Elwy Valley Villages

In a nutshell. Hidden villages in the hills and moors flanking the Vale of Conwy.

Gerard Manley Hopkins, in his poem ‘In the Valley of the Elwy’, describes an idyllic landscape, inspired by his walks from Llanefydd to Mynydd y Gaer.

“Lovely the woods, waters, meadows, combes, vales, All the air things wear that build this world of Wales;”

This lovely valley hasn’t changed much since Victorian times, where the rivers Elwy and Aled carve their modest way from the moors of Hiraethog.

In fact many great writers have appreciated this valley. Recorded on the monument in Llansannan are five important writers born here between the 15th and 19th centuries. Llansannan was the location of a prisoner of war camp during the First World War – in a mansion requisitioned from the Countess of Dundonald. Sadly it’s no longer there but if you visit, consider how strange it must have been for those POWs in this remote part of Wales.

The church at Gwytherin is dedicated to St Winefrid, who was abbess at the monastery sometime in the mid-600s. The church is surrounded by ancient standing stones, and has been a place of pilgrimage since the 8th century. It is a popular stopping place on the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way, a 133-mile walking route from Holywell in Flintshire, to Bardsey island. For a spot of refreshment or a bed for the night, The Lion has been offering a warm welcome for over 400 years.

Llanfair Talhaiarn is a great place for fishing and walking through its unspoilt scenery including a climb to nearby Mynydd Bodran for spectacular views. Its most famous son was John Jones, the architect who helped supervise the building of The Crystal Palace in London. He was born in The Harp Inn and he died there too; he now lies at rest under the ancient yew tree in the graveyard. He was a noted bard and took the bardic name Talhaiarn, after the monk who gave the village its name.

Come to Llangernyw to marvel at the oldest living tree in Europe. The Llangernyw Yew is thought to be over 4,000 years old and stands in the churchyard of St Digain’s Church. Pop inside to see the font with its worn down edge on one side. It’s thought that it was used to sharpen knives – either by Roman soldiers or the butchers who attended the markets held around the yew tree in the 18th century! Whilst here, visit the Sir Henry Jones Museum, which celebrates his life as a philosopher, keen educationalist and advisor to Lloyd George. The family home has been preserved to display Victorian life in a Welsh community.

For more information on what to see and where to go on Mynydd Hiraethog see the Villages of Hiraethog and Llyn Brenig.

Find accommodation in the Elwy Valley Villages and find out what's on when you plan to visit.

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Llyn Brenig Reservoir & Visitor Centre

Address

Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389227

llynbrenig@dwrcymru.com

Cerrigydrudion

Llyn Brenig is located at the heart of the Mynydd Hiraethog and is a centre for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, fishing and sailing.
The Brenig Trail

Address

Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389222

llynbrenig@dwrcymru.com

Cerrigydrudion

The Brenig Trail circumnavigates Llyn Brenig through forest and along the shoreline of the lake. The route is suitable for both family cycling and for walking at 9.5 miles (15 km) long.
Llyn Brenig Sailing Club

Address

Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TT

secretary@llynbrenigsc.org.uk

Cerrigydrudion

Llyn Brenig Sailing Club is the highest club in North Wales, at 1200ft above sea level on the Llyn Brenig reservoir.
Hiraethog Trail

Address

Pentrefoelas, Conwy, LL24 0LD

Pentrefoelas

This interesting and scenic trail links the Hiraethog villages of Pentrefoelas, Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr and Llanrhaeadr via public footpaths, quiet lanes and country roads.
Clocaenog Forest

Address

Clocaenog, Corwen, Conwy

Corwen

Clocaenog Forest lies at the heart of the Mynydd Hiraethog and covers 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres). It is home to one of the last remaining populations of red squirrel in Wales, and an ideal location for family cycling, walking and horse riding.
Tough at the Top Cycle Route

Address

Bod Petryal Picnic Site, Corwen, Conwy, LL21 9PR

Corwen

This tough route - as the name suggests - at 57 km long and with a climb of almost 1500m is challenging even for the fittest rider (graded red). The scenery and the long, exhilarating singletrack descent at the end make it all worthwhile though.
The Sir Henry Jones Museum

