Trail (UK)

Beasts of the deep

Afanc, the underwater monster of Glaslyn

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Llyns, lochs, lakes, meres, tarns, lochans and inlets of the sea – from Snowdonia to the Highlands we’re awash with the things. England’s main mountain area is even named after its wet bits. But just when you thought it was safe to try some wild swimming, here’s a tale that might keep you out of the water...

Afanc, the Welsh water monster, looks like a sort of crocodile. Or maybe more like a sabretooth beaver. Descriptio­ns vary, as it’s said that nobody who’s seen the thing has survived to describe it. For centuries it drowned the neighbours with flash floods that were caused as it thrashed about in the Afon Conwy. After several centuries, a brave maiden offered to lure it out of its pool by singing it a sweet Welsh lullaby. The beast was wrapped in chains and dragged up Snowdon. There they dumped it off in the chilly waters of Glaslyn.

So if you’re a tasty maiden heading up the Miners’ Track, you might want to practice your singing.

 ?? JOHN CARROLL PHOTOGRAPH­Y / ALAMY* ?? The Kelpies sculpture by the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk.
JOHN CARROLL PHOTOGRAPH­Y / ALAMY* The Kelpies sculpture by the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk.

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