Hafod y Llan

Heritage Site in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Hafod y Llan

Winter birches on Nantgwynant The marshy land between the public footpath and Llyn Dinas on its southeast shore is dotted with Downy Birch - the species of birch (of our two natives) better adapted to such wet soils. On a wet day like this when the higher parts of Snowdonia are unattractive to walkers, lower level paths like this one present opportunties to have the trees stand out against the low-contrast background, and close examination shows that every twig is adorned with droplets of water catching the light from the low clouds. — Winter birches on Nantgwynant Credit: Andy Waddington

Hafod y Llan is a historic estate located in Caernarfonshire, Wales. Situated in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, it covers an area of approximately 4,000 acres and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The estate is managed by the National Trust and is a popular destination for visitors interested in both history and outdoor activities.

The centerpiece of Hafod y Llan is a grand Victorian farmhouse, which was built in the 1860s and serves as a gateway to the estate. The farmhouse offers self-catering accommodation for visitors who wish to stay and explore the surrounding landscape. The estate itself boasts a diverse range of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and rivers, making it an ideal location for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

One of the main attractions at Hafod y Llan is the famous Hafod y Llan Waterfall. This majestic waterfall cascades down a series of rock ledges and is a popular spot for picnics and photography. Additionally, the estate is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and rare birds such as the ring ouzel.

Hafod y Llan also has a significant historical and cultural significance. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as "The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd," which includes several nearby castles such as Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle. The estate's rich history can be explored through guided tours, where visitors can learn about the traditional farming practices and the cultural heritage of the area.

In conclusion, Hafod y Llan is a captivating heritage site that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Its breathtaking landscape and diverse wildlife make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, while its historical buildings and cultural heritage provide a glimpse into the region's past.

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Hafod y Llan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.04/-4.049 or Grid Reference SH6251. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Winter birches on Nantgwynant

The marshy land between the public footpath and Llyn Dinas on its southeast shore is dotted with Downy Birch - the species of birch (of our two natives) better adapted to such wet soils. On a wet day like this when the higher parts of Snowdonia are unattractive to walkers, lower level paths like this one present opportunties to have the trees stand out against the low-contrast background, and close examination shows that every twig is adorned with droplets of water catching the light from the low clouds.

Andy Waddington

Llyn Dinas

North of Beddgelert in the Nant Gwynant Pass, Llyn Dinas is a mountain lake with a footpath around its eastern shore. It is a fairly shallow lake, covering an area of 60 acres. This is looking north from the footbridge which crosses the River Glaslyn

Eirian Evans

Moorland and hillocks, near Llyn Dinas

Eirian Evans

Barn at Llyndy Isaf

Eirian Evans

Glan Llyn

Standing proud above the A498

Eirian Evans

Glan Llyn

Ceri Thomas

Vista of Llyn Dinas

Bill Harrison

Gorsaf drydan-dwr Llyndy Isaf / Llyndy Isaf Hydro-electric power station

Ceri Thomas

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.

Eric Jones

Waterfall on Afon Cwm Llan

Afon Cwm Llan is a spate river.

Eric Jones

Rhaeadr Cwm Llan waterfall

Eric Jones

Cwm Llan waterfall in full spate

Eric Jones

Ruined copper mine buildings near Plas Cwm Llan

Eric Jones

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.

Andy Waddington

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.

Andy Waddington

Permissive path to Cwm y Bleiddiaid mines

Leaving the Watkin path up Snowdon just below the point where it crosses an old mineral working incline, this path makes its way across bleak and soggy hillside above the Afon Gorsen via a (long) series of well-placed stepping stones through the most vulnerable bits of wetland. It eventually reaches a more substantial path in Cwm y Bleiddiaid, where there are more old mine workings, and then a choice of two routes down to Craflwyn, but no direct descent to the road near Llyn Dinas.

Andy Waddington

Stile to Afon Gorsen catchment

The wall closely follows the limits of the catchment of the Afon Gorsen as it drains towards the Afon Glaslyn. The permissive footpath which crosses it by this stile comes from Craflwyn (by either of two routes to Cwm y Bleiddiaid) and climbs to cross a spur just behind the photographer. Over the wall, the path stays on the SE-facing slopes above the Gorsen, traversing to reach an area which drains to the Afon Cwm Llan, then descends to the Watkin path. Fortunately, in weather like this, the path is very clear on the ground all the way, and crosses various very boggy bits by a long series of well-placed stepping stones. I was still glad to be in wellies, though...

Andy Waddington