Address

Y Cwm, Llangernyw, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 8PR

Telephone
01745 860630

syrhenryjones@hotmail.com

Abergele

The museum is the childhood home of Sir Henry Jones (1852-1922) who, from humble origins, became an eminent Professor of Moral Philosophy at Glasgow University and a major influence on the education system in Wales.
Brenig Archaeological Trail - A Walk Through Time - Short Route

Address

Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389222

Cerrigydrudion

The shorter of two walks, at just a few hundred metres long introduces some of the fascinating Bronze Age and Stone Age features on the northern western edge of Llyn Brenig.
Fishing at Llyn Aled

Address

Llyn Aled, Pentrefoelas, Conwy

Telephone
01490 389222

Pentrefoelas

Located high on the Hiraethog moors, this bleak, but beautiful location at 250ft above sea level can be breezy, but provides good coarse fishing for perch, pike and roach.
Up to the Lake Cycle Route

Address

Cyffylliog, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL15 2ED

Cerrigydrudion

A fairly long mountain bike route of 42 km, Up to the Lake is ideal for beginners and intermediates, and for those who prefer something which challenges stamina but is not too taxing technically.
Fishing at Alwen Reservoir

Address

Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389222

llyn.brenig@dwrcymru.com

Corwen

Alwen Reservoir is a peaceful setting with many sheltered tree-lined bays. The waters are stocked with rainbow trout, but there also plenty of perch. An ideal venue for beginners.
The Two Lake Tour

Address

Llanfihangel GM, Conwy, LL21 9UR

Llanfihangel GM

This biking route (49km, climb 943m) runs from the village of Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr through the Clocaenog Forest up to the Alwen Reservoir and on to Llyn Brenig via forest roads.
Llyn Aled

Address

Pentrefoelas, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389222

llynbrenig@dwrcymru.com

Pentrefoelas

The deep lake of Llyn Aled is located high on the Hiraethog moors. Its bleak setting is beautiful, and the lake itself is one of the best spots for coarse fishing in the area.
Craig Forris Walk

Address

Cae'n y Coed, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0TN

Betws-y-Coed

This moderate/strenuous, circular walk through the Gwydir Forest has fabulous views of the Snowdonia mountains.
Fishing at Llyn Brenig

Address

Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Cerrigydrudion, Corwen, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389222

llyn.brenig@dwrcymru.com

Corwen

Llyn Brenig is known for its beauty and its wide range of outdoor activities, including excellent fly fishing. The 920 acre stillwater lake is stocked with rainbow trout, reared on site.
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Mynydd Sleddog Adventures Ltd

Address

South Alwen Forest, Bwlch Hafod Einion, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TE

Telephone
01745 777022

howl@mynyddsleddogadventures.com

Cerrigydrudion

Mynydd Sleddog Adventures is Wales' first and only sled dog attraction offering amazing opportunities for individuals, families and groups to enjoy their very own sled dog adventure.
Bod Petryal Biking Route

Address

Bod Petryal Picnic Site, Clocaenog Forest, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy

Cerrigydrudion

This route meanders through the Clocaenog Forest and at 3.5km long (total climb 60m), it's the perfect route for families and beginners.
Brenig Archaeological Trail - A Walk Through Time - Long Route

Address

Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre, Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Telephone
01490 389222

Cerrigydrudion

Two trails around Llyn Brenig which take the walker past some of the most interesting aspects of this ancient landscape. This route to the north-east of Llyn Brenig is about 2 miles long.
Pentrefoelas Walks

Address

Pentrefoelas, Conwy, LL24 0HT

Telephone
01492 575290

cg.cs@conwy.gov.uk

Pentrefoelas

Five circular walks or varying lengths from the village of Pentrefoelas, a fine example of an estate village taking its name from Foel-las, a nearby small hill, once the site of a simple medieval castle.
Around the Lake Cycle Trail

Address

Alwen, Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, LL21 9TT

Cerrigydrudion

At approximately 15.2km long this route is suitable for beginners and families. The routes start from the main car park at the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre.