Cadair Ifan Goch

Heritage Site in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Cadair Ifan Goch

Farmland near Eglwysbach Farmland in a valley to the south of Eglwysbach.
Farmland near Eglwysbach Credit: Philip Halling

Cadair Ifan Goch, located in Caernarfonshire, Wales, is a significant heritage site known for its historical and cultural importance. Situated within Snowdonia National Park, this prominent peak stands at an elevation of 2,609 feet (795 meters) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The name "Cadair Ifan Goch" translates to "Chair of Red Ivan" in English, and it refers to a large rock formation resembling a chair that sits atop the summit. This distinctive feature has been a subject of fascination for locals and visitors alike.

The site has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity in the area as early as the Neolithic period. Cadair Ifan Goch is believed to have served as an important meeting place and ceremonial site for the local communities.

The mountain is also intertwined with Welsh folklore and mythology. Legend has it that a giant named Ifan Goch used the chair-shaped rock as his throne, adding to the mystical aura surrounding the site.

Today, Cadair Ifan Goch is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts. The mountain offers various trails of different difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore its rugged terrain and experience its natural beauty up close.

As a designated heritage site, Cadair Ifan Goch is protected by conservation efforts to preserve its cultural and historical significance. It serves as a reminder of Wales' rich heritage and provides visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with the past while immersing themselves in the stunning natural surroundings.

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Cadair Ifan Goch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.185/-3.813 or Grid Reference SH7866. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland near Eglwysbach Farmland in a valley to the south of Eglwysbach.
Farmland near Eglwysbach
Farmland in a valley to the south of Eglwysbach.
Weather coming in over the mountains Grazing land leading to the mountains
Weather coming in over the mountains
Grazing land leading to the mountains
Farm track; wonderful view The whole Snowdon range available from this spot, weather allowing.
Farm track; wonderful view
The whole Snowdon range available from this spot, weather allowing.
Rhiwdafnau A farmhouse several hundreds of years old on a level above the steep, wooded slope to the Conwy Valley.
This image was captured and published by kind permission of the owners.
Rhiwdafnau
A farmhouse several hundreds of years old on a level above the steep, wooded slope to the Conwy Valley. This image was captured and published by kind permission of the owners.
View from Plas Maenan over the Afon Conwy A view from the terrace of the Plas Maenan Hotel towards Dolgarrog.  The bridge over the Afon (River) Conwy is in the centre of the picture.  This bridge once carried a railway branch from Dolgarrog Station to the aluminium works.  The rail tracks were removed in the 1960's and the bridge now carries water mains and a currently closed footpath.
View from Plas Maenan over the Afon Conwy
A view from the terrace of the Plas Maenan Hotel towards Dolgarrog. The bridge over the Afon (River) Conwy is in the centre of the picture. This bridge once carried a railway branch from Dolgarrog Station to the aluminium works. The rail tracks were removed in the 1960's and the bridge now carries water mains and a currently closed footpath.
Rusty rails to Llandudno Junction As seen from Dolgarrog station.
The reason?
No regular trains have passed by since before 8 January. Flooding etc has caused yet another issue for this scenic railway line to Blaenau Ffestiniog to close on numerous occasions. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7085730">SH7866 : Information board at Dolgarrog station</a>
Viewed from the apparent safety of the footpath crossing.
Rusty rails to Llandudno Junction
As seen from Dolgarrog station. The reason? No regular trains have passed by since before 8 January. Flooding etc has caused yet another issue for this scenic railway line to Blaenau Ffestiniog to close on numerous occasions. SH7866 : Information board at Dolgarrog station Viewed from the apparent safety of the footpath crossing.
Former track area to the aluminium factory Seen to the left of the existing track.
In 1916 a short branch line was opened from the Conwy Valley railway, east of the river. It made a sharp turn through almost 180 degrees to cross the river and run along the valley to the factory. From the entrance gate, sidings fanned out into seven areas of the factory.
- History points <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=the-dolgarrog-railway)" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historypoints.org/index.php?page=the-dolgarrog-railway)">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
It was here the railway joined the line to Llandudno Junction.
Former track area to the aluminium factory
Seen to the left of the existing track. In 1916 a short branch line was opened from the Conwy Valley railway, east of the river. It made a sharp turn through almost 180 degrees to cross the river and run along the valley to the factory. From the entrance gate, sidings fanned out into seven areas of the factory. - History points LinkExternal link It was here the railway joined the line to Llandudno Junction.
Information board at Dolgarrog station Deals with Covid rules and the announcement of a replacement bus service.
The Conwy Valley Line which runs between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno did not reopen on 28 January as expected, and a bus replacement service will operate until further notice.

