Follow the Hiraethog Trail north of the village of Pentrefoelas, across a couple of fields, and you will come to a low, wooded knoll. At the top, behind a farmhouse, a tall stone has been set into the ground. About 8 feet in height, it is covered in moss and protected by iron railings. The stone is a replica of a monument that was erected in the village of Pentrefoelas itself in the 13th century to honour Llywelyn the Great. The original is now housed in the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.

An inscription upon the original monument, in a combination of Latin and Welsh, gives a flattering derivation of the name Llywelyn – or Levelinus in Latin:

“The name Llywelyn means a lion
of the Mighty Arm
Llywelyn Prince of North Wales.”

The stone was set up by the monks of the Cistercian Abbey of Aberconwy, which once occupied the site of the modern town of Conwy. It marks their gratitude to Llywelyn for the gift of farmlands around Pentrefoelas in the early 13th century. The monks had good reason to be grateful. Llywelyn had put them in control of nearly 3000 acres, on which they could graze the livestock for which they were famous.

Llywelyn maintained a close relationship with the monks of Aberconwy throughout his life. When he suffered a stroke in 1240, it was to their monastery that he retired, and they who treated him in his final days. It is even said that the warrior prince became a monk himself shortly before his death.

Enjoy a short, interesting stroll to this little-visited spot.

Links

Walks in Pentrefoelas

• Accessible by Public Transport
• Parking
• Good Walks Nearby

Entry Fees

Free Entry

Directions

By Road

The footpath to the Stone leads off the B5113, just to the north of the village of Pentrefoelas.

By Rail

7 miles from Betws y Coed railway station.

By Bus

Buses stop in Pentrefoelas. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or go online at http://www.traveline-cymru.info for the latest public transport information.

By Bike

The footpath to the Stone leads off the B5113, just to the north of the village of Pentrefoelas. Not suitable for cycling.

Walking

The footpath to the Stone leads off the B5113, just to the north of the village of Pentrefoelas.

Access Details

Easy. Walking boots required. Dogs are allowed.

Practical Details

Full Figure Grid Reference: SH 8692652093 Coordinates for Garmin satnav users: -3.688481, 53.054116 OS explorer map sheet: OL18

Traveline Cymru

Contact

Address

Pentrefoelas, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0LR