A delightful church on the ancient pilgrim route to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island)
Many of the churches of Llŷn are dedicated to the Celtic saints of the 5th and 6th centuries. This church’s dedication to St Mary may suggest that it was established in a later period. It is listed in the 1254 Norwich Taxation.
Early Christians often chose to site a church near a sacred well and the church at Bryncroes is probably an example of this. The building stands near St. Mary’s Well (SH 227313), and there is no doubt that converts were baptised there. Water is still obtained from the well today for use in the sacrament of baptism. The well is now surrounded by a modern wall, but the steps may date back to the 17th century.
Parts of the medieval church survive in places, but St Mary’s Church was extensively renovated in 1905–6. What we now see is a modern building in the ‘Romanesque’ style, still delightful to explore. A brass sundial set in a wooden post to the west of the church is dated 1692.
Bryncroes is found just off the main road from Pwllheli to Aberdaron along the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way. It lies below the Neolithic Axe Factory site on Mynydd Rhiw.
Open all year
Follow signs to Bryncroes off the Aberdaron road B4413
Pwllheli - 11 miles
Bryncroes bus stop
Church is located in the centre of Bryncroes
There are 3 steps into the churchyard, making wheelchair access difficult
Full Figure Grid Reference: SH226315 OS Landranger map sheet: 123