Name: The Frenchman's Grave
Rating: 2

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The Frenchman's Grave

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Barmouth

The Frenchman's Grave

Recommended by 7 hikers

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

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Best Hikes to The Frenchman's Grave

5.0

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1. View of Afon Mawddach Estuary – Barmouth Beach loop from Llanaber

13.2km

04:07

480m

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

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Intermediate

4.8

(15)

149

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2. Barmouth Beach – Barmouth Bridge loop from Fairbourne

13.2km

03:29

110m

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

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4.8

(8)

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3. View of Afon Mawddach Estuary – Gellfechan Ruins loop from Barmouth

7.07km

02:10

240m

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

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Intermediate

Tips

Catherine

September 11, 2023

The Frenchman’s Grave

A Frenchman named Auguste Guyard was given a home by John Ruskin, which was one of Mrs. Fanny Talbot’s former cottages. Auguste Guyard came to Britain with his daughter in 1871 after fleeing the siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian war. Guyard moved into cottage number 2 Rock Gardens at Dinas Oleu. Previously, Guyard had attempted to create a 'commune modele' in his home village of Frotey-Les-Vesoul, where he was born in 1808. His aims closely resembled those of John Ruskin, which is why he may have been chosen by the charity to take a cottage here. Known locally as The Frenchman, Guyard spent his time carving terraces in the hillside where he grew vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants, which he shared with the poor. He also had a way with animals and tamed a hawk and a jackdaw. Guyard died in 1882, and his final wish was to be buried on the hillside where he spent so much time. His grave is located in a walled plot near Dinas Oleu. He composed his own epitaph for his gravestone. It's recently been translated from French into English and Welsh and is inscribed on a plaque nearby. 'Here lodged a sower who, to his grave, sowed the seeds, of truth, of right, of beauty, with obsession. In a thousand struggles with pen and body, such labours are not rewarded in this world.'

– Epitaph for the gravestone, Dinas Oleu (Fortress of Light)

Iris

July 21, 2025

A lovely short walk with beautiful views over Barmouth Bay. We climbed up the path past Windycroft.

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Elevation 60 m

Weather

Today

Tuesday 16 September

14°C

12°C

10 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

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Take Me There

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

The Frenchman's Grave

1. View of Afon Mawddach Estuary – Barmouth Beach loop from Llanaber

2. Barmouth Beach – Barmouth Bridge loop from Fairbourne

3. View of Afon Mawddach Estuary – Gellfechan Ruins loop from Barmouth

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