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| Clynnog Fawr below right To the south of Caernarfon, on the old routeway trampled over the centuries by the countless feet of pilgrims, Clynnog Fawr nestles between the mountains and the sea. Clynnog was not only itself a place of pilgrimage, but chief gathering place for the pilgrims travelling to the holy island of Enlli (Bardsey). Clynnog, like Penmon was originally the site of a seventh century Celtic Monastery that, by the thirteenth century, had become Augustinian. Above the church rise the peaks of the rivals pointing the way to the Llyn Peninsula. Not far beyond lies the Bryn Derwin where Llywelyn ap Gruffyd defeated his brothers, Owain and Dafydd, in battle and become sole ruler of Gwynedd. |
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| Beddgelert pictured left The ancient mountain route brought medieval pilgrims to the welcoming hospitality of the Augustinian priory. Today a weave of legends surrounds the village to entertain the modern visitor Click picture for video |
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| Castell Dolwyddelan pic above This well preserved keep, standing on a knoll deep in rugged countryside, gives a feel of life in the middle ages. The castle built by Prince Llywelyn Fawr close to his traditional birthplace controlled the route from Conwy and Lledr valleys to the Ffestiniog Valley. |
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| Cymer Abbey (Abaty Cymer)pic right Founded in 1198 by Cistercian monks from Abaty Cwm Hir in mid Wales, Abaty Cymer received grants from Llywelyn Fawr. One of the best salmon pools in Gwynedd can still be seen at the bridge near the Abbey. |
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| Castell y Bere pic left Standing on an isolated rock outcrop on the slopes of Cader Idris, Castell y Bere`s remoteness is an integral part of its beauty. Believed to have been built by Llywelyn Fawr after 1221, the castle controlled southern Merionnydd and the roadway through the mountains to Dolgellau. During the early part of 1283, it was one of the last refuges of Prince Dafydd ap Gruffydd, and therefore one of the last centres of organised resistance to the invading English. |
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| Aber pic above This small village on the edge of the Menai Straits disguises its once great and glorious past. This was one of the main courts and home of the Princes. The oral history, passed down from generation to generation, is now being proved by archaeological excavation,but it will take years of expert research to uncover all the secrets. |
| Caerhun Known as Canovium, a Roman fort that guarded the crossing at the lowest fording place on the River Conwy. This was the start of the road from Chester westward through the hills to Aber and beyond. |
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| Deganwy right The atmospheric twin hills overlooking the wide estuary of the river Conwy and Eryri played an important part in the early history of north Wales. The shell and rubble of two castles, one Welsh and one English, are all that now remain of this important strategic site. |
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