The line, which runs from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno, had closed again on Tuesday, 19 January following flood damage caused by Storm Christoph. This is coupled with staff shortages.
Information board at Dolgarrog station
Deals with Covid rules and the announcement of a replacement bus service. The Conwy Valley Line which runs between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno did not reopen on 28 January as expected, and a bus replacement service will operate until further notice. The line, which runs from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno, had closed again on Tuesday, 19 January following flood damage caused by Storm Christoph. This is coupled with staff shortages.
Shelter and seat at Dolgarrog station
Shelter and seat at Dolgarrog station
Dolgarrog station viewed from the footpath The footpath is signed as 'closed'. The reason being about 200 metres behind the photographer is a bridge <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3744648">SH7866 : Dolgarrog bridge viewed south westwards</a> across the river which is closed for safety reasons.
Moves are in hand to have the bridge repaired. In theory this must be the only village which has a station but it cannot be reached unless a long circuitous route is taken by road.
Equally it is a station without a village.
Dolgarrog station viewed from the footpath
The footpath is signed as 'closed'. The reason being about 200 metres behind the photographer is a bridge SH7866 : Dolgarrog bridge viewed south westwards across the river which is closed for safety reasons. Moves are in hand to have the bridge repaired. In theory this must be the only village which has a station but it cannot be reached unless a long circuitous route is taken by road. Equally it is a station without a village.
Rough ground beside footpath from Dolgarrog station It was in this area a short branch line was opened from the Conwy Valley railway, east of the river. It made a sharp turn through almost 180 degrees to cross the river and run along the valley to the aluminium works factory. From the entrance gate, sidings fanned out into seven areas of the factory.
There are no visible signs of the old railway it having been lifted in 1965.
Rough ground beside footpath from Dolgarrog station
It was in this area a short branch line was opened from the Conwy Valley railway, east of the river. It made a sharp turn through almost 180 degrees to cross the river and run along the valley to the aluminium works factory. From the entrance gate, sidings fanned out into seven areas of the factory. There are no visible signs of the old railway it having been lifted in 1965.
Footpath to Dolgarrog station Currently closed as the bridge <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3744648">SH7866 : Dolgarrog bridge viewed south westwards</a> about 200 metres behind the photographer is closed for safety reasons.
The path does however lead to the Afon Conwy. A popular spot for dog walkers.
Footpath to Dolgarrog station
Currently closed as the bridge SH7866 : Dolgarrog bridge viewed south westwards about 200 metres behind the photographer is closed for safety reasons. The path does however lead to the Afon Conwy. A popular spot for dog walkers.
View to Dolgarrog from the A470 At the centre of the photo is Dolgarrog Bridge which used to carry a branch line from the Aluminium works across the Afon Conwy to join with the Conwy Valley line. The line closed and the railway dismantled, it now carries two large water pipes and a footpath.
View to Dolgarrog from the A470
At the centre of the photo is Dolgarrog Bridge which used to carry a branch line from the Aluminium works across the Afon Conwy to join with the Conwy Valley line. The line closed and the railway dismantled, it now carries two large water pipes and a footpath.
Conwy Valley A wide, flat valley, prone to flooding. The fence across the middle of the photo shows the path of the Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway line which has had to close several times in the last few years due to damage caused by flooding.
Conwy Valley
A wide, flat valley, prone to flooding. The fence across the middle of the photo shows the path of the Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog railway line which has had to close several times in the last few years due to damage caused by flooding.
Peaceful cows Cows with their young calves are enjoying the spring sunshine on the rough meadows adjacent to the railway and A470 by Dolgarrog Station. Compare with a previous view during preparation for railway works: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6533287">SH7866 : Access to the railway</a>.
Peaceful cows
Cows with their young calves are enjoying the spring sunshine on the rough meadows adjacent to the railway and A470 by Dolgarrog Station. Compare with a previous view during preparation for railway works: SH7866 : Access to the railway.
Dolgarrog bridge A view from the riverside at a low state of tide.
Dolgarrog bridge
A view from the riverside at a low state of tide.
Afon Conwy A view of the river at a low tide level with reeds and mudbanks.
Afon Conwy
A view of the river at a low tide level with reeds and mudbanks.
A470 near Bod Hyfryd Hall
A470 near Bod Hyfryd Hall
Show me another place!

Cadair Ifan Goch is located at Grid Ref: SH7866 (Lat: 53.185, Lng: -3.813)

Unitary Authority: Conwy

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///hourglass.pinches.chatted. Near Llanrwst, Conwy

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.185,-3.813
Cadair Ifan Goch
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 53.185058/-3.81323
Plas Maenan
Addr City: Llanrwst
Addr Country: GB
Addr Postcode: LL26 0YR
Addr Street: Maenan
Fhrs Authority: Conwy
Fhrs Id: 692294
Fhrs Local Authority Id: 12283
Name En: Plas Maenan Country House
Source: local knowledge
Tourism: hotel
Lat/Long: 53.1839594/-3.816622
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1858806/-3.8198625
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1842808/-3.818308
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1832723/-3.8174429
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1819681/-3.816321
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1813484/-3.8162872
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1826249/-3.8169005
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 53.1848985/-3.818867
Turning Loop
Lat/Long: 53.1839026/-3.816895
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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