If you’re a fan of picturesque villages and breathtaking natural scenery, you need to visit this hidden gem
Tucked away in the heart of Eryri/Snowdonia National Park sits the hidden treasure that is Beddgelert village.
Whilst countless tourists bypass this charming spot entirely whilst heading to conquer Mount Snowdon, this stunning hamlet certainly deserves a visit.
Nestled amongst sweeping emerald valleys, meandering waterways and flanked by towering peaks, Beddgelert holds centuries of heritage and is steeped in countless Welsh tales and folklore.
The stone-constructed settlement spans a gurgling brook and offers an ideal base for discovering the area’s walking routes and pathways, whether that’s the Aberglaslyn Pass towards the south, Nant Gwyan eastwards or tackling Snowdon northbound.
The Beddgelert website proclaims that the surrounding landscape mustn’t be overlooked, saying: “Wooded vales, rocky slopes and mountain lakes fill the surrounding countryside.”, reports Wales Online.
“And what a countryside it is, with scenery, activities, attractions, history and culture for all.”
Welsh travel specialists insist “everyone loves Beddgelert”, with its mythical roots simply enhancing its appeal.
The settlement’s title translates to “Gelert’s grave”, connecting the community to the ancient legend of Llywelyn the Great and his devoted dog Gelert.
The story tells how Llywelyn came back one afternoon to discover his infant gone and Gelert bloodstained around the muzzle.
Assuming Gelert responsible for his child’s death, Llywelyn heartbreakingly slayed his loyal companion. However, moments later, he heard his child’s cry and discovered them unharmed, alongside a dead wolf that Gelert had valiantly protected the child from.
Overwhelmed with guilt for his rash decision, Llywelyn organised an elaborate funeral for Gelert in the village.
During the 18th century, a local landlord built a tombstone for the dog, with a walk and trail offering a magnificent way to discover the village and its surrounding hills.
Upon your return, the delightful and welcoming village provides plenty to keep you occupied, whether it’s unwinding in one of the hotels, B&Bs, or guesthouses or spending the afternoon beside a fire at a local pub.
Despite its mythical reputation, Beddgelert continues to be a small village, housing fewer than 500 inhabitants, but it is bursting with warmth and personality.
Its cobbled lanes, mediaeval stone dwellings, and pubs whisk you back to a fairy-tale environment, making it a perfect destination to visit during autumn, with Fine Country event declaring it as one of the UK’s “prettiest autumn villages”.
For an alternative perspective on the village’s past, the neighbouring Sygun Copper Mine is well worth a visit.
Copper has been extracted in the Snowdon valleys for generations, with some accounts even tracing it back to Roman periods.
To witness its more contemporary past, Beddgelert is also positioned on the historic Welsh Highland Railway, which travels from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.