Dolwyddelan

Community in Merionethshire

Wales

Dolwyddelan

Llechwedd Slate Caverns Former slate quarry and deep mines, now operating as a visitor attraction detailing the history of slate quarrying around Blaenau Ffestiniog. A deep mine tour is available via a steep funicular railway. — Llechwedd Slate Caverns Credit: David Robinson

Dolwyddelan is a small community located in the historic county of Merionethshire, Wales. Situated in the Snowdonia National Park, it is nestled in the beautiful Conwy Valley. The community is named after the village of Dolwyddelan, which is its main settlement.

Dolwyddelan is known for its rich history and stunning natural surroundings. The village is dominated by Dolwyddelan Castle, a 13th-century fortress that stands proudly on a hilltop overlooking the community. The castle was built by Llywelyn the Great, a Welsh prince, and served as a strategic stronghold during the medieval period.

The community offers a range of amenities and facilities to both residents and visitors. In the village, there are several shops, cafes, and traditional pubs where visitors can sample local cuisine and beverages. Dolwyddelan also has a primary school, a village hall, and a post office, which provide essential services to the local population.

The area surrounding Dolwyddelan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The community is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal destination for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The nearby Llyn Cowlyd Reservoir is a popular spot for water sports, offering opportunities for canoeing and sailing.

Dolwyddelan is well-connected to other parts of Wales and the United Kingdom. The A470 road passes through the community, providing easy access to larger towns and cities. The nearest railway station is located in Dolwyddelan village, offering transport links to the wider region.

Overall, Dolwyddelan is a charming community that combines a rich historical heritage with stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Dolwyddelan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.015792/-3.952581 or Grid Reference SH6948. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns

Former slate quarry and deep mines, now operating as a visitor attraction detailing the history of slate quarrying around Blaenau Ffestiniog. A deep mine tour is available via a steep funicular railway.

David Robinson

Slate Waste, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Slate waste around the slopes of former Llechwedd and Gloddfa Ganol slate mines.

David Robinson

A470, Crimea Pass

The Crimea Pass (Welsh: Bwlch y Gorddinan) is a mountain pass in North Wales, on the A470 road between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Dolwyddelan. At its highest point, it is 385 metres (1,263 ft) above sea level. It takes its name from the Crimean War which was being fought about the time the road was opened, in 1854.

David Dixon

A470, Blaenau Ffestiniog

The A470, also known as the Cardiff to Glan Conwy Trunk Road, is the major long-distance road in Wales, from Cardiff on the south coast to Llandudno on the north coast. It is 185 miles long, and has undergone considerable road improvement in the last two decades. While previously one had to navigate the narrow roads of Llanidloes and Dolgellau, both these market towns are now bypassed due to extensive road modernisation. The road travels through two of Wales's national parks, the Brecon Beacons in the South and Snowdonia National Park, starting just south of Dinas Mawddwy in the North. It is a primary trunk route throughout its length, and the southernmost 26 miles, from Cardiff Bay to Merthyr Tydfil, is mainly direct and good quality dual carriageway, but most of the route from north of Merthyr to Llandudno is single carriageway. Link

SABRE

David Dixon

Bus Leaving Blaenau Ffestiniog on the A470

VDL Setra coach HRZ 1849, heading northwards on the A470 (Crimea Pass) from Blaenau Ffestiniog.

David Dixon

Llwyn-y-Gell Road, Blaenau Ffestiniog

SABRE

David Dixon

A470 towards Blaenau Ffestiniog

Steven Brown

On Moel Penamnen - view to Llynnau Barlwyd & Moel Farlwyd

Colin Park

On Allt-fawr, - view NE along ridge towards Crimea Pass

Colin Park

Relocated milestone, Crimea Pass

The same stone as SH7048 : Old Milestone by the A470, Dolwyddelan, which was originally located a little way further down the hill towards Blaenau until being smartened up and relocated sometime in the last 20 years or so.

Richard Law

Parking area at the top of Crimea Pass

A short stretch of old road, sectioned off as parking for hillwalkers and passers-by

Richard Law

Nameless stream on the hillside of Moel Farlwyd

Richard Law

Heading uphill on the north ridge of Moel Farlwyd

Short grass and occasional bilberry underfoot makes for quite easy going on this northern ridge.

Richard Law

Easterly view from the ascent of Moel Farlwyd

Across the rather sparse upper section of the forest in the valley of the Afon Las, with the northern ridge of Moel Penamnen above that.

Richard Law

Sheepfold on the northern ridge of Moel Farlwyd

Marked on the 1:25000 map, but not mentioned or recorded by any of the normal archeological surveys of the hills such as the National Monuments Records, or the various Welsh Archeological Trusts.

Richard Law

Northerly view from the ridge of Moel Farlwyd

Looking across the broad valley occupied by the Afon Lledr and Dolwyddelan, with Moel Siabod the most prominent hill on the right, and the larger Glyderau range to the left beyond there.

Richard Law