The legendary trail of Dinas Emrys
Enjoy a pleasant walk past waterfalls and through beautiful Oak woodland to reach this amenable summit with magnificent views. At the top you’ll find remains of a square tower and defensive ramparts belonging to the ancient princes of Gwynedd.
A dragon sleeps beneath it
According to legend King Vortigern wanted to build a castle on top of Dinas Emrys, but every night his castle walls would fall down. Merlin (the wizard) claimed there were two dragons fighting beneath the hill that caused the walls to fall. Therefore Vortigern and his men dug into the mountain and released two dragons. The red and white dragon fought, eventually the white dragon fled and the red dragon returned to his lair. Vortigern’s castle was built and named Dinas Emrys in honour of Myrddin Emrys (Merlin), and the red dragon has been celebrated ever since.
Map
Start:
Craflwyn car park, SH 600 489
1
Begin your journey in the Princess of Gwynedd centre at Craflwyn.
Princes of Gwynedd
Step back in time and discover more about the dramatic, historic landscapes of Wales and discover the story of the princes of Gwynedd, Wales’ most successful medieval dynasty. These remarkable leaders were formidable warriors, shrewd politicians and generous patrons of literature and architecture. Their lives and times, spanning over 900 years, have shaped the country that we know today and left an enduring mark on the modern landscape.
2
From the car park take the footpath leading up through the woodland. When the path levels and you reach a fork, take the right and continue until you find a dragon bench. Pause here before continuing along the path and up some steps to the right of a small waterfall.
Take a seat
Your quest begins when you find the dragon sculpted bench within the woods of Craflwyn. Take a seat and enjoy peace and tranquillity among the oak woodland.
3
Continue on your journey until you get to a three way junction in an open area. Take the path leading straight ahead, up towards the woodland. Continue on the path over a small wooden bridge until you get to a beautiful waterfall.
Merlin’s pool
Take a short break and sit beside the waterfall and listen to the water flow past.
4
Continue until you reach another fork in the path and bear right. You’ll soon reach a stile in the wall on the right. Continue over the stile up into the woods.
Build your own castle
We’re all about getting kids outdoor and closer to nature, and here you have a perfect opportunity to build you own castle; out of branches, leaves and twigs of course.
5
Continue up through the woods. Follow the zig-zag path up the rocky outcrop towards Dinas Emrys.
Nant Gwynant
Look to your left as you climb higher and you'll be rewarded with views of Llyn Dinas and Nant Gwynant.
6
You’re nearly there a few more steps and you’ll reach the top of Dinas Emrys. The final ascent is steep and rocky. When you are ready to return, retrace your steps to the car park.
Beware of dragons
According to legend King Vortigern wanted to build a castle on top of Dinas Emrys, but every night his castle walls would fall down. Merlin (the wizard) claimed there were two dragons fighting beneath the hill that caused the walls to fall. Therefore Vortigern and his men dug into the mountain and released two dragons. The red and white dragon fought, eventually the white dragon fled and the red dragon returned to his lair. Vortigern’s castle was built and named Dinas Emrys in honour of Myrddin Emrys (Merlin), and the red dragon has been celebrated ever since.
End:
Craflwyn car park, SH 600 489
