Gelert's Grave & the River Glaslyn Walk
A flat, ten-minute stroll from the village bridge leads you to one of Wales's most poignant landmarks — the stone grave of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llywelyn the Great. The meadow path beside the sparkling Afon Glaslyn is as beautiful as the legend is heartbreaking.
The Legend That Named a Village
According to local folklore, Prince Llywelyn the Great returned from hunting to find his baby's cradle overturned and his hound Gelert covered in blood. Believing the dog had harmed his child, he slew Gelert — only to discover his infant safe beside a wolf the dog had killed to protect him.
Two bilingual plaques in Welsh and English mark the grave site, retelling the story with quiet dignity. The spot has drawn visitors for centuries and remains the emotional heart of Beddgelert.
The Walk Itself
The riverside path is well-surfaced, buggy-friendly and lined with wildflowers in spring. You follow the Afon Glaslyn upstream through open meadows, with views of the surrounding Snowdonian peaks framing every step.
Allow 30–45 minutes for a leisurely out-and-back, or extend the loop across the old stone bridge and back through the village for a scenic circuit that takes in the confluence of the Glaslyn and the Afon Colwyn.
Gelert's Grave & the River Glaslyn Walk on video
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