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Bending Gully

Valley in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Bending Gully

Emerging onto flat ground A few minutes after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1671327">SH6562 : Down the headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, winter conditions</a>, and just about at the top of the steep frozen snowslope that covered the scree on the hillside. The steep craggy buttresses of Craig Lloer are visible behind the climber, with a tiny patch of open water in Llyn Lloer in the depths of the cwm below.
Emerging onto flat ground Credit: Richard Law

Bending Gully is a picturesque valley located in the county of Caernarfonshire, Wales. Nestled within the Snowdonia National Park, it offers stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The valley stretches for approximately two miles, encompassing lush green fields, meandering rivers, and towering mountains.

The landscape of Bending Gully is characterized by its unique geological formations. The valley is flanked by steep slopes, adorned with dense forests that showcase a rich variety of flora and fauna. The River Mawddach gracefully winds its way through the valley, adding to its scenic charm. The river is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for trout fishing and water activities.

Bending Gully is also home to several hiking trails, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its natural wonders. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both experienced hikers and leisurely walkers. The panoramic views from the hilltops are truly breathtaking, providing visitors with a sense of awe and appreciation for the surrounding landscape.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bending Gully is steeped in history. The valley boasts ancient ruins and archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into its past. Visitors can explore remnants of old settlements, stone circles, and burial sites, which add a sense of mystery and intrigue to the area.

Overall, Bending Gully is a destination that delights nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich history make it a must-visit location for anyone exploring Caernarfonshire.

