Let's head to north Wales in pursuit of a legendary dog
Legendary Gelert
Folklore tells that medieval Welsh ruler Llywelyn the Great returned home from hunting one day to find his baby missing. With the cradle overturned, the King sees his dog, Gelert, with blood smeared around his mouth. Believing that the wolfhound had eaten his child, Llywelyn takes out his sword and kills the dog in return. Moments after the dog’s dying yelp, Llywelyn hears the sound of his crying baby. The child is under the overturned cradle and in the room is the body of a dead wolf. Gelert has protected the baby from the attack of a wolf, killing it as he saved the child’s life. Llywelyn is overcome with remorse. He buries the faithful canine in a great ceremony but can never get over his guilt, never smiling again as he can always hear his dog’s dying yelp.
Today, in the Welsh village of Beddgelert – which literally means Gelert’s grave – you can visit the grave of the faithful hound and see a statue of Gelert. Now, it is widely accepted that the grave was likely created in the eighteenth century by the landlord of a local hotel to connect the legendary tale to the village to drive tourism. So, while the grave may not be the actual resting place of our canine hero, it shows that the story was already popular and has endured to this
day because we can all identify with the incredible loyalty dogs show to us.
Visiting Beddgelert
Set in Gwynedd, in the Snowdonia National Park, the village of Beddgelert is picture-postcard charming, making it a lovely place to visit. You can park in the village and then head down by the river and through the gate towards the memorial to the legendary canine. Gelert’s grave is a beautiful setting in the middle of a field, with a footpath leading to the spot beneath the trees. There are two slate gravestones, telling the story of the “faithful hound.” If you continue to follow the path away from the village, there is the remnant of an old farm building and inside you will find the delightful statue of Gelert, which stands at a metre high.
Set by the River Glaslyn, it is an ideal spot to take your own loyal hound for a dog walk. The National Trust has a designated trail named Gelert’s grave walk which is particularly nice as not only does it take in the grave and the statue, you can walk along both sides of the river before returning to the village. You can find a printable step-by- step guide and map on the National Trust site.
Visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/craflwyn-and-beddgelert/gelerts-grave-walk
Once you’ve enjoyed the lasting tribute to the loyalty of canine companions (and you could say a reminder to be more like our dogs and see more good in the world), you can head into the quaint village and find a wonderful selection of dog-friendly places to eat and drink.
Where: Beddgelert, Gwynedd, Wales
When: Open all year round. There is a footpath which can get muddy during wet weather.
Can I take my dog? Yes, this is an ideal place for a beautiful dog walk. Just be sure to keep them under control. There may be livestock about.