Beddgelert

Beddgelert is Snowdonia's loveliest mountain village. It's stone dwellings, inns and hotels are surrounded by the finest scenery in North Wales. Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales, dominates the skyline a few miles to the north. The beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass and the Nant Gwynant valley are near-neighbours. Wooded vales, rocky slopes and mountain lakes fill the surrounding countryside.

Beddgelert lies deep in the centre of three adjoining valleys, all of which are steeped in history and legends; it is therefore understandable that poets, artists and film makers choose the picturesque setting for their inspiration.

The remains of Welsh mountain railway (from Porthmadog) following the Afon Glaslyn makes a good walk. Just up the road there’s the 19th Century Sygun Copper Mines where you can explore the impressive entrance, winding tunnels and large chambers. Further along the Nant Ffrancon pass, just before Llyn Dinas there are caves, from which it is said that King Arthur rests and will return when needed again.

Check out the old Roman bridge (under the road bridge) at the Ogwen Falls. Local hotels include the Saracen’s Head (originator of the old shaggy dog story and where we stayed for the 1995 and 2005 visits), Prince Llywelyn (where we stayed for the 1998 visit), Royal Goat (3*), Eglwys Country House (1*) and the Tanronen Hotel (1*).

If you fancy riding, Beics Beddgelert Bikes (0176 686 434), in the heart of Beddgelert Forest, offer Mountain Bikes for hire by the hour, half day or day. Safety helmets, repair kits and first aid kits are provided. They will deliver to the hotel for FREE.

Also, make sure you visit Gelert’s Grave before you leave. This is an absolute must! A short footpath along on the far side of the Glaslyn river leads to Gelert’s grave.

The Legend

For it is said that in the days when all our countryside was covered in woodland and wild animals roamed freely, Princes and the gentry used valleys such as this for their hunting expeditions. One such Prince was Llywelyn the Great. One fine morning he set out with his huntsmen and hounds to chase deer, leaving behind his infant son and heir at the hunting lodge.

Amongst the Prince's pack was a hound named Gelert. A strong beast, dedicated to his Master. But on this day for no reason, the hound disappeared. Llywelyn, assuming that Gelert may have returned to the hunting lodge, turned around his horse and headed back.

On entering the building, he was confronted by his faithful hound whose mouth and paws were bloodstained. The prince was immediately horror stricken and rushed to find his child. The cradle lay upturned and there was no sign of the infant. In his anger, Llywelyn drew his sword and plunged it into the hound.

A faint cry brought him back to near the cradle and finding the child safe, he also found the limp body of a savage wolf. Great sadness then fell on the prince, for had it not been for his faithful hound Gelert, the baby would surely have been slain. So in honour that his hound's name should live on, Llywelyn had Gelert buried and a large stone erected on his resting place... and so Beddgelert, Gelert's Grave emerged.

Hotels

Beddgelert has some of the best and most friendly hotels in Snowdonia. I've stayed at several so I should know!

The Saracens Head Hotel (01766 890223): can accommodate about 30. It's on the main Caernarfon road, just a 100 years from the Beddgelert junction. This is where we stayed for my 40th, and will stay for my 50th Birthday bash.

The Prince Llewellyn (01766 890242), just opposite the bridge is another lovely stone built hotel, accommodating about 25.

The Tanronnen Inn (01766 890347), is a friendly hotel (2*) with 7 suites, left (south) just over the bridge in the village centre.

The Royal Goat Hotel (01766 890224) at the head of the main street is another very good quality, albeit more expensive 3* hotel.

The Plas Tan Y Graig (01766 890310) is a small Victorian Hotel (5 bedrooms), centrally located house opposite the River Colwyn.

The Sygun Fawr Country House (01766 890258) and Bryn Eglwys Country House (01766 510260) are quieter 4* hotels. Both are large old (modernised) manor houses set in extensive grounds.

There's several other smaller (and perhaps larger) Inns and Hotels, but I think these should be the ones of first choice for large groups.

This site was last updated 04-Aug-2007