Gelert's grave walk
This circular riverside walk will give you an insight into the legend of Gelert and Prince Llywelyn which gave the village its name, and why Beddgelert became so popular with early travel writers such as Thomas Pennant and artists like JMW Turner.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Footbridge over the River Glaslyn, south of the village centre. Grid ref: SH592482
Step 1
Turn right before the footbridge over the River Glaslyn and follow the designated footpath. To your right is the church of St Mary.
Step 2
Follow the path along the River Glaslyn and turn right along the path.
Step 3
Turn left along the path and cross the field. You'll arrive at the stone monument of Gelert's grave.
Step 4
Continue along the path to Beudy Buarth Gwyn where inside you'll see a bronze cast of Gelert. The path will now lead you back to the river bank. Cross a tributary over a small footbridge and you'll see ahead a wooded island in the River Glaslyn called Ynys Dol-leian.
Step 5
The name Ynys Dol-leian (nun's meadow island) gives an indication to the presence of an ancient Christian community in Beddgelert at one time. The river Glaslyn is an important spawning river for salmon and this is illustrated by the gate which you'll walk through here. Follow the river bank until you arrive at a footbridge crossing the river Glaslyn.
Step 6
Cross the river along the footbridge. This footbridge replaced the old railway bridge that closed in the 1990s. A few hundred metres downstream from here is the spectacular gorge of Aberglaslyn Pass. Follow the path back upstream. On the right, high above you, is Craig y Llan which was covered in the invasive Rhododendron ponticum until a few years ago.
Step 7
Following the river back towards the village of Beddgelert you'll come to another gate set in the wall. Using locally-sourced wood the steam train image made of copper reflects the copper mining heritage of the area and the link with the Welsh Highland Railway.
Step 8
You'll now be nearing the end of the walk and will pass through the last gate which again is made using locally-sourced wood. The gate reflects the carvings that can be found inside the local church.
End point
Footbridge over the River Glaslyn, south of the village centre. Grid ref: SH592482
Trail map
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