Home of the Dragon.
Dinas Emrys is a steep, volcanic outcrop of rock that looms over Nantgwynant – the beautiful valley that stretches north-east of Beddgelert. An impressive sight in any weather, it’s worth walking up to the summit, where the masonry base of a medieval tower can still be seen. This is all that remains today of a keep, believed to have been constructed at the end of the 12th century when there was a struggle for supremacy among the princes of Gwynedd.
While you are on the site, look out also for the remains of the stone ramparts that encircle the summit; their construction may have started during the Roman period. See too if you can find the traces of a cistern that was used in the Middle Ages. The spring which feeds it was probably one of the main reasons why this hilltop has been fortified through the ages – a ready supply of fresh water.
Dinas Emrys was clearly also a significant place in the time of the princes. The site occupies an important strategic position, overlooking the road which runs through Nantgwynant from the north-east to the coast. It’s worth remembering that before the cob (sea wall) at Porthmadog was built and the land behind it drained in the 19th century, the sea came to within 2½ miles of Dinas Emrys.
Dinas Emrys is home to one of Wales’ most enduring legends: the famous story behind the symbol of the Welsh red dragon.
If the 45-minute walk up to the top doesn’t appeal, you can take in the view of Dinas Emrys from various viewpoints on the adjacent Craflwyn Estate.
Perfect for an atmospheric ramble.
Free Entry
1 mile north-east of Beddgelert on the A498.
16 miles from Betws y Coed railway station. The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway stops in Beddgelert on most days between 1st March and 31st October. See http://www.whr.co.uk/ for more information.
Several buses stop in Beddgelert. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or go online at http://www.traveline-cymru.info for the latest public transport information. The Sherpa Bus Service goes through Nantgwynant. This is the service that shuttles around the base of Snowdon, connecting all six main footpaths and the surrounding villages. Timetables are available at https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx
1 mile from Beddgelert on the A498.
1 mile from Beddgelert on the A498.
Access to the site is from the NT car park at Craflwyn. NT website is https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/craflwyn-and-beddgelert.
Medium. Steep and slippy in places. Walking boots required. Dogs on a lead allowed. Full Figure Grid Reference: NGR SH60604920 Coordinates for Garmin satnav users: -4.079029, 53.021968 OS explorer map sheet: OL17