A place of legend in the heart of Eryri
THE STORY OF GELERT
The Legend Of Gelert
In the 13th century, Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. Oneday he went out hunting and decided to leave his faithful hound Gelert to look after his young son.
On Llewelyn’s return, Gelert, joyfully sprang to meet his master. To Llewelyn’s horror, Gelert’s fur was stained and smeared with blood. The Prince then noticed the infant’s cot was empty, the bedding and floor covered with blood. Enraged, the frantic father drew his sword and plunged it into Gelert’s heart.
The dog’s final yelp was answered by a child’s cry. Distraught, Llewelyn lifted the cot and found his boy un-harmed. Lying next to him was the body of a Mighty Wolf, which Gelert had killed to protect the baby boy. The devastated Prince quickly realised his mistake.
Prince Llewelyn vowed to honour Gelert’s memory as a hero. So the legend has it that the village where Gelert was buried was named Beddgelert after the faithful hound.
Rupert Bear & Beddgelert
Mr. Alfred Edmeades Bestall M.B.E. Illustrator of the famous Rupert Bear stories which ran in The Daily Express newspaper for over 40 years lived in Beddgelert. Bestall was a quiet man and is remembered fondly in the Village.
He bought his little cottage ‘Penlan’ in 1956. His most famous drawing The ‘Frogs Chorus’ inspired the cartoon video ‘The Frog Song’ composed by Sir Paul McCartney who stayed at Plas Tan y Graig with his family. ‘We All Stand Together’ became a best-selling video.
There is no doubt that many of the illustrations to Alfred’s stories were inspired by the scenery in and around Beddgelert!
Local Walks
GELERT’S GRAVE WALK
Route type: Circular
Distance: 1 Mile (1.6 km)
Di iculty: Easy
Time: 40 mins to 1 hour
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.
Directions: Turn right before the footbridge over the River Glaslyn and follow the designated footpath. To your right is the church of St Mary.
Follow the path along the River Glaslyn and turn right along the path.
Turn left along the path and cross the field. You’ll arrive at the stone monument of Gelert’s grave.
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.
Cross the river along the footbridge and follow the path back upstream.
Following the river back towards the village of Beddgelert you’ll come to another gate set in the wall. The steam train image made of copper reflects the copper mining heritage of the area and the link with the Welsh Highland Railway. You’ll now be nearing the end of the walk and will pass through the last gate, back towards the footbridge.
Scan the QR code for Gelert’s Grave Walk
Photo by: Tony Harnett
Route type: Circular
Distance: 6.2 Mile (10 km)
Di iculty: Hard / Strenuous
Time: 5 hours
A lengthy route through other-worldly gorges and vast expanses steeped in industrial history.
This circular walk starts in the picturesque village of Beddgelert and follows the Glaslyn river, climbing up through Cwm Bychan before descending to Llyn Dinas. This route is challenging due to its length, steep hills and at times, di icult terrain. Shorter, moderate walks might suit some walkers.
The route will take you through some of the National Park’s most picturesque areas, including the other-worldly Aberglaslyn pass and the vast expanses of Cwm Bychan.
THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE
Follow the Countryside Code to ensure that the National Park is protected for generations to come.
•Keep dogs on a lead
•Take your litter home
•Respect plants and wildlife
•Follow signs and directions
•Stay on the path
•Leave gates as you found them
•Be considerate of other walkers
Scan the QR code for Fishermans Path and Cwm Bychan Walk
Other Activities
If you are visiting Beddgelert and you have some spare time then consider….
1. Climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
2. Sygun Copper Mine
3. Glaslyn Ospreys
4. Welsh Highland Railway
5.Greenwood Family Park
6.Beddgelert Forest
7. Portmeirion
8. The National Trust’s Bodnant Gardens
9. Zip World o ering their range of adventures
10. Or visit our local castles and beaches
Scan the QR code for more information on all the above.
Try speaking some Cymraeg when you visit:
Good morning = “Bore da”
Good afternoon = “Prynhawn da”
How are you = “Sut wyt ti”
I’m fine thanks = “Iawn Diolch”
Thanks very much = “Diolch yn fawr”
May I have a cup of tea = “Ga i baned o de”
May I have a cup of co ee = “Ga i baned o go i”
Your good health = “iechyd da”
Beddgelert is a charming village, with its slate-roofed cottages and winding lanes, it sits at the confluence of the rivers Colwyn and Glaslyn, undoubtedly the loveliest village in Eryri. A place of legend, culture and history; yet rich with activities, adventures and attractions. It is a beautiful place to visit, and an even better place to stay for a holiday.
We extend a very warm welcome to all our visitors. People leave Beddgelert with a lifetime of memories, and many return year after year. There’s a long tradition of hospitality in these parts - after all Beddgelert has been welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. Explore its cozy tearooms and craft shops, visit Sygun Copper Mine and the legendary Gelert’s Grave!
Beddgelert
Beddgelert