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Castell-y-Bere

Built in the 13th century by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, Castell y Bere is not one of the best known of North Wales' many castles. However it is well worth heading off the beaten path to pay it a visit. Though the castle lies in ruins, this only adds to the atmosphere of the site, standing proudly on a rocky outcrop, but towered over in almost every direction by steep mountainsides.

Getting there: at the head of the Dysynni Valley, about 2 miles north of Abergynolwyn — signposted from all around the area
Hours: Open Access
Price: Free Entry
Website: cadw.wales.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Tywyn, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Llanfihangel-y-Pennant
The hamlet has a lovely church and the ruins of Tyn-y-ddol, home of Mari Jones, who in 1800, at the age of 16, famously walked barefoot the 25 miles to Bala to purchase a Welsh-language copy of the Bible. This is said to have been the inspiration for the formation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. There's a small exhibition telling Mari Jones' story in the vestry of the church, along with a beautiful 3D map of the Dysynni Valley, rendered in patchwork by local needle workers.
See
Craig-yr-Aderyn
The remains of Iron-Age Celtic Hill Forts can be found at the summit of Craig-yr-Aderyn in the Dysynni Valley, and above the nearby coastal village of Llwyngwril.
Drink
Riverside Hotel
Gwesty Glan-yr-afon
A 16th-century coaching inn, in the centre of the pretty village of Pennal.
See
St Cadfan's Church
Eglwys Sant Cadfan
Though some of the church is more recent (14th century onwards), the nave dates from the 12th century. There are records of a church on the site dating to the 9th century, though the earliest structures were wooden and were burnt down by Viking raiders. St Cadfan's is home to the Cadfan Stone on which is carved the oldest known writing in the Welsh language. As can be seen, from some angles it looks a bit like a Doner Kebab. Also of interest is the 14th-century effigy of knight Gruffudd ap Adda, which is locally reputed to shed tears when rain is on the way.
Generally open to visitors during daylight hoursFree. Donations welcomed