by the Sea (40 minute drive/bus/train) is a second-hand bookshop which does frequent events, just around the corner from Waterstones Aberystwyth in the centre of Aberystwyth.
• Poetry Pharmacy (1h 10 minute drive) in Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire is the world’s first Poetry Pharmacy. Open every day until 4.00pm, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Each guest gets a bottle of ‘Retreat’ Pills.
• Gladstone’s Library (1h 50 minute drive) in Hawarden, north Wales is the UK’s only Prime Ministerial library open to the public.

Culture

You are spoilt for choice in this market town for cultural options. Highlights include:

• MOMA (10 minute drive) an art gallery in Machynlleth hosts visiting exhibitions of contemporary art. Opening times vary and seasonally – check the website for the latest times.
• Ffotogaleri Y Gofeb (10 minute drive) is a photography gallery in Machynlleth is open limited hours.
• Oriel Davies (40 minutes) an art gallery in Newtown which hosts touring exhibitions and has a great café.
• Aberystwyth Arts Centre (40 minute drive/bus/train) large arts centre which includes a gallery, two theatres, a cinema, café and gift shop.

Cinemas

If you want to re-charge your inspiration by going out to catch a movie, there is an embarrassment of choice, with four independent cinemas within a forty-minute radius of the Writers’ Cabin.

• Libanus 1877, Borth (30 minute drive) A cosy and bijou cinema with two small screens. Book by phone (01970) 871042.
• Magic Lantern Cinema, Tywyn (32 minute drive) Make sure you arrive with plenty of time in hand to benefit from the table service (nachos are good) and to order drinks from the best-stocked bar in west Wales.
• Commodore Cinema, Aberystwyth (40 minute drive/bus/train) in the best possible way, this cinema has rarely been modified since it opened in 1976 – a true retro cinema experience.
• Arts Centre Cinema, Aberystwyth (40 minute drive/bus/train) is situated within the Arts Centre complex.

Beaches

The beaches in west Wales are pristine and not particularly populated – you can sometimes be the only person in sight…

• Aberdyfi (31 minute drive) is an estuarine beach with strong tides and plenty of cafes and parking.
• Ynyslas (31 minute drive) is another estuarine beach on the other side of the Dyfi from Aberdyfi with sand dunes and strong tides – parking on the beach is possible, but pay attention to the signs.
• Borth (34 minute drive) This small town has with a rock pool spot on the far end towards the headland and cafes and ice cream shops.

Wellness

In Machynlleth, there is a fair amount of wellness options to take advantage of during your retreat, including:

• Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre (10 minute drive) in the centre of Machynlleth is open seven days a week with classes and a pool with flume.
• Covent House (10 minute drive) in Machynlleth hosts a wide variety of wellness practitioners including massage therapists and reflexologists.
• Plas Talgarth (20 minutes) in Pennal, is a holiday resort with a small indoor and a small outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room and a gym which are open to non-residents (0344) 879 9102.
• Yoga We are lucky to have four yoga teachers locally who offer a variety of classes during the week in Machynlleth and the surrounding Dyfi Valley – we can give you details on arrival.
• Ceremonial Dances and Cacao Ceremonies are offered in the Dyfi Valley by Lucy Morus-Baird.