A Guide to the Gelert’s Grave Walk
The Gelert Grave walk refers to the legendary dog associated with Beddgelert in northwest Wales nestled in the Snowdonia Mountains. Prince Llywelyn killed the dog in the 13th century, and you can visit the dog’s grave on the walk. The prince loved to hunt, but this hound, Gelert, was his favourite and was given to him by the English King John.
Today, Gelert is immortalised by the village’s name – Beddgelert. Of course, many disprove this story and say that it is only a myth, or a folktale, with several other similar stories being told throughout Europe. But, whatever you believe, if you’re around, you should definitely make time to go and visit!
It is an easy, leisurely walk along the Glaslyn River towards Gelert’s grave. This walk will provide insight into why Beddgelert and the legend of Gelert were so popular among early travellers like Thomas Pennant and artists like JMW Turner. It is said that Queen Victoria also visited the grave. It will surely leave you with sadness for the legendary dog.
Today, the grave is looked after by the National Trust, which owns the land, and it receives thousands of visitors every year. It is open 24/7, and you can visit whenever you want! The path is tarmac, meaning you do not need to worry about walking boots for the Gelert’s Grave walk.
Gelert’s Grave Walk Details
Distance: 1.6 km
Time is taken approximately: 30-minutes
Ordnance Survey Map: OS Landranger 115
Gelert’s Grave Story
You will be able to read the story of Gelert at the site in both Welsh and English as a marker at the gravesite is engraved to tell the story of Gelert, his master, and the Welsh Prince Llewelyn The Great. However, if you want to read before you go, so you can be the one in the know, read a summary below.
Llywelyn was a prince of North Wales in the 13th century who had a palace at Beddgelert. One day, he went hunting without his dog Gelert, “the faithful hound”. Llywelyn returned to find the truant stained and smeared while joyfully sprang to meet his master. Alarmed, the prince hastened his son, saw his baby’s cot empty, and saw the floor and bedclothes overloaded with blood.
As a frantic father, he plunged the sword into the hound’s sides, thinking it had killed its heir. A child’s cry then answered the dog’s dying yell. Llywelyn then discovered his boy unharmed but nearby laid the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince was filled with remorse and said not to have smiled again. Gelert was buried here, and you can visit his grave today.
How to get to Beddgelert
Beddgelert can be found in northwest Wales, approximately an hour and a quarter drive southwest of Liverpool. You can find Gelert’s tomb outside the village by following the River Glaslyn on a footpath.
Gelert’s Grave Parking
There are different parking options:
You can park in the Gwynedd Council Car Park, where you can pay by phone or use a machine.
Alternatively, you can park at the Royal Goat Hotel, which costs £3 for four hours.
There is minimal free parking on Stryd Gwynant Road as you leave the village, but it is mostly just locals who are parked here, so you’re better off paying if you can.
Beddgelert, Caernarfon LL55 4YA
Gelert’s Grave Walk Directions
Start Grid Reference: SH595485
- Follow the river from the stone bridge with double arches (River Colwyn Bridge), past the Church of St Mary’s toilets, to the iron pedestrian crossing bridge.
2. After that, you should pass through a small, wrought iron gate immediately before the bridge and walk along the concrete path with the river on your left. The sign “To Gelert’s Grave” was also on the side.
3. Keep going down the path, and you will see a sign pointing you toward the grave. Take a right and follow the path through the gap in the stone wall.
4. You will come out at the grave, two cairn stones and two memorial slabs under two shady trees. Continue past the grave and to some ruins (Beudy Buarth Gwyn) to see the bronze statue of Gelert. If you are struggling, you can locate it on the Google Maps pin here, or it appears on Google Maps as Beddlegert, a stone monument to a legendary dog.
5. Afterwards, you should continue walking around the path, and then you should turn left and continue back to the village on the path you began!
Gelert’s Grave walk completed! Short but sweet!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do nearby?
Beddgelert village is beautiful, and you can spend hours exploring it, taking in all its charm. Some fun things to do are:
- Walk along the River Glaslyn and head towards the Ynys-leian, or Aberglaslyn pass.
- Visit the Church of St Mary, located next to the start of the walk.
- Shop for souvenirs in the town.
- Go on the Welsh Highland Railway
- Visit Ty Isaf next to the bridge (National Trust)
Is Gelert a true story?
The story dates back to mediaeval times. This tale is a beloved and well-known folktale variation from many cultures. It tells the story of a faithful and loyal canine companion falsely accused of taking a life. Therefore, it could all be fiction. You’ll have to make up your mind.
However, the stones at the grave only go back 200 years, so that might signify that someone placed them there. Some argue that a hotel owner (The Royal Goat), David Pritchard, made up the story to increase tourism.
Where can I find Gelert’s grave?
You can find the grave on a short walk from Beddgelert Village.
Can I take my dog on the Gelert’s grave walk?
You can, but keep them on leads due to livestock and clean up after any mess to keep the area beautiful.
What breed was Gelert?
Gelert was a wolfhound.
Is the Gelert’s Grave walk accessible?
Yes, the walk is along a tarmac path, which means it is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
Why is it called Beddgelert?
Beddgelert means “Gelert’s Grave”, which of course, was the name of the dog. Although it is widely acknowledged that the village and its names are older (originally from an Early Celtic saint), the official eponym was accepted unofficially due to the tragic story of a regal, heroic dog.
Final Thoughts on the Gelert’s Grave walk
It is a short walk from the village, and we love how accessible it is. The scenery surrounding it is spectacular, and it is fun to learn about the legend when you’re there. We would recommend it as a short stop on a Wales road trip or for a different day out!
For more Welsh adventures, please read:
16 Best Things to do in Conwy, North Wales
16 Best Things to do in Llandudno Wales
17 Best Things to do in Anglesey Island, North Wales
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.