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Introduction to Dolwyddelan

The village of Dolwyddelan . . .Web site giving information . . . (Dol means "meadow", Gweddelan was a 6th century saint) (Landranger Map Reference: SH 735524) is situated in the Snowdonia National Park, on the A470 about halfway between Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. It lies at the foot of Moel Siabod (872m, 2861ft) in the beautiful Lledr Valley. It is conveniently situated for touring in the mountains of Snowdonia, for exploring the Gwydyr Forest, and for visiting the sandy beaches and resorts of the North and West coasts. For rail enthusiasts it has railway links via the Conwy Valley Line to Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog (and thence to Porthmadog via the Ffestiniog Railway with its fascinating steam trains). Because many footpaths and old packhorse tracks lead to and from the village, it is an ideal place for exploring by foot the Welsh countryside.

Dolwyddelan Castle . . . . . Dolwyddelan Castle (1) . . . . . . . . . .Dolwyddelan Castle (2)
The castle stands on an outlying ridge of Moel Siabod in a commanding position, about 1m to the West of the village on the road to Blaenau&. The rectangular keep dates from the late 12th century, probably built by Iorwerth Trwyndwn (known as "the flat-nosed") in Norman style. Traditionally, his son Llywelyn the Great is said to have been born here. Edward I attacked and captured the castle in 1283 and English constables were appointed. In 1488 it became the residence of Meredudd ap Ieuan before he moved to a new house in Cwm Penamnen. Subsequently, it fell into disrepair before being restored to its present condition in the 19th century. The castle is in the care of CADW and is open throughout the year. HMSO Guide Book and entrance payments at the farm. The view from the battlements is magnificent.

St. Gwyddelan's Church dates from about 1500AD, replacing a 12th century church on Bryn-y-Bedd and incorporating some of the materials and fittings, e.g. the "Rood " screen. It was rebuild in a more open position by Meredudd ap Ieuan to prevent attacks by robbers who were living in sanctuary at the Knights of St. John hospice in Ysbyty Ifan. In the East window there are fragments of glass from 1512; on one front pew is carved, in Welsh, "A bench for the hard of hearing". Look for the "Dolwyddelan Dragon", carved on a bean in the North side. The Clock Bell ("Cloch Wyddelan") is 7th century and is thought to have belonged to St. Gwyddelan and brought by him from Ireland. Opening is restricted.

Fishing . . . . . Fishing in Dolwyddelan
The River Lledr is noted for its salmon, brown trout and sea trout. It is necessary to have the relevant permit and licence in order to fish. Welsh Water Authority licences may be obtained from the village Post Office. The Dolwyddelan Fishing Association issues daily/weekly tickets to visitors staying in the village and they may be purchased at the Post Office.

• Early season: 3rd March to 20th June - Trout
• Late season: 1st July to 17th October - Salmon

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Walking around Dolwyddelan

1. From Pont y Pant via Sarn Helen (the Roman road which led from Vanovium down to the Dovey) to Betws-y-Coed. (Possible to return by train). A very pleasant walk passing through the deserted village of Rhiwddolion (3m).
   
2. From Pont y Pant Church up Sarn Helen to Rhiwgoch and then follow the footpath (marked on map). East via Cwmcelyn and Cwmdreiniog to Llyn Elsi and Betws-y-Coed (return by train) (3m).
   
3. From Pont y Pant bridge go past Lledr Hall and along riverside footpath to Tan-aeldroch farm returning via forest roads and outward route (2m).
   
4. From centre of Dolwyddelan go South past old church, over the river and railway bridges and turn right. Follow the metalled road up Cwm Penamnen, a pleasant forested valley. Return via forest roads on the East side under Carreg Alltrem (4m).
   
5. Go South past the old church and over the river and railway bridges left up High Street and proceed via quarries, Foel Felen to Ty Mawr. Return via footpath to Bwlch Bach and down to Pont y Pant and thence back to village along the riverside path (5m).
   
6. Turn right over the railway bridge in village then first right. Follow the footpath past house to Bertheos. From there return along the A470 past the castle to the village or walk on to Roman Bridge and Blaenau Dolwyddelan.

More Strenuous Walks

1. From the centre of Dolwyddelan proceed along the A470 towards Betws-y-Coed for 250yds and turn left up the old road to Capel Curig (signposted 3 m), now a footpath. Follow this track up through the forest and out into open country to Pont Cyfyng, Capel Curig. Return via Sherpa bus (in Summer only) to Betws-y-Coed and then by train to Dolwyddelan or walk back on Sarn Helen.
   
2. Proceed up Cwm Penamnen along Sarn Helen to "New Welsh Slate Quarry" above Cwm Penmachno. Descend to Blaenau Ffestiniog via Llyn Bowydd and Maen-offeren slate quarries to Blaenau (5m). Return by train to Dolwyddelan.
   
3. Proceed as for (1) into forest, then follow the footpath to Llyn y Foel, then East ridge to the summit (a very pleasant scramble). Return via outward route (6m), or descend to Pont Cyfyng and return via old road to Dolwyddelan (8m).
   
4. From Dolwyddelan go via the old road to Pony Cyfyng and then up the main ridge to the summit. Descend via East ridge to Llyn y Foel then along forest roads to Dolwyddelan (8m) or descend to Llynnau Diwaunedd and follow footpath to Blaenau Dolwyddelan and Roman Bridge (12m), then to Dolwyddelan.
   
