Beddgelert, Eryri: Gelert's Grave, the Aberglaslyn Pass & Things to Do

Beddgelert is a small village of grey stone houses in the heart of Eryri, the Snowdonia National Park, where the rivers Glaslyn and Colwyn meet beneath wooded mountains. An old stone bridge crosses the river in the middle of the village.

Why Beddgelert Is Special

Beddgelert is often called the prettiest village in Eryri, and its setting is magnificent, with mountains on every side and the wild gorge of the Aberglaslyn Pass just downstream.

It is a wonderful base for walking, with paths to the summit of Yr Wyddfa and along the river, and a heritage railway stops in the village.

The History of Beddgelert

The village's name means "Gelert's grave". A famous legend tells that Prince Llywelyn returned from hunting to find his hound Gelert covered in blood and his baby son missing, and killed the dog in anger, only to find the child safe beside a wolf that Gelert had killed. A grave of stones in a field by the river marks the spot.

The legend is much loved, but the village is in fact named after Saint Gelert, an early leader of the Celtic church, and the story of the hound was probably popularised in the 18th century to attract visitors.

Copper was mined in the hills around Beddgelert, and the Sygun copper mine can still be visited. Today the Welsh Highland Railway runs through the village on its way from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

Things to Do in Beddgelert

Walk from the bridge along the river to Gelert's grave, then on through the Aberglaslyn Pass, following the old railway path beside the rushing water.

Ride the Welsh Highland Railway through the mountains, and visit Sygun Copper Mine. Walkers can climb Yr Wyddfa by the Rhyd Ddu path, a short drive or train ride north.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Beddgelert

The whole of the Eryri National Park surrounds you; see our guide to Eryri. Portmeirion is a short drive south; see our guide to Portmeirion.

For gardens and plants, Fron Goch Garden Centre is near Caernarfon, and Bodnant Garden is further east.

Beddgelert Through the Seasons

Spring brings fresh green to the oak woods. Summer is the season for mountain walks and the steam railway. Autumn colours the valleys spectacularly, and winter brings snow to the peaks.

Getting to Beddgelert

Beddgelert has a station on the Welsh Highland Railway between Caernarfon and Porthmadog, and the Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses link it with the Snowdon paths.

Beddgelert: Questions & Answers

Is Gelert's grave real?

The grave is a much-loved local landmark, but the village is named after Saint Gelert, an early Christian leader, and the story of the hound was probably popularised in the 18th century.

Can you take a steam train from Beddgelert?

Yes. The Welsh Highland Railway runs through the village between Caernarfon and Porthmadog.

Our Advice

Our advice: Walk to Gelert's grave and through the Aberglaslyn Pass in the morning, then take the steam train in the afternoon.