Where is it? Aberdaron, on the far end of the Llyn
(Lleyn) peninsula,
Gwynedd, North Wales
Allow 4 hours, Distance 7.5 miles / 12 km
Why : beautiful views ; heath land and cliff side walks ; ancient
Holy Well
Rating : This is a moderate to difficult walk, some steep slopes.
Cliff edges, take care! Good walking boots recommended. The visit to
St Mary's Well is at your own risk and recommended at low tide only.
Car Parking : Available in the centre of Aberdaron. Pay and display.
Alternatively there is limited free parking, including : follow the sign
to Porth Oer from the center of the village. After 200 yards uphill there
is a lay-by overlooking the beach with free parking for a few lucky cars.
Facilities : Toilets and cafe / restaurant / pub in Aberdaron village,
holiday cottages near by.
Directions
: [ Map
of walk from Aberdaron to St Mary's Well location ]
From Caernarfon take the A499 to Pwllheli and then
B4413 to Aberdaron.
The
walk starts from the centre of Aberdaron. Follow the road to Porth Oer
and after a ¼ mile turn left opposite Dwyros. Follow the lane downhill
for some 200 yards, turn left at the National Trust sign for "Cwrt".
The path crosses a wooden bridge and continues as a track for 3/4 mile
toward the headland, with views of Aberdaron and the isles of Ynys Gwylan
Fawr and Ynys Gwylan Bach.
The beautiful cove, Porth Meudwy, comes into view, this was
an embarkation point for pilgrims to
Bardsey Island and is now a busy lobster fishing cove.
Unfortunately at Porth Meudwy all the height we have gained is quickly
lost as the path descends once again to sea level. But that is the nature
of the walk and the path quickly climbs again continuing on to Porth Cloch
where the path turns inland to a metalled road. Bear left then on through
a signposted gate. Head toward the ladder stile but don't cross it. Instead
bear right through another gate in the corner of the wall. With the fence
on the right continue ahead for 1/2 mile across the heath land of Mynydd
Bychestyn. until reaching a lane. Bear left down the lane then cross over
a gate before continuing right along the path, keeping the fence on the
right.
The
heights above Porth Felen offers views toward the "Gate of Paradise",
the holy Isle of Bardsey. (A place of pilgrimage for a thousand years
and described as being half way between this world and the next.)
From Porth Felen cross two ladder stiles and bear right uphill keeping
the fence on the right, then bear left till the path turns right
bearing inland. With Mynydd Gwyddel on the left bear left down hill keeping
to the right of stream. The remains of St Mary's Church will be found
on your right after some 1/4 mile.
From here it is possible to visit St Mary's Well, but take care, and
it is at your own risk......obviously! The Well is reputed to have been
blessed by the Virgin Mary herself and was the last chance for the pilgrims
to receive a blessing before the crossing to the Holy Isle of Bardsey.
Follow the stream to the clifftop and continue down the steep steps to
the shoreline rocks. The Well is approximately 30 yards to the right,
but a visit is only recommended at low tide.
To
continue the walk leave the remains of the church and head north west
toward the base of the mountain slope. Follow the narrow path with a steep
slope to the sea on the left and In ½ mile bear right uphill to
the summit of Mynydd Mawr. From the summit follow the road north east
for a few hundred yards until the road bends to the right.
Bear left on the path, crossing stiles, and keeping fences to the right,
and keep close to the coast for approximately 1 mile until reaching a
field below Mynydd Anelog. Cross the stile and bear right along the top
edge of field. Leaving the field turn left uphill, keeping to the track
with the fence on your right. After approximately 200 yards bear right
at the post and continue for approx. 1/4 mile to Gors. Follow the lane
back to Aberdaron village.
