Blaenau Dolwyddelan

Settlement in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Blaenau Dolwyddelan

Blaenau Dolwyddelan is a small village located in the county of Caernarfonshire, in the north-western region of Wales. Nestled within the Snowdonia National Park, this picturesque settlement is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The village is situated at the convergence of the rivers Lledr and Llugwy, which provide a scenic backdrop to the local landscape. Blaenau Dolwyddelan is known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and stunning mountain views, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The village itself is steeped in history, with many buildings dating back centuries. One of the most notable landmarks is Dolwyddelan Castle, a medieval fortress that stands on a hill overlooking the village. Built by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century, the castle offers a glimpse into the region's rich past and attracts visitors from far and wide.

Though small in size, Blaenau Dolwyddelan boasts a close-knit community, with a range of amenities to cater to the needs of its residents and visitors. These include a village pub, a post office, and a local shop, providing essential services and a warm welcome to all who pass through.

In summary, Blaenau Dolwyddelan is a charming village that combines natural beauty with a rich historical heritage. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure in the great outdoors, this idyllic Welsh village offers a truly unforgettable experience.

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Blaenau Dolwyddelan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.047956/-3.935803 or Grid Reference SH7051. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A470 Crimea Pass

Steven Brown

View from the Crimea Pass

N Chadwick

Forest track below Clogwyn Mawr

Richard Law

Forest track above Blaenau Dolwyddelan

An easy track through the forest, but access is positively discouraged at the point the track leaves the road in the valley below.

Richard Law

Down the track towards a tight bend

A forest track running through the woods above Blaenau Dolwyddelan.

Richard Law

Forest track, with a 'bridge'

The map marks the track crossing the Ceunant Ty'n-y-Ddol just here, but the bridge actually consists of little more than a concrete pipe buried below the trackway.

Richard Law

Track heading up into the mist

Richard Law

Track in the forest

The forest track here crosses an area marked as Sarn Diwaunydd ('poor causeway') which rather suggests this was boggy or difficult ground at one time prior to the planting of the trees.

Richard Law

Slate tippings

Probably the same slate heap seen in SH6852 : Slate waste and sheepfold, but it lies near the entrance to a small quarry referred to by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust as Chwarel Owen Parry in Link

Whether it was ever commercially viable, or simply provided a bit of local building stone, remains unanswered.

Richard Law

Gateway with substantial posts

Referred to by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust in Link

as a 'Post Medieval Gate' with massive upright slabs. The notice reads "Please please close this gate" which makes me think the farmer is particularly civil in his request, or has had problems in the past. We closed it.

Richard Law

Sheepfolds on the hillside

The sheepfolds in question aren't the parallel grey lines just below the forest on the far side of the Ceunant Ty'n-y-ddol. We are talking here about the pens attached to the wall which runs in from the left, also seen from the west in SH6852 : Slate waste and sheepfold

Richard Law

Track down towards Coed Mawr

Once a footpath, but now mapped as a bridleway and clearly used by a quad bike

Richard Law

Cattle in rough grazings above Coed Mawr

Richard Law

Clogwyn yr Adar

Quite apart from the geological description afforded to this sheltered, south-facing cliff in SH6951 : Clogwyn yr Adar, it's also the location of a series of short but testing rockclimbs, many of which are fairly high in their grades. The majority of them range from HVS up to E5.

Richard Law

Coed Mawr farm

Apart from the rather more inaccessible Nhadog Isaf farm a little way to the southwest, Coed Mawr is the last inhabited building in the valley of Blaenau Dolwyddelan.

Richard Law

Barn at Coed Mawr farm

The recently-retiled roof contrasts quite strongly with the much older traditional stone walls and the elderly timber doors. The upper storey is probably a hayloft.

Richard Law

Ty Capel Dinas

The name Ty Capel Dinas is given on the large scale map, but this was formerly the Blaenau Independent Chapel built in 1876. It's rapidly becoming very overgrown.

Richard Law