Dolgellau is a small market town situated at the foot of the Cader Idris in south Snowdonia. Owain Glyndwr held the last Welsh parliament in Dolgellau in 1404 and Dolgellau was the county town of Meirionnydd in the late 19th century.

The town's development was due to its central part in the county's woolen industry which reached it's peak circa 1800, but declined over the following century due to the birth of mechanical mills.

The town and local area was also the main focal point for the development of the Quakers in the 17th century, this community being one of the main forces for its new homeland in Pennsylvania. "Bryn Mawr" is the name of a local farm in the area which gave its name to the famous University in Pennsylvania.

The Welsh gold rush of the 19th century was centered on the area and there is still a working mine and museum in the area where you can pan for gold yourself.

Dolgellau is an excellent base for touring Snowdonia. There are many routes to the summit of Cader Idris and the Coed y Brenin forest famous as a Mountain Biking Meca is situated a few miles north.

Dolgellau is also host to an annual folk and rock festival every July called "Sessiwn Fawr" which is based around Eldon Square.