Gwytherin: Church, Inscriptions and Pilgrim Way

Gwytherin lies at the head of a remote, narrow river valley that cuts through a highland region. The village is at the bottom of the Cledwen Valley; the Cledwen runs roughly from south to north. For planning your trip, the area’s religious history, early medieval remains and the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way offer specific points of interest.

Religious history in Gwytherin

St Winifred’s Church stands at the heart of the small village. The present building was erected in 1867–69. In 2005, the church closed and was converted into a history centre and wedding venue called The Gwenfrewi Project. St Winifred’s Church has no regular opening hours. If visiting is part of your trip plans, check whether access is possible before making a special trip.

The area’s history also includes St Winefride: she joined a community in Gwytherin and became its abbess. The saint’s grave is associated with the founding of a nunnery in a field near the church; the field is called Penbryn Capel. A Celtic cross-slab is set into the step leading to the chancel at St Winifred’s Church. A fragment of St Winifred’s shrine, which had previously stood there, was found at Holywell rectory in June 1991. The building’s history, religious associations and individual historic objects are distinct aspects of the place.

Inscribed stones and chapel remains

North of St Winifred’s Church, four inscribed stones form an east–west row. The westernmost stone bears a 6th-century Latin inscription. It names Vinnemaglus, son of Senemaglus, and reads “VINNEMAGLI FILI/SENEMAGLI”. The stones have been associated with an early medieval monastic complex.

Four old yew trees stand in the churchyard. The yew east of the chancel is considered the most venerable. The remains of St. Gwenfrewi’s Chapel appear as a flattened mound with a shallow depression measuring 3 metres across. These features are clearly distinct from the group of inscribed stones: here, the focus is the surviving landform of a chapel, while there it is stones and a specific name inscription.

Pilgrim Way and trip planning

The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way includes a 7-mile section from Llansannan to Gwytherin and a 3.4-mile section from Gwytherin to Pandy Tudur. Based on the stated distances, the section from Llansannan is a little more than twice as long. If you plan to walk either route, check the trail conditions beforehand.

On Visit Conwy’s pilgrimage route, Gwytherin is the fifth stop; the route lists St Winefride’s Church and the row of ancient standing stones for the village. Together with the two route sections, this offers a specific choice between focusing on religious and archaeological heritage or walking a pilgrimage stage.

Discover more destinations: Llanrwst, Corwen, Old Colwyn, Cerrigydrudion, Dolgarrog, Penmaenmawr, Trefriw, Conwy

Return to the main travel overview: Conwy.