Wales

The legendary trail of Dinas Emrys

Enjoy a pleasant walk past waterfalls and through beautiful oak woodland to reach this summit of this legendary hill, where Merlin once trod and where a dragon still sleeps. At the top you’ll find remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts belonging to the ancient princes of Gwynedd.

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Total steps: 6

Start point

Craflwyn National Trust car park, grid ref: SH600489

Step 1

Begin your journey at the Princess of Gwynedd centre at Craflwyn.

Princess of Gwynedd

Step back in time and discover more about the dramatic, historic landscapes of Wales and discover the story of the princes of Gwynedd, Wales’ most successful medieval dynasty. These remarkable leaders were formidable warriors, shrewd politicians and generous patrons of literature and architecture. Their lives and times, spanning over 900 years, have shaped the country that we know today and left an enduring mark on the modern landscape.

Step 2

From the car park take the footpath leading up through the woodland. When the path levels and you reach a fork, take the right and continue until you find a dragon bench. Pause here before continuing along the path and up some steps to the right of a small waterfall.

Signpost to Dinas Emrys beside path leading into woodland in Snowdonia, Wales — Footpath to Dinas Emrys, Wales | © National Trust Images/Gwenno Parry

Step 3

Continue on your journey until you get to a three way junction in an open area. Take the path leading straight ahead, up towards the woodland, and after 100m bear right at the fork. Continue on the path over a small wooden bridge until you get to a beautiful waterfall.

Step 4

Continue until you reach another fork in the path and bear right. You’ll soon reach a stile in the wall on the right. Continue over the stile up into the woods.

Step 5

Continue up through the woods. Follow the zig-zag path up the rocky outcrop towards Dinas Emrys.

Two women walking up steep footpath with bare scrubland and trees to either side — Walkers heading to Dinas Emrys, Wales | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Step 6

You’re nearly there. A few more steps and you’ll reach the top of Dinas Emrys. The final ascent is steep and rocky. When you are ready to return, retrace your steps to the car park.

Beware of dragons

According to legend King Vortigern wanted to build a castle on top of Dinas Emrys, but every night his castle walls would fall down. Merlin (the wizard) claimed there were two dragons fighting beneath the hill that caused the walls to fall. Therefore Vortigern and his men dug into the mountain and released two dragons. The red and white dragon fought, eventually the white dragon fled and the red dragon returned to his lair. Vortigern’s castle was built and named Dinas Emrys in honour of Myrddin Emrys (Merlin), and the red dragon has been celebrated ever since.

End point

Craflwyn National Trust car park, grid ref: SH600489

Trail map

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near Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NG

01766510120

eryri@nationaltrust.org.uk

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The legendary trail of Dinas Emrys

Total steps: 6