5. Gwydyr Forest Walks - information obtainable from the Forestry Commission Centre at Gwydyr Uchaf, Llanrwst.

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Dolwyddelan Shops and Tourist Services

Shopping General store (Spar Shop, open late), Post Office, telephone and garage in the village, and numerous shops & banks within 8 miles in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Betws-y-Coed & Llanrwst.

Places of Worship:

• Moriah - C. Methodists (now closed)
  
• Bethel - Independent
  
• St. Gwyddelans - Church of Wales
  
• The nearest Roman Catholic Churches are at Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed.

Eating and Drinking In the village, the Gwydyr pub serves bar meals, and Elen's Castle offers bar meals & full restaurant service.

Trains . . . . . Conway Valley Railway Line
On the Conwy Valley Line, regular train services to and from LLandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog (connect with main line at Llandudno Junction and Ffestiniog Railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog).

Climbing: For rock climbers, there are climbs on:

• Carreg Alltrem (SH 739507) in Cwm Penamnen,
• Craig Rhiw Goch near Pont y Pant (SH 766540),
• Clogwyn y Cirgran near the confluence of the Lledr and Conwy rivers (SH 793542),
• Craig Dinas off the A5 (SH 808 538),
• Clogwyn Cyrrau at Betws-y-Coed above Pont y Pair (SH 790571) and
• several crags above Tan y Grisiau (SH 676452).

Golf . . . . Betws-y-Coed Golf Club
The nearest golf course is at Betws-y-Coed (9 holes), visitors welcome. There are other courses at Conwy, Llandudno (2), Rhos-on-Sea, Old Colwyn, Penmaenmawr, Lanfairfechan & Harlech.

Orienteering. . . . At Llyn Elsi and Beddgelert Forest there are three courses.

Pony Trekking . . . . . The riding centre at Gwydyr Stables (formerly Ty Coch), near Penmachno.

Canoeing - Beaver Pool, nr Betws-y-Coed (SH 797546) during winter. Bala Lake. River Conwy below Trefriw.

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Summer Events in Dolwyddelan

Annual events are:
The Carnival - Last Sunday in June
The Flower & Horticultural Show - early September
Sheepdog trials - beginning of September

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Penmacho Area
Ty Mawr Wybrnant (SH 770 524) (National Trust). The cottage is the birthplace of Bishop Morgan, who translated the Bible into Welsh in 1588, which ensured the future of the language. Open selected days Easter to October.

Betws-y-Coed Area
Conwy Falls(SH 808 535) Spectacular waterfalls situated by A5, not far from Penmacho Woollen Mills (now closed).
Motor Museum Betws-y-Coed. Tel: +44 (0)1690 710760. A unique collection of vintage and post vintage cars. Open daily Easter to October.
The Conway Valley Railway Museum Tel: +44 (0)1690 710568 - in the old goods yard at the Station; open daily Easter to October. Open Saturdays to Tuesdays, November to April.
The Bridges of Betws-y-Coed - Waterloo Bridge, built the same year as the Battle (1815). Pont-y-Pair Bridge in the centre of the village. Miner's Bridge - wooden footbridge over River Llugwy on the outskirts of the village.
Swallow Falls : Famous waterfalls on the River Llugwy, by the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig, particularly impressive after heavy rain!
Fairy Glen(SH 802 543) The River Conwy tumbles through an attractive deep wooded glen. Access is by path from the A470 bridge across the River Conwy.
Ty Hyll (The Ugly House) (SH 756 576) is half a mile beyond the Swallow Falls. It is built of huge boulders - this is an example of free holding. In the late middle ages any free man could obtain freehold right on common land if he could build a fireplace and chimney in one day and have smoke coming out by dawn. Then he could finish the house later. Open during the Summer season.
Capel Garmon is a Neolithic burial chamber which may be visited at any time. Guide obtainable from nearby farm (SH 818 544).

Blaenau Ffestiniog Area
Llechwedd Slate Caverns (SH 700 470) Here one can enter the old mine workings on the miners' tramway or by the incline railway to the deep mine.
In the slate caverns there are models and demonstrations of the mining processes which give insight into the life of a miner. At the surface there is the slate heritage theatre and Tramway exhibition. Llechwedd is on the left as you enter Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Dam & Ffestiniog Power Station (SH 682 450) Wales' first hydro-electric pumped storage scheme (1963). Visit the Information Centre and tour the power station or take a trip by bus up the mountain to Stwlan dam for magnificent views, or fish in the lake.

Further Afield
Ffestiniog Railway: (SH 691 455) Travel from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Portmadog on one of the Great Little Trains of Wales. An unforgettable trip with glorious views.
Castles: North Wales is rightly renowned for its castles, including Harlech, Carnarfon, Beaumaris and Conwy.
Gardens of Wales: The National Trust Bodnant Gardens are particularly famous for their azaleas and laburnum arch.
Seaside: The sandy beaches of the West coast (Shell Island, Harlech, Llandanwg, Black Rock Sands and Criccieth) and the North coast (Colwyn Bay and Rhyl) are accessible within 40-60 minutes car drive.
Towns: Interesting historic towns of Llandudno, Conway, Porthmadog, Dolgellau and Barmouth are worth a visit.
Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula, with their sandy beaches and other attractions, are an hour away.
Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, may be ascended by foot or the famous Snowdon Railway and has marvellous views on a clear day.
Hill-walking The whole of Snowdonia is full of opportunities for the serious and more gentle hill walker. Many guide books are available.

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