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Gelert's Grave

Gelert's Grave

Recommended by 28 hikers out of 29

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

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

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Best Hikes to Gelert's Grave

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1. Llyn Dinas – Beddgelert Village loop from Beddgelert

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2. Llyn Dinas – Beddgelert Bridge loop from Nantmor

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3. Gelert's Grave (Beddgelert) – Beddgelert Bridge loop from Nantmor

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

Dominiek Van Dooren

June 1, 2024

History and myth seem to have become a bit confused when a man named David Pritchard came to live in Beddgelert in 1793. He was the landlord of the Royal Goat Inn and knew the story of the brave dog and adapted it to the village, which benefited his trade at the inn.

Apparently he coined the name Gelert and introduced the name Llywelyn into the story because of the prince's connection with the nearby abbey, and it was with the help of the parish secretary that Pritchard, not Llywelyn, raised the cairn!

Whether the story is based on legend, myth or history, it is still entertaining. Similar legends can also be found throughout Europe.

(Historic UK)

Translated by Google •

DULMI

July 7, 2023

According to legend, the grave of the faithful dog Gelert can be found nearby, and this sculpture is intended to commemorate it.

The story behind it (which everyone in Wales probably knows from a young age) goes as follows:

Once upon a time there was a Prince Llewelyn the Great who lived in Beddgelert around the 13th century. The prince was a passionate hunter, his favorite dog was called Gelert. One day when all the hunting dogs were called together, Gelert did not appear. So Llewelyn decided to leave without the faithful dog.

When Llewelyn returned, he was greeted by the distraught dog with a bloody snout. Llewelyn hurried into his one-year-old son's room. There he found the bed empty.

In furious revenge and grief, Llewelyn slew his favorite dog. There was a scream: under the bed lay Llewelyn's son, unharmed. And next to him lay a huge wolf, apparently killed by Gelert to protect the baby.

When the prince realized that he had just killed the creature that had saved his son, his heir, he was overcome with guilt. He buried the faithful animal in a place where everyone could learn the truth about him. Legend has it that the prince never smiled again.

Translated by Google •

Wander

August 12, 2023

A tragic loss

One day, the prince and his princess set out for a day's hunting together, leaving their baby in the safe care of Gelert. On returning home they were horrified to discover the baby was missing and Gelert's muzzle was covered in blood. Llywelyn immediately drew his sword and killed his favourite hound. As Gelert fell to the ground a baby’s cry was heard from a dark corner of the room.

Llywellyn discovered his heir was lying safe. But, by the baby’s side lay a mighty wolf, which had been killed by Gelert. The protective hound had killed the wolf to defend the baby but had then died by his master’s sword. Hound and legend immortalised

Stricken with grief and filled with remorse Llywelyn gave the faithful hound a ceremonial burial by the river. Gelert was eventually immortalised in the name the village is known today as Beddgelert, which translates to Gelert’s grave. LLYWELLYN NEVER SMILED AGAIN

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Elevation 30 m

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Sunday 12 October

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Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

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

Gelert's Grave

1. Llyn Dinas – Beddgelert Village loop from Beddgelert

2. Llyn Dinas – Beddgelert Bridge loop from Nantmor

3. Gelert's Grave (Beddgelert) – Beddgelert Bridge loop from Nantmor

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