An ancient church – one of the most peaceful in Wales.
High above the Conwy Valley, beside a remote farmyard, stands St Rhychwyn’s – one of the oldest and loveliest churches in Wales.
According to tradition, it was founded in the 6th century by Rhychwyn, one of the sons of Helig ap Glannog – a Welsh prince who ruled a tract of land that stretched all the way to Puffin Island off the east coast of Anglesey. This land was inundated by the sea and, having lost his entire domain, Helig and his sons embraced the religious life. Rhychwyn is said to have founded the church above Trefriw that still bears his name.
Nothing survives of the original timber and wattle building that is thought to have once stood here, and the earliest parts of the church probably date from the 12th century. But St Rhychwyn’s still carries a powerful sense of antiquity.
As you enter, take a good look at the great oak door – note its wooden hinges. Inside, the simple font is as old as the building itself, and the exposed roof beams date back about eight centuries. The bell is said to have hung in the 14th century at Maenan Abbey, which once stood 5 miles away. Perhaps the most beautiful antiquity, though, is the 15th-century painted glass behind the altar. It’s fragmentary, but you can clearly see depictions of the Holy Trinity, and of the Virgin and Child.
The church is popularly known as Llywelyn’s Church after Llywelyn the Great who had a llys – a royal residence – in nearby Trefriw. If you decide to walk up from there to St Rhychwyn’s and find the journey hard going, you’re in good company. The legend goes that Llywelyn’s wife, Joan, found the weekly walk up here so onerous that her husband built another church for her lower down in the valley – St Mary’s in Trefriw.
A place of quiet beauty, ideal for reflection and contemplation.
Free Entry
1½ miles up steep, twisting roads from the B5106 at Trefriw.
2½ miles from Llanrwst railway station.
No suitable service.
1½ miles up steep, twisting roads from the B5106 at Trefriw.
1½ miles up steep, twisting roads from the B5106 at Trefriw.
Easy if you drive, but very tiring if you walk from Trefriw. Walking boots needed.
Full Figure Grid Reference: NGR SH77486161 Coordinates for Garmin satnav users: -3.833160, 53.137519 OS explorer map sheet: OL17