Today on the Oakeley blog we’re going to delve a little deeper into one of the most famous local legends….. the tale of Gelert’s Grave.

The pretty village of Beddgelert is best known for this sad, sad, legend – the story of the faithful dog Gelert. Gelert was slain in rage by his owner, Prince Llywelyn, who thought that the hound had murdered his baby son. Llywelyn was in fact mistaken – brave Gelert had defended the prince’s son from the jaws of a hungry wolf, but it was too late. In repentance, Prince Llywelyn buried his faithful dog in a grave by the river, which still stands today. Here’s what is written on the sorry dog’s grave….

IN THE 13TH CENTURY, LLYWELYN, PRINCE OF NORTH WALES, HAD A PALACE AT BEDDGELERT. ONE DAY HE WENT HUNTING WITHOUT GELERT “THE FAITHFUL HOUND” WHO WAS UNACCOUNTABLY ABSENT. ON LLYWELYN’S RETURN, THE TRUANT STAINED AND SMEARED WITH BLOOD, JOYFULLY SPRANG TO MEET HIS MASTER. THE PRINCE ALARMED HASTENED TO FIND HIS SON, AND SAW THE INFANT’S COT EMPTY, THE BEDCLOTHES AND FLOOR COVERED WITH BLOOD. THE FRANTIC FATHER PLUNGED THE SWORD INTO THE HOUND’S SIDE THINKING IT HAD KILLED HIS HEIR. THE DOG’S DYING YELL WAS ANSWERED BY A CHILD’S CRY. LLYWELYN SEARCHED AND DISCOVERED HIS BOY UNHARMED BUT NEAR BY LAY THE BODY OF A MIGHTY WOLF WHICH GELERT HAD SLAIN, THE PRINCE FILLED WITH REMORSE IS SAID NEVER TO HAVE SMILED AGAIN. HE BURIED GELERT HERE. THE SPOT IS CALLED BEDDGELERT.

Gelert by Charles Burton Barber (c.1894)

However, many people credit a local publican, David Pritchard, who owned the Goat Hotel in the late eighteenth century, with the tale of Gelert. He apparently wanted to encourage tourists to visit the village, and in the days before marketing plans, social media and twitter campaigns, this was his best attempt. And if this is a true story, then it could be said that old Mr Pritchard is something of a legend himself – because his idea certainly took hold! It arguably became one of the best marketing campaigns in Welsh history……..

So, if you fancy learning more about this wonderful local legend, then why not try our fantastic local walk in Beddgelert – the village is just a few miles from the Oakeley Arms Hotel.

Where:              Beddgelert, Gwynedd

Distance:          Approx 6 miles

Difficulty:          Difficult

Start:                Beddgelert village car park (by Royal Goat Hotel, southern part of the village). Postcode for sat nav is LL55 4YJ (approx)

Grid Ref:           SH 588 481

Maps:               OS Explorer OL 17: Snowdon

*Part of this walk involves a path alongside the river that can sometimes be perilous. Do not attempt this walk if there has been heavy rainfall and the river is high/fast. Take extreme care on slippery rocks and be extra vigilant if walking with dogs and/or children.

Directions:

1: Leave car park, go back to road and turn right. Pass TIC, then ice cream café. After Tanronnen pub, don’t go over bridge, but stay ahead along narrow road beside river passing gift shops. Just before footbridge turn right through gate and follow path by river.

2: Continue along riverside path (river on left) and through several gates for approx ½ mile. Cross new footbridge, then the railway and continue along the river path – with the river to your right now. Most of the path is sturdy, but occasionally it passes overhanging rocks and over narrow, slippery stones. Take care here!

3: At the end of the Aberglaslyn Pass, path veers upwards into the trees and just before road bridge, it heads left. Follow path then turn right downhill heading for car park (if you reach railway line you’ve gone too far).

4: At bottom of small hill, go left over stone stile but don’t go into car park. Instead, turn left under railway arch (signposted for Cwm Bychan). Head straight through picnic area and up rocky path. Follow upwards, eventually crossing stream and through small gap in wall. Path will level out onto valley floor with remnants of mining machinery mapping the path.

5: Keep ahead, aiming through two hills. After a steep uphill climb, cross a stile and onto summit, and continue on the path that leads ahead (don’t turn down to the left signed for Sygun, Beddgelert) – follow signs for Llyn Dinas.

6: Stay on path, then at lake edge, turn left along well-defined path and continue, to eventually reach gate into Copper Mine area. Go straight over road (unless visiting mine) and through another gate to follow path and signs for Beddgelert village.

7: Follow road past campsite, don’t deviate until you are almost at the main road. Turn left just before bridge at footpath sign. Follow path alongside river, then through gate bearing slightly right to another footpath between river and houses. Cross green then turn right over bridge and back onto road and into village.

**Please note that these directions are for guidance only. The Oakeley Arms can accept no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always take a map with you and be prepared for the weather for turn. Do not venture out in bad weather and always take care with coastal tides.