Allt y Gelli

Wood, Forest in Merionethshire

Wales

Allt y Gelli

Old railway formation At the site of an occupation crossing, sheep graze on the old railway near Arenig. I love the way that original railway features are still extant here after its closure over 60 years ago. Standard concrete posts support lineside fencing, and the straining-posts are fabricated from old bullhead rail.
Old railway formation Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Allt y Gelli is a stunning woodland located in the county of Merionethshire, Wales. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is a remarkable example of a well-preserved ancient forest. The site is situated near the village of Trawsfynydd and is easily accessible by road.

Upon entering Allt y Gelli, visitors are greeted by a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, pine, and birch. These majestic trees create a dense canopy, which provides a cool and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solace in nature. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of moss, ferns, and wildflowers, adding beauty to the landscape.

The woodland is also home to a plethora of wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to spot a variety of species here, such as woodpeckers, buzzards, and owls. Small mammals like foxes, badgers, and squirrels can also be observed scurrying among the undergrowth.

Allt y Gelli offers several well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their leisure. These paths wind through the woodland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The forest is particularly enchanting during the autumn months when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

Due to its ecological significance, Allt y Gelli is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This designation ensures the preservation of the forest's unique flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy.

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Allt y Gelli Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.955809/-3.7050518 or Grid Reference SH8541. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old railway formation At the site of an occupation crossing, sheep graze on the old railway near Arenig. I love the way that original railway features are still extant here after its closure over 60 years ago. Standard concrete posts support lineside fencing, and the straining-posts are fabricated from old bullhead rail.
Old railway formation
At the site of an occupation crossing, sheep graze on the old railway near Arenig. I love the way that original railway features are still extant here after its closure over 60 years ago. Standard concrete posts support lineside fencing, and the straining-posts are fabricated from old bullhead rail.
Ruined farm structure An enigmatic farm building or sheepfold has fallen into disrepair. The view over pastures to Llyn Celyn are beautiful in the morning light. There is no sound-track, but there were two woodpeckers competing across the hillside from their favourite, most resonant trees. A line of concrete fence posts belonging to the erstwhile GWR branch railway still graces the lineside.
Ruined farm structure
An enigmatic farm building or sheepfold has fallen into disrepair. The view over pastures to Llyn Celyn are beautiful in the morning light. There is no sound-track, but there were two woodpeckers competing across the hillside from their favourite, most resonant trees. A line of concrete fence posts belonging to the erstwhile GWR branch railway still graces the lineside.
Waliau cerrig / Stone walls
Waliau cerrig / Stone walls
Adfail ger Llyn Celyn / Ruin near Llyn Celyn
Adfail ger Llyn Celyn / Ruin near Llyn Celyn
Dwr isel yn Llyn Celyn / Low water in Llyn Celyn
Dwr isel yn Llyn Celyn / Low water in Llyn Celyn
Waliau cerrig / Stone walls (2)
Waliau cerrig / Stone walls (2)
Afon Tryweryn entering Llyn Celyn In the summer months the water in Llyn Celyn is release to maintain flow in the Dee for water extraction. The resulting low lake water level has exposed a rocky channel of small falls as the Tryweryn enters the lake.
Afon Tryweryn entering Llyn Celyn
In the summer months the water in Llyn Celyn is release to maintain flow in the Dee for water extraction. The resulting low lake water level has exposed a rocky channel of small falls as the Tryweryn enters the lake.
Llyn Celyn View across Llyn Celyn towards Mynydd Nodol.
Llyn Celyn
View across Llyn Celyn towards Mynydd Nodol.
Track through the woods
Track through the woods
A4212 North of Llyn Celyn
A4212 North of Llyn Celyn
Track through the heather South-west of Foel-boeth.
Track through the heather
South-west of Foel-boeth.
Recently-burnt heather South of Foel-boeth.
Recently-burnt heather
South of Foel-boeth.
The track below Foel-boeth Llyn Celyn can be seen in the distance on the left.
The track below Foel-boeth
Llyn Celyn can be seen in the distance on the left.
Looking east on the track below Foel-boeth
Looking east on the track below Foel-boeth
Low water, Llyn Celyn With almost unprecedented drought in Wales, Llyn Celyn is at a low level. Here is part of the drowned gorge of the Afon Tryweryn, where a waterfall runs over a geological feature, as a discontinuity makes a prominent slope. The rock here belongs to the Aran Fawddwy Formation, which comprises volcanic rock of Ordovician, Caradoc age. This rock unit extends some distance upstream, and is entirely in accordance with the rough, pock-marked boulders which have been carried by a glacier originating in the uplands to the west.
Low water, Llyn Celyn
With almost unprecedented drought in Wales, Llyn Celyn is at a low level. Here is part of the drowned gorge of the Afon Tryweryn, where a waterfall runs over a geological feature, as a discontinuity makes a prominent slope. The rock here belongs to the Aran Fawddwy Formation, which comprises volcanic rock of Ordovician, Caradoc age. This rock unit extends some distance upstream, and is entirely in accordance with the rough, pock-marked boulders which have been carried by a glacier originating in the uplands to the west.
Dry shore with treestump Low water levels have allowed the shore of the reservoir to dry out, exposing many features of the previous landscape. Here is a treestump originating from the felling of woodland on the historical slope above the Afon Treweryn. All around are large glacial erratic boulders originating in the previous large-scale modification of the terrain we call the Ice Age.
Dry shore with treestump
Low water levels have allowed the shore of the reservoir to dry out, exposing many features of the previous landscape. Here is a treestump originating from the felling of woodland on the historical slope above the Afon Treweryn. All around are large glacial erratic boulders originating in the previous large-scale modification of the terrain we call the Ice Age.
Wood and stone A fascinating juxtaposition of rocks and a treestump predating the reservoir construction. Was the tree a hawthorn growing by a wall, or was it a random pile of rocks? Both have a consistent patina from long submergence by the tannin-rich lake water.
Wood and stone
A fascinating juxtaposition of rocks and a treestump predating the reservoir construction. Was the tree a hawthorn growing by a wall, or was it a random pile of rocks? Both have a consistent patina from long submergence by the tannin-rich lake water.
Rivet benchmark by Cae Garnedd layby, Llyn Celyn Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on a boulder in Cae Garnedd layby by Llyn Celyn. The boulder is next to post box LL23 84.
Rivet benchmark by Cae Garnedd layby, Llyn Celyn
Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on a boulder in Cae Garnedd layby by Llyn Celyn. The boulder is next to post box LL23 84.
Show me another place!

Allt y Gelli is located at Grid Ref: SH8541 (Lat: 52.955809, Lng: -3.7050518)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales

What 3 Words

///shackles.suckle.beside. Near Bala, Gwynedd

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.955809,-3.7050518
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 52.9562231/-3.7012713
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 52.9555218/-3.6978274
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 52.9576418/-3.7084078
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 52.9570278/-3.7052428
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 52.9581718/-3.7110289
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 52.9563124/-3.7038096
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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