Cwm Merch

Valley in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Cwm Merch

Slate slab bridge on Afon Cwm Llan This bridge was built by miners to provide a short cut to the copper mines on slopes of Lliwedd.
Slate slab bridge on Afon Cwm Llan Credit: Eric Jones

Cwm Merch is a small valley located in the county of Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated near the town of Caernarfon, this picturesque valley is surrounded by rolling hills and lush green meadows, creating a truly idyllic setting.

The name "Cwm Merch" translates to "Valley of the Daughters" in Welsh, hinting at the historical significance of the area. The valley is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age.

One of the main attractions of Cwm Merch is its natural beauty. The valley is blessed with stunning scenery, including a meandering river that flows through the heart of the landscape. The river provides a habitat for various species of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Additionally, Cwm Merch offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors. The valley is a great place for hiking, with several walking trails that showcase the breathtaking views and allow explorers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. There are also opportunities for fishing in the river, adding to the appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Cwm Merch is also a place of historical interest. The valley is home to several ancient monuments, including burial mounds and standing stones, further emphasizing its rich heritage.

Overall, Cwm Merch in Caernarfonshire is a hidden gem for those seeking natural beauty and a touch of history. Its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Cwm Merch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.050852/-4.0403277 or Grid Reference SH6352. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Slate slab bridge on Afon Cwm Llan This bridge was built by miners to provide a short cut to the copper mines on slopes of Lliwedd.
Slate slab bridge on Afon Cwm Llan
This bridge was built by miners to provide a short cut to the copper mines on slopes of Lliwedd.
Waterfall on Afon Cwm Llan Afon Cwm Llan is a spate river.
Waterfall on Afon Cwm Llan
Afon Cwm Llan is a spate river.
Rhaeadr Cwm Llan waterfall
Rhaeadr Cwm Llan waterfall
Cwm Llan waterfall in full spate
Cwm Llan waterfall in full spate
Ruined copper mine buildings near Plas Cwm Llan
Ruined copper mine buildings near Plas Cwm Llan
The start of the Watkin path in Parc Hafod-y-llan From the road by the confluence of the Afon Llynedno with the Afon Glaslyn, the Watkin path is one of the classic routes up Snowdon. With cloudbase barely above the treetops, that's not an ideal destination for a day like this, but the track also gives access to various lower-level rooutes and industrial remains, so was far from deserted. The woodland is moderately natural, no plantation conifers, but plenty of invasive weed sycamore which no-one seems to be seeking to exterminate.
The start of the Watkin path in Parc Hafod-y-llan
From the road by the confluence of the Afon Llynedno with the Afon Glaslyn, the Watkin path is one of the classic routes up Snowdon. With cloudbase barely above the treetops, that's not an ideal destination for a day like this, but the track also gives access to various lower-level rooutes and industrial remains, so was far from deserted. The woodland is moderately natural, no plantation conifers, but plenty of invasive weed sycamore which no-one seems to be seeking to exterminate.
Hawthorns by the route to Cwm Llan Hawthorns stand out against the low contrast background of Cwm Llan in low cloud on a dreich November day. The Watkin path heads up there past the Afon Cwm Llan waterfalls, and straight into the clouds that are starting to bring the level up. The weather might mean a less crowded ascent to Snowdon, but the views would hardly be the most rewarding, so this was a lower-level walk aiming to stay below cloudbase and return to Llyn Dinas via a permissive path to Craflwyn.
Hawthorns by the route to Cwm Llan
Hawthorns stand out against the low contrast background of Cwm Llan in low cloud on a dreich November day. The Watkin path heads up there past the Afon Cwm Llan waterfalls, and straight into the clouds that are starting to bring the level up. The weather might mean a less crowded ascent to Snowdon, but the views would hardly be the most rewarding, so this was a lower-level walk aiming to stay below cloudbase and return to Llyn Dinas via a permissive path to Craflwyn.
Y Lliwedd from Allt Maenderyn
Y Lliwedd from Allt Maenderyn
Gallt y Wenallt The snow-covered peak Gallt y Wenallt (619 metres above sea level) of the Snowdon mountain range, as seen at midday on 12th December 2022. Ref:PC120127.
Gallt y Wenallt
The snow-covered peak Gallt y Wenallt (619 metres above sea level) of the Snowdon mountain range, as seen at midday on 12th December 2022. Ref:PC120127.
Llyn Gwynant and Moel Hebog The lake Llyn Gwynant, with the peak Moel Hebog of Hebog Ridge in the distance. Midday on 12th December 2022. Ref:PC120119.
Llyn Gwynant and Moel Hebog
The lake Llyn Gwynant, with the peak Moel Hebog of Hebog Ridge in the distance. Midday on 12th December 2022. Ref:PC120119.
The multiple peaks of Y Lliwedd, Eryri The four peaks of Y Lliwedd (898m, 893m, 807m and 818m), with Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) (1085m) to the left and Gallt y Wenallt (619m) to the right, viewed from the car park for the Watkin Path. Ref:PC200112.
The multiple peaks of Y Lliwedd, Eryri
The four peaks of Y Lliwedd (898m, 893m, 807m and 818m), with Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) (1085m) to the left and Gallt y Wenallt (619m) to the right, viewed from the car park for the Watkin Path. Ref:PC200112.
Llyn Gwynant in Nant Gwynant valley, Eryri The Nant Gwynant valley and the Llyn Gwynant lake. Towering to the right is Gallt y Wenallt (619m) of the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) range of peaks. In the far distance left of centre are the twin peaks of Moel y Gest (263m) to the west of Porthmadog. Ref:PC200124.
Llyn Gwynant in Nant Gwynant valley, Eryri
The Nant Gwynant valley and the Llyn Gwynant lake. Towering to the right is Gallt y Wenallt (619m) of the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) range of peaks. In the far distance left of centre are the twin peaks of Moel y Gest (263m) to the west of Porthmadog. Ref:PC200124.
A maintenance shed and communications mast near Nant Gwynant campsite
A maintenance shed and communications mast near Nant Gwynant campsite
Looking across to the Watkin Path... ...climbing Cwm Tregelan on the lower slope of Y Lliwedd.   The contrast between areas of bright sunshine and deep shadow under cloud was striking.
Looking across to the Watkin Path...
...climbing Cwm Tregelan on the lower slope of Y Lliwedd. The contrast between areas of bright sunshine and deep shadow under cloud was striking.
View down Cwm Llan Afon Cwm Llan can be clearly seen in the blown-up photo.
View down Cwm Llan
Afon Cwm Llan can be clearly seen in the blown-up photo.
Hillside north of Llyn Gwynant campsite
Hillside north of Llyn Gwynant campsite
Old mine walls above Llyn Gwynant
Old mine walls above Llyn Gwynant
Afon Glaslyn below Llyn Dinas
Afon Glaslyn below Llyn Dinas
Show me another place!

Cwm Merch is located at Grid Ref: SH6352 (Lat: 53.050852, Lng: -4.0403277)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///destined.mourner.expanded. Near Blaenau-Ffestiniog, Gwynedd

Nearby Locations

Cwm Merch

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.050852,-4.0403277
Adit
Landuse: quarry
Resource: copper
Lat/Long: 53.0538342/-4.0397002
Adit
Landuse: quarry
Resource: copper
Lat/Long: 53.0543008/-4.0411854
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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