Walking in the pawprints of faithful Gelert
ACOACHLOAD of Halton Ramblers travelled to Beddgelert in Snowdonia over the weekend of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.
The village is best known for the legend of Prince Llewelyn Ap Iorwerth and his faithful hound, Gelert, slain by his master who mistakenly thought the dog had killed his infant son, when in fact he had been defend- ing the baby from attack by a wolf.
Thousands of people visit Gelert’s grave every year, despite the fact that the story was probably invented by an enterprising local businessman in the 19th century.
Beddgelert is unrivalled within Snowdonia for its magnificent scenery, and its dark grey dwellings are overlooked by Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales, dominating the skyline a few miles to the north.
Two rivers, the Glaslyn and the Colwyn, converge near the picturesque stone bridge in the centre of the village and there are many wonderful walks all around.
William Wordsworth set off on an ascent of Snowdon from the village, and it is also the home of the Rupert The Bear stories.
Near the village is Nantgwynant, used as the location for classic comedy Carry On Up The Khyber.
A popular tourist attraction is the Sygun Copper Mine originating in Roman times but no longer in use and the location of a popular tea room.
The Welsh Highland Railway runs through the village, linking Caernarfon in the north to Porthmadoc in the south, and the plumes of steam from the engines and the whistle can often be seen and heard in the surrounding countryside.
Four walks of varying difficulty were organised.
Eric Fenney led the A group on a 12-mile walk including a 2,300ft ascent, climbing up to Yr Aran and Bwlch Y Sygyn before returning to Beddgelert through the Aberglaslyn Pass.
John Cormack took the B party also on a 12-mile walk, passing Llyn Dinas before climbing towards the mountain rescue centre and returning to Beddgelert via Nantmor.
Richard Cage led the C walkers on an eight-mile route out along the rocky banks of the Afon Glaslyn to pretty Nantmor and then across the moorland before descending to Llyn is a popular with its back polished by the hands
visitors Dinas and back to Beddgelert.
The D party, led by Chris Leap, went on a 5.5mile linear walk, passing Llyn Dinas and ending in Beddgelert.
They visited the copper mine and the waterfall behind Craflwyn, and finally Gelert’s grave.
A group spokesman said: “As usual, everyone enjoyed an excellent day out, despite the best of the sunshine being reserved for the journey home, and all expressed their thanks to the walk leaders and coach organisers.”
The next coach trip is to Ambleside on Sunday, June 26.
Anyone wishing to join the group can contact Chris Ireland on 07842 160 944 or visit nmcramblers.org.uk