Portmeirion Part 2 Y Gwyllt [Wild Wood]

Discover the impressive natural landscape surrounding the Italianate Village of Portmeirion, which is the brainchild of the visionary architect Clough Williams Ellis.  The subtropical forest known as “Y Gwyllt” [Welsh for Wild Wood] is a magical wonderland which includes 70 acres of woodlands with 19 miles of pathways which cut through forests, secret spaces and coastal coves.

We began our exploration by taking the little train up to a vantage point with amazing views down to the village and across the Dwyryd Estuary.

Leaving the train, we began our adventure with the Chinese Lake and its surrounding kaleidoscope of colour.

Clough’s daughter, Susan, was responsible for the development of the enchanting Chinese Garden. She supervised the landscaping and was responsible for designing and siting the ornate bridge as well as the pagoda.   

We made our way through the woods, climbing higher up meandering pathways until we reached the Dog’s Cemetery.  The Cemetery was established by one of Portmeirion’s more eccentric residents, Adelaide Haig, who lived here from 1870 till 1917.  She preferred the company of dogs to fellow humans and was reputed to have read the Bible to her 17 canine companions.

The cemetery was strangely haunting.  The veil between our world and the spirit world seemed gossamer-thin here and I was amazed to find this dreamlike photograph when I uploaded the photos from my camera!

Leaving here, we continued on our way until we reached the magical Tanglewood, a forest of giant rhododendron trees which transports you to another world!

After an enchanting stop here we continued walking, spellbound with nature’s spectacular display.

Next came a visit to the Wishing Tree [actually the base of an old felled tree].  Tradition says that if you push a coin into this tree and ask for healing from an illness, you will be healed.  But if you take a coin from the tree, then you will get that illness!!
We concluded our adventure by walking back along the Dwyryd Estuary into the village.

I first visited Portmeirion when I was 15 years old and fell in love with it.  I vowed I would return there one day.  Forty years later I did!  This was my third visit and most certainly wont be my last.  What an amazing place!!

Photos: Y Gwyllt, Portmeirion, North Wales,  4th May 2019

My walk is loosely adapted from:

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/weatherman-walking/walks/Portmeirion_walk.pdf

Here is my other article on Portmeirion Village:

https://walesforever.cymru/2017/10/16/

Other Information:

Portmeirion Village: open daily for visitors, except Christmas Day.

9:30am – 7:30pm (1 April 2018 – 4 November 2018)

9:30am – 5:30pm (5 November 2018 – 31 March 2019)

Portmeirion Shops: 10am – 5pm

The Cafes: 10am – 5pm

2019 PRICES (VALID 1 APRIL – 31 OCTOBER 2019)

Adults: £12
Concessions (60+ & students): £10.50
Children (5-15yrs): £8.50

Annual Pass: £30

https://portmeirion.wales/

 

See also:  Portmeirion   Part 1  The Village

https://walesforever.cymru/portmeirion-2/