Cilmeri and the Irfon
The last native Prince of Wales was killed here in 1282. Short walk from the monument out along the Irfon and back, quiet and gentle and heavier than its length suggests.
- Distance
- 2.2 mi / 3.5 km
- Time
- 1 hr 10
- Ascent
- 90 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Shape
- Circular
Where it is
The circle shows the general area, not the exact start. Use the directions link below to get to the car park itself. Contours and paths shown are OpenTopoMap, drawn from OpenStreetMap data.
The route
Start at the granite monolith above the village, then take lanes and field paths down to the Irfon and follow the river before climbing back. Easy going throughout.
Worth knowing
- The monument is a rough block of Caernarfon granite, deliberately unpolished. People still leave flowers on 11 December.
- The well below the memorial is traditionally where Llywelyn’s head was washed.
- The request stop means you can genuinely arrive by train, but check the timetable carefully; there are few services.
What you’ll see
The Irfon, hedgerow oaks and the memorial itself on its rise above the road.
Background
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was killed near here on 11 December 1282, effectively ending Welsh independence. He had been separated from his army; the man who killed him is said not to have known who he was.