Name: Cymer Abbey Ruins
Rating: 2

Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Discover

Places to see

United Kingdom

Wales

North Wales

Gwynedd

Llanelltyd

Cymer Abbey Ruins

Discover

Places to see

United Kingdom

Wales

North Wales

Gwynedd

Llanelltyd

Cymer Abbey Ruins

Recommended by 9 hikers

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Save

Location: Llanelltyd, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Save

See hikes here

Take Me There

Routes here

Best Hikes to Cymer Abbey Ruins

5.0

(2)

hikers

1. Llyn Cynwch – Precipice Walk loop from Dolgellau

15.0km

04:14

320m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

5.0

(1)

hikers

2. View of the Mawddach Estuary – Cymer Abbey Ruins loop from Penmaen-pŵl

9.82km

02:55

260m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

hikers

3. Llyn Cynwch – Yr Hên Efail Café & Tea Rooms loop from Llanelltyd

12.6km

03:35

300m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Intermediate

Tips

Walk The Walk 🌳

June 9, 2025

According to Brut y Tywysogion (Chronicle of the Princes), Cymer Abbey was founded in 1198. It was a Cistercian Abbey and the only monastery established in Meirionnydd. The remote locations of Cistercian monasteries reflected the strict restrictions on monks pursuing their learning in the middle ages.

It is believed that Cymer Abbey was founded under the patronage of two brothers, Gruffudd and Maredudd ap Cynan, grandsons of Owain Gwynedd. The relationship between European monasteries and important ruling families was close.

Cymer Abbey used areas of Gwynedd and Powys for grazing cattle and would breed horses.

Following the conquest of Wales by Edward I, a large percentage of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd’s possessions were seized from the abbey, making it difficult to say what treasures were kept at Cymer Abbey.

By the time it was disbanded in 1537, as part of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, Cymer Abbey was regarded as a small and unimportant abbey.

David Elliott

August 23, 2025

Interesting ruins to explore, though not as extensive or atmospheric as Castell y Bere, for example. Worth a visit though.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Tuesday 7 October

14°C

12°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Llanelltyd, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales, United Kingdom

Cymer Abbey Ruins

1. Llyn Cynwch – Precipice Walk loop from Dolgellau

2. View of the Mawddach Estuary – Cymer Abbey Ruins loop from Penmaen-pŵl

3. Llyn Cynwch – Yr Hên Efail Café & Tea Rooms loop from Llanelltyd

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️