Historic landscape of vital importance to the princes of Gwynedd.
There’s not much room for modernisation on the steep, rocky slopes that flank Nantgwynant, the spectacular valley to the south-east of Snowdon. The whole area has a rugged beauty that makes it superb hiking country, and you can easily spend a day here simply wandering and absorbing the views. You will come across all manner of natural wonders as well as sites of historical interest, such as Roman remains, ancient field systems and medieval farm buildings. You also get a real sense here of the Gwynedd of the princes, of the land that they sought to defend in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, and an appreciation of what their castles were intended to protect.
Nantgwynant is guarded at the south-western end by Dinas Emrys. This striking spur of volcanic rock had already been fortified for centuries before a keep was built there in the late 12th century. The valley itself was often used as a place of refuge from invaders. Indeed the princes took advantage of the valley’s natural defences many times, ordering the population of Gwynedd to move to Snowdonia to escape the attacks of Vikings, Normans and successive kings of England.
The road which runs through Nantgwynant was always an important access route from the north-east and the coast. In medieval times, before the cob (sea wall) was built in Porthmadog and the land behind it drained in the 19th century, the sea came to within 2½ miles of Dinas Emrys.
In the late 12th century Llywelyn the Great granted much of the land in Nantgwynant to the Cistercian monks of his beloved Aberconwy Abbey for pasture, and they made extensive use of it for raising both cattle and sheep. Welsh Cistercians were well known for their production of wool, which was exported all over Europe.
A beautiful drive or an even better walk.
Free Entry
The A498 runs through the valley, from the junction with the A4086 to Beddgelert.
The valley begins approximately 10 miles from Betws y Coed railway station. The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway stops in Beddgelert on most days between 1st March and 31st October.
Several buses stop in Beddgelert, with some coming in to Nantgwynant. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or go online at http://www.traveline-cymru.info for the latest public transport information. The Sherpa Bus Service goes through Nantgwynant. This is the service that shuttles around the base of Snowdon, connecting all six main footpaths and the surrounding villages.
The valley runs for approximately 8 miles north-east of Beddgelert.
The valley runs for approximately 8 miles north-east of Beddgelert.
Medium. Walking boots required.