Follow pilgrims’ footsteps to this holy site and well
A magnificent church in a remote parish on the pilgrim route towards Bardsey Island. The Church of St Beuno dates mostly to the late 15th or early 16th centuries, but stands on the foundations of a much earlier site.
Reputedly descended from the princes of Powys, St Beuno is said to have founded a clas, a Celtic monastery and centre of learning, on land donated to him by Cadfan, King of Gwynedd and his wife Afandreg Ddu (Afandreg the Black). The traditional date given for the foundation of the clas is 630.
The church today features many fine examples of Perpendicular architecture. Among them are a wonderful timber roof, 16th-century carved choir stalls and rood screen, panelled octagonal pulpit and a barrel-vaulted passageway. A 16th-century chapel contains an inscribed stone cross known as St Beuno’s Stone, which is believed to date to the 8th century. In the grounds next to the chapel stands a ‘tall slab’ sundial, believed to date to the 10th century. The standing stone upon which it is carved, however, may be much older. It was used as a footbridge across the nearby Glan-Môr stream at Aberdesach for many years before being returned to the church in 1930.
A short distance from the church lies St Beuno’s holy well which dates to the medieval period. The well features a stone basin with enclosing wall and benches, and its waters have long been reputed to possess curative properties for a variety of ailments.
Walkers may be interested in joining the North Wales Coastal Path, which is a short distance from the church.
An Audio Trail and Itinerary have been created for this site. To download them, please see here
Easter - October 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. Church by appointment. Well always open.
Free Entry
Village bypassed by A499 Caernarfon to Pwllhelli. Well is at south end of Clynnog Fawr just along lane parallel to main road
Bangor - 19 miles, Pwllheli - 11 miles
Nearest bus stop at the Post Office
Off-road cycle path alongside A499
Wheelchair access through larger door, which is marked
Full Grid Reference (Church): SH:414497, (Well): SH 413494 OS Landranger map sheet: 115