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Bending Gully Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.148784/-3.9857345 or Grid Reference SH6763. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Emerging onto flat ground A few minutes after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1671327">SH6562 : Down the headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, winter conditions</a>, and just about at the top of the steep frozen snowslope that covered the scree on the hillside. The steep craggy buttresses of Craig Lloer are visible behind the climber, with a tiny patch of open water in Llyn Lloer in the depths of the cwm below.
Emerging onto flat ground
A few minutes after SH6562 : Down the headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, winter conditions, and just about at the top of the steep frozen snowslope that covered the scree on the hillside. The steep craggy buttresses of Craig Lloer are visible behind the climber, with a tiny patch of open water in Llyn Lloer in the depths of the cwm below.
On the hillside above Glan Dena On the first part of the climb up from the A5 at the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen, heading for a fine winter day out around the hills of the southern Carneddau. The route on this occasion took the Wrekin Mountaineering Club members directly up the steep headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, a line of ascent that wouldn't normally be at all wise due to masses of loose scree high up, but with a covering of frozen snow on the ground it was perfectly viable <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1671327">SH6562 : Down the headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, winter conditions</a>
On the hillside above Glan Dena
On the first part of the climb up from the A5 at the eastern end of Llyn Ogwen, heading for a fine winter day out around the hills of the southern Carneddau. The route on this occasion took the Wrekin Mountaineering Club members directly up the steep headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, a line of ascent that wouldn't normally be at all wise due to masses of loose scree high up, but with a covering of frozen snow on the ground it was perfectly viable SH6562 : Down the headwall of Cwm Ffynnon Lloer, winter conditions
Afon Llugwy and Carreg Minianog The Afon Llugwy is less steep as it skirts the apron of debris which has fallen from Carreg Minianog. The angular nature of glacially-transported debris which is dumped about here suggests that it has not been transported far. I am a particular enthusiast for the 'late-winter' colour palette of bleached grass and brown, dry bracken and it was an absolute joy to be out in the sun despite a degree of sogginess around the feet on this spectacularly wet moorland.
Afon Llugwy and Carreg Minianog
The Afon Llugwy is less steep as it skirts the apron of debris which has fallen from Carreg Minianog. The angular nature of glacially-transported debris which is dumped about here suggests that it has not been transported far. I am a particular enthusiast for the 'late-winter' colour palette of bleached grass and brown, dry bracken and it was an absolute joy to be out in the sun despite a degree of sogginess around the feet on this spectacularly wet moorland.
Rockfall, Carreg Minianog Extensive rockfalls here can be attributed to the presence of bedding surfaces inclined towards the low ground excavated by glacial action. The rockfalls are probably periglacial features that developed following the loss of significant buttressing by thick ice after de-glaciation, at which time frost acting on the bare rock would detach blocks to slide under the influence of gravity. A great deal of the huge volume of glacial boulders on the valley side appear to originate in this area. The rock is a coarse sandstone with a significant content of rhyolite debris which has been eroded from rocks of the Llewelyn Volcanic Group of Ordovician, Caradoc age. Fallen blocks show good sections parallel and normal to the bedding surfaces.
Rockfall, Carreg Minianog
Extensive rockfalls here can be attributed to the presence of bedding surfaces inclined towards the low ground excavated by glacial action. The rockfalls are probably periglacial features that developed following the loss of significant buttressing by thick ice after de-glaciation, at which time frost acting on the bare rock would detach blocks to slide under the influence of gravity. A great deal of the huge volume of glacial boulders on the valley side appear to originate in this area. The rock is a coarse sandstone with a significant content of rhyolite debris which has been eroded from rocks of the Llewelyn Volcanic Group of Ordovician, Caradoc age. Fallen blocks show good sections parallel and normal to the bedding surfaces.
Bedding in sandstone Bedding and cross-stratification features are well-displayed in this fallen block of sandstone belonging to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group (Ordovician, Caradoc age).
Bedding in sandstone
Bedding and cross-stratification features are well-displayed in this fallen block of sandstone belonging to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group (Ordovician, Caradoc age).
Ripple-marking in sandstone A fabulous surface showing a slightly-oblique section through extensive ripple-marks in sandstone belonging to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group (Ordovician, Caradoc). Notebook included for scale (length 15cm).
Ripple-marking in sandstone
A fabulous surface showing a slightly-oblique section through extensive ripple-marks in sandstone belonging to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group (Ordovician, Caradoc). Notebook included for scale (length 15cm).
Glacial boulder group A collection of erratic boulders dropped in a group on the slope below Cwm Llugwy. Some, but not all, of them show significant rounding from transport within an ice stream.
Glacial boulder group
A collection of erratic boulders dropped in a group on the slope below Cwm Llugwy. Some, but not all, of them show significant rounding from transport within an ice stream.
Boulder-strewn hillside Giant boulders are tossed about at the foot of steep slopes leading onto Creigiau Hirion. Ahead and to the right lie extensive deposits of moraine associated with the development of Cwm Llugwy.
Boulder-strewn hillside
Giant boulders are tossed about at the foot of steep slopes leading onto Creigiau Hirion. Ahead and to the right lie extensive deposits of moraine associated with the development of Cwm Llugwy.
Fallen blocks Large blocks of sandstone have fallen from the steep hillside. They preserve features such as bedding, cross-stratification and ripple-marking. In these sandstones are recorded the erosion of volcanic highlands to the north, and the deposition of the debris by braided rivers crossing wide plain to the contemporary ocean. All belong to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group (ordovician, Caradoc age).
Fallen blocks
