Day Itinerary – Myths and Legends

Theme: Tales of King Arthur

Location: Pennal

It was in the Merionethshire village of Pennal, during Lent 1406, that Prince Owain Glyndwr presided over the last Assembly of an independent Wales. Inheritor of the mantle of King Arthur, Owain was the last Welsh Pendragon, crowned "Prince of Wales by the Grace of God" in 1404. At the church of St Peter Ad Vincula (Peter in Chains) see related paintings and exhibits.

Contact: The Church of St Peter Ad Vincula. The Rectory, Pennal, Powys, SY20 9JS Tel: 01654 791216

Pennal / e: geraintap@btopenworld.com

Morning:

Location: Corris (Travel time from Pennal – 12 mins, 7.8 miles)

At King Arthur’s Labyrinth, sail underground, through the great waterfall, and deep inside the spectacular caverns and far back in time. Once inside the Labyrinth, your hooded boatman guides you through tunnels and vast caverns, whilst you enjoy tales of King Arthur and other ancient Welsh legends. Stories of dragons, giants, battles and many more are told, complete with dramatic scenes, sound and light effects. Remember to take warm clothes as it can be cool underground.

Above ground, Bards’ Quest is adjacent to King Arthur’s Labyrinth. Here you’ll learn about myths, legends and stories that have been passed down through the centuries by Bards and Storytellers. Take on the challenge of the Bards’ Quest and search for many lost and forgotten stories. Stop, listen and enjoy tales of the boy who tried to steal from the Otherworld, of March, the Lord of Llyn who had ears the size and shape of mules’ ears and of John Gethin who was so frightened he took to his bed and as his candle wasted away so did he…

Contact: King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Corris, Machynleth, SY20 9RF

Tel: 01654 761584

King Arthur's Labyrinth / e: info@kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

Afternoon:

Location: Llanberis (Travel Time from Corris – 1 hr 26 mins, 53.5 miles)

Most of the Arthurian accounts written after the 11th century name 'Camlann' as the location where Arthur fought his last battle against the forces of his rebellious son Mordred, and where Arthur was mortally wounded. Legend has it that this site is actually Cwm y Llan to the south of Snowdon. Also on the slopes of Snowdon is Llyn Llydaw, the mythical home of the Lady of the Lake and the place from which Arthur’s body was carried off to his final burial on the Isle of Avalon.

Take a trip to the summit of Snowdon for panoramic views of these legendary locations. Travel on Snowdon Mountain Railway, the only public rack and pinion railway in Britain, which ascends 3,560 ft to the summit of the highest mountain in England and Wales. Enjoy the in-carriage commentary about the history of the landscape and the mountain. Before embarkation relax in the film theatre and enjoy the 15 minute presentation which explains the history of Snowdon Mountain Railway since its creation.

The railway reached Llanberis from Caernarfon in 1869 but the only way to get to the summit of Snowdon from there was to walk or take a donkey ride. After initial misgivings, local landowner George William Duff Assherton Smith allowed his land to be used for construction of Snowdon Mountain Railway and it became a very popular Victorian tourist attraction opening in 1896.

Contact: Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, LL55 4TY
Tel: 0844 4938120
Snowdon Mountain Railway / e: info@snowdonrailway.co.uk