Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MOUNTAIN SAFETY
In mountainous areas you need to be prepared to deal with hostile conditions at any time of the year. The sudden
appearance of low cloud and mist is common, even on days that start out clear and sunny. Check the weather
forecast before setting out, and make sure you're well prepared with warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy foot-
wear, food and drink, the appropriate scale map for the area and a compass (and make sure you know how to use
it).
Even some walks described as easy may follow paths that go near very steep slopes and over loose scree. In icy
conditions they can be extremely dangerous. In winter you'll need to take crampons, an ice axe, spare clothing,
extra food and drink, and a torch, as it gets dark early.
The Met Office keeps the weather conditions constantly updated on its website (
www.metoffice.gov.uk/lout-
TOP OF CHAPTER
Beddgelert
POP 455
Charming little Beddgelert is a conservation village of rough stone buildings overlooking
the trickling River Glaslyn with its ivy-covered bridge. Flowers festoon the village in
spring and the surrounding hills are covered in a purple blaze of heather in summer, re-
miniscent of a Scottish glen. Scenes from Mark Robson's 1958 film,
The Inn of the Sixth
Happiness,
set in China and starring Ingrid Bergman, were shot here.
The name, meaning 'Gelert's Grave', is said to refer to a shaggy dog tale concerning
13th-century Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd. Believing that his dog Gelert had
savaged his baby son, Llywelyn slaughtered the dog, only to discover that Gelert had
fought off the wolf that had attacked the baby. More likely, the name Beddgelert is de-
rived from a 5th-century Irish preacher, Celert, who is believed to have founded a church
here. Regardless, the 'grave' of Gelert the dog is a popular attraction, reached by a pretty
riverside trail. It's believed to have been constructed by an unscrupulous 18th-century
hotelier in an attempt to boost business.
Sights & Activities
Sygun Copper Mine
(
www.syguncoppermine.co.uk
;
adult/child £8.95/6.95; 9.30am-5pm Mar-Oct)
This mine dates from Ro-
man times, although extraction was stepped up in the 19th century. Abandoned in 1903, it
MINE