Large blocks of sandstone have fallen from the steep hillside. They preserve features such as bedding, cross-stratification and ripple-marking. In these sandstones are recorded the erosion of volcanic highlands to the north, and the deposition of the debris by braided rivers crossing wide plain to the contemporary ocean. All belong to the Llewelyn Volcanic Group (ordovician, Caradoc age).
Competent crags Rock outcrop here is showing fewer signs of periglacial erosion and more evidence for flowing, solid ice which has carried away blocks quarried from the flanks of the valley. The cliffs of Y Braich form the backdrop to ground which is covered with moraine deposits.
Competent crags
Rock outcrop here is showing fewer signs of periglacial erosion and more evidence for flowing, solid ice which has carried away blocks quarried from the flanks of the valley. The cliffs of Y Braich form the backdrop to ground which is covered with moraine deposits.
Boulder group with lid A most satisfying group of glacial boulders atop outcrop which has been smoothed by ice flowing down the slope. A small watercourse chuckles its way underneath the boulders and around the rock outcrop, protected by a heavy iron bar.
Boulder group with lid
A most satisfying group of glacial boulders atop outcrop which has been smoothed by ice flowing down the slope. A small watercourse chuckles its way underneath the boulders and around the rock outcrop, protected by a heavy iron bar.
Change of rock-type Rockfalls from the southern margin of Craig y Llyn are mostly of a dark grey sandstone (Llewelyn Volcanic Group) but there are also pale blocks of rhyolite. Looking up the slope shows a contact between grey sandstone and pale grey rhyolite, actually welded ash-flows of the Capel Curig Volcanic Formation. The silica-rich volcanic rock weathers to a very pale grey colour and is distinctive in outcrops. Both rock types are of Ordovician, Caradoc age.
Change of rock-type
Rockfalls from the southern margin of Craig y Llyn are mostly of a dark grey sandstone (Llewelyn Volcanic Group) but there are also pale blocks of rhyolite. Looking up the slope shows a contact between grey sandstone and pale grey rhyolite, actually welded ash-flows of the Capel Curig Volcanic Formation. The silica-rich volcanic rock weathers to a very pale grey colour and is distinctive in outcrops. Both rock types are of Ordovician, Caradoc age.
Craig y Llyn A cliff face developed in hard, volcanic rocks belonging to the Capel Curig Volcanic Formation (Ordovician, Caradoc). A rowan tree is growing on a rather inhospitable cliff face, but probably only survived because sheep could not reach it. The Capel Curig Volcanic Formation represents the accumulation of rhyolitic tuffs which were erupted from volcanoes spread between Tryfan and the northern coast beyond Conwy. It is chilling to consider the violence of eruptions which would hurl red-hot clouds of ash as far as 25km before they coalesced and hardened, often under water.
Craig y Llyn
A cliff face developed in hard, volcanic rocks belonging to the Capel Curig Volcanic Formation (Ordovician, Caradoc). A rowan tree is growing on a rather inhospitable cliff face, but probably only survived because sheep could not reach it. The Capel Curig Volcanic Formation represents the accumulation of rhyolitic tuffs which were erupted from volcanoes spread between Tryfan and the northern coast beyond Conwy. It is chilling to consider the violence of eruptions which would hurl red-hot clouds of ash as far as 25km before they coalesced and hardened, often under water.
Quartz on fault surface Quartz spar coats an exposed fault surface in sandstone. I suspect that this plane of weakness has developed because of the contrast between the competence of the sandstone and the rhyolitic tuff which forms crags in the background.
Quartz on fault surface
Quartz spar coats an exposed fault surface in sandstone. I suspect that this plane of weakness has developed because of the contrast between the competence of the sandstone and the rhyolitic tuff which forms crags in the background.
Craig y Llyn The fabulous, rocky headwall of the lower cirque (or cwm). The development of these features relates to climate deterioration for a few centuries during the Loch Lomond cold stage (Younger Dryas) when the absence of glaciers at lower levels had halted systematic erosion and only isolated patches of ice were active.
Craig y Llyn
The fabulous, rocky headwall of the lower cirque (or cwm). The development of these features relates to climate deterioration for a few centuries during the Loch Lomond cold stage (Younger Dryas) when the absence of glaciers at lower levels had halted systematic erosion and only isolated patches of ice were active.
Craig y Llyn 2 The fabulous, rocky headwall of the lower cirque (or cwm). The development of these features relates to climate deterioration for a few centuries during the Loch Lomond cold stage (Younger Dryas) when the absence of glaciers at lower levels had halted systematic erosion and only isolated patches of ice were active. I could not decide between portrait and landscape format here, so submitted both.
Craig y Llyn 2
The fabulous, rocky headwall of the lower cirque (or cwm). The development of these features relates to climate deterioration for a few centuries during the Loch Lomond cold stage (Younger Dryas) when the absence of glaciers at lower levels had halted systematic erosion and only isolated patches of ice were active. I could not decide between portrait and landscape format here, so submitted both.
Moraines and glacial erosion Angular blocks of rock litter the downhill slope of the moraine which impounds the water of Ffynnon Llugwy. Slightly higher, on the shoulder of Craig y Llyn, rock outcrop is clearly smoothed by flowing ice.
Moraines and glacial erosion
Angular blocks of rock litter the downhill slope of the moraine which impounds the water of Ffynnon Llugwy. Slightly higher, on the shoulder of Craig y Llyn, rock outcrop is clearly smoothed by flowing ice.
Slate outcrop with Cwm Tryfan Outcrop of slate on the edge of Y Braich. In the background if Ffynnon Llugwy and Cwm Llugwy. The disposition of the two cirques and the extensive field of moraines can be appreciated.
Slate outcrop with Cwm Tryfan
Outcrop of slate on the edge of Y Braich. In the background if Ffynnon Llugwy and Cwm Llugwy. The disposition of the two cirques and the extensive field of moraines can be appreciated.
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Bending Gully is located at Grid Ref: SH6763 (Lat: 53.148784, Lng: -3.9857345)

Unitary Authority: Conwy

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///fatigued.rollers.genius. Near Bethesda, Gwynedd

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Bending Gully East Gully Western Gully

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.148784,-3.9857345
Ysgolion Duon
Ele: 960
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 53.1495064/-3.9834
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Man Made: cairn
Lat/Long: 53.14946/-3.97923
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Cwm y Caseg-fraith Caernarfonshire
East Gully Caernarfonshire

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