One person’s hidden treasure might be a local’s everyday sight. Even in the age of social media, such gems still exist, though they might not stay hidden for long.
A recent study by a member of the Tripadvisor family highlighted 15 destinations in Wales that qualify as “hidden gems.” Among these, a lesser-known castle ranked highly in a land filled with iconic fortresses.
Unlike the grand Norman castles, this one was built by the Welsh, showcasing a design just as advanced as its English counterparts.
However, unlike castles in Conwy, Caernarfon, or Beaumaris, getting to this one requires a bit more effort.
Castell y Bere stands proudly on a rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley, beneath the towering Cader Idris in Eryri (Snowdonia). “It might be remote,” said Cadw, the Welsh heritage organisation, “but it’s a must-see for castle enthusiasts.”
Though now a ruin, Castell y Bere was once the most fortified and technologically advanced of all the native Welsh castles.
The castle was destroyed during a battle, but it wasn’t just a military stronghold. Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) built it as a symbol of power, a way to control mountain trade routes, and to protect his valuable cattle.
“In medieval Wales, cattle were as valuable as money,” explained Cadw. Even today, you can find watering holes for cattle on the edges of the Dysynni Valley. Carved into the rock, they feature iron rings once used to tether the animals.
For over 550 years, the castle lay abandoned and forgotten. It was cleared in the 1850s, and a century later, visitors began to arrive, including legendary Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant.
Castell y Bere is perched above the village of Abergynolwyn, near the final stop of Talyllyn’s steam trains. Close by is the charming St David’s Church. The castle’s remote location not only makes it captivating but also ensures it remains a peaceful retreat off the usual tourist path.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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