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Glyn Ceiriog

Glyn Ceiriog is the largest village in the beautiful Ceiriog Valley. More correctly called Llansantffraid Glyn Ceiriog, the village expanded greatly in the 19th century with the working of slate and other minerals. By a combination of skillful planting and natural regeneration, the mining scars have been almost eliminated by attractive woodland.

The village lies at a great bend in the river, and marks a dramatic change in the landscape, from an open flat-bottomed valley to the east, and a narrow enclosed gorge upstream to the south.

The village has public toilets, a PO, general store, butcher and greengrocer, a chemist, part-time bank, cash point, a Christian Centre with cafe, a pub, two hotels and a repair garage (no fuel). There is a very interesting Institute, and it is hoped to open a Tramway and mining museum shortly.

"I have often lingered in the enjoyment of the beautiful valley and its sparkling streams, and the invigorating air of its mountain slopes. A more delightful retreat for a quiet holiday 'far from the madding crowd' I do not know. To people who long for rest and quietude, the Glyn Valley offers great inducements from its comparatively small population. I feel assured that it only wants to become better known, as it soon will be, with a good hotel to minister to wanderers comforts to become one of the pet resorts of the best class of tourist."

These words are by Sir Theodore Martin who was a promoter of the Glyn Valley Tramway, lifelong friend of Queen Victoria and biographer of the Prince Consort.

Below are 6 walks starting from Pontfadog. Click on the walk name and it will open in a new window. Click Print.

Walk A - Across the Slate Caverns. - A short walk which winds around and above the slate quarries which were once the life-blood (and the death knell) of many local families.  2 km (1½ miles); height gain 120m (400ft); - about 45 mins. Roads, lanes and a footpath.

Walk B  - Nant Y Wenair. A circuit of this lovely valley - just north of the village. - 3 Km (2 Miles); height gain 65m. (215 ft); -about 1 hour. - Roads, footpaths, country lanes & tracks.

Walk C  - Nant Y Wenair and Pen Y Bryn.- A sunny hillside walk with fine views. - 41/2Km (3 miles); height gain 140m (460 ft); - about 1½hours. - Roads, tracks, paths, lanes. Slightly precipitous when approaching Pen y Bryn farm.

Walk D - Glyn's South- East Spur - A great spur of hillside to the SW of the village lies cradled within the sweeping bend of the Ceiriog river. This walk climbs and crosses the spur. 5km (31/2 miles); height gain 190m (625 ft); 1 hour 40 mins, Lanes and paths.

Walk E -  Hilltop and Woodland - A longer walk taking in the hill SE of Glyn Ceiriog, the lovely descent to Llwynmawr, woodland at Coed Collfryn, and a terrace walk home. 8 km (5 miles); height gain 330m (1082 ft). About 3 hours.

Walk F  - Nant Lafar Circular. Wander upward between the Cambrian Quarries and descend the "Vicarage old track" 4 km (2½ miles); height gain 220m (725ft); about 1½ hours. (Or extend it up to the Ceiriog Forest for as far as you wish!) Lanes, tracks, paths.