Llan Ffestiniog, also known as Llan or simply Ffestiniog, is a small village in Gwynedd approximately 3 miles south of Blaenau Ffestiniog, north Wales. The village consists of rows of dark stone and slate roofed houses with a few shops and chapels, but stands amongst some dramatic scenery; to the east there is the open moorland wilderness of the Migneint, whilst to the south and west is the beautiful Vale of Ffestiniog, a deep sheltered valley of thick woodland, tumbling rivers and green meadows. Attractions near the village include the Rhaedr Cynfal waterfalls and the remains of the Tomen-y-Mûr Roman fort and amphitheatre.

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The Cynfal waterfalls are in the Ceunant Cynfal Nature Reserve a wooded valley that leads to the picturesque Falls, There is a large pillar shaped rock above the falls that is known as Huw Llwyds pulpit, named after a 17th century wizard or preacher. The Nature Reserve is an internationally important scientific site and is a remnant of the vast woodlands that used to cover all of Wales. Many of the animals and plants (especially lichens, mosses and liverworts)  found here can only survive where there are old trees and a damp atmosphere. Personally I just love the many ferns and the gorgeous green mosses that thrive in the moist air and carpet the river banks and indeed cover much of the sessile oak trees. The site and sound of the river pounding its way through the gorges is an added attraction and it is a delightful hidden gem well worth a visit if you are in this part of north Wales.
My pictures were taken on a late autumn day when the travelling fairground came to town, and, although it was a bit nippy, when the setting sun shines on this westerly facing landscape the striking views certainly warm the heart.
If you want to visit Ceunant Cynfal National Nature Reserve, park by the Pengwern Arms in the centre of Llan Ffestiniog, and walk 50 yds down the B4391 towards Maentwrog. There is a kissing gate on your left into a field. Follow the way markers to the Falls.
I enclose a few more pictures of the day the Fairground came to town :

• The narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway that links Blaenau Ffestiniog with Porthmadog on the coast. The Ffestiniog Railway ( originally horse drawn ) opened for freight traffic in 1836 and transported the slate from source at Blaenau Ffestiniog to harbour via a 21km journey through meadows, woodlands, lakes and waterfalls within what is now the Snowdonia National Park. The ride is spectacular as the line twists and turns its way through the countryside.
• The Conwy Valley Railway at 27 miles long offers one of the most beautiful rail experiences in Britain. It was constructed in 1879 and links the town with the north wales coastal resorts . Part of the National Rail Network, it takes you via a 3 mile ( 5km ) tunnel under the Crimea Pass, alongside the banks of the turbulent river Lledr, down to the river Conwy, one of the great rivers of Wales. A breathtaking range of scenery unfolds before your eyes, from majestic crags and pastoral delights of the upper valleys to the historic castles of Dolwyddelan and Conwy, through an estuary rich in wildlife, You glimpse fairytale landscapes, ancient quarries and tracks, forests and the high peaks of Snowdonia before eventually reaching Llandudno the Queen of the Welsh resorts.
• Ffestiniog Power Station at nearby Tanygrisiau was the first pumped storage station built for the CEGB - an example of modern technology set against the dramatic backdrop of old slate quarries. There is an exhibition, and tours.
• And surprisingly ........the Landscape around Llan Ffestiniog. Just a short walk out of the town and you come to fantastic rocky outcrops, mountains, rivers and lakes, as best as the best of Snowdonia !