Saint Dyfnog's Well — Attraction in Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch

Thursday 20th March 2025 It was a really warm and sunny day 😎 Saint Dyfnog chose to settle in an isolated wooded area with a spring-fed stream. The stream had a waterfall; legend has it that because Saint Dyfnog would stand in the cold waters for extended periods doing penance, clad in a hairshirt with a chain belt of iron; this was the reasoning for its curative powers. Over time, the stream became known as Ffynnon Dyfnog or Dyfnog's well. As devotion to the saint increased, the waters became known for their healing powers. Many pilgrims came to bathe in the waters and pray, hoping to be cured of their ailments. The waters of the well were reputed to be especially effective for skin conditions, arthritis and rheumatism. Those seeking relief for their illnesses would leave a donation to be used for the upkeep of the well and the church. Saint Dyfnog's Well was one of the most visited holy wells; because of the offerings from the well, St. Dyfnog's was able to buy the elaborate 16th-century Tree of Jesse window. The site appears to have been at the height of its popularity from the 16th to the 18th century. The sunken stone bath dates from the 16th or 17th century. The bottom of the stone bath is said to have been lined with marble at one time. During this time, various structures were built around the well and bath to accommodate the many pilgrims. Browne Willis wrote in 1721 that there were rooms for changing into bathing clothing and other buildings; one was said to be a chapel that had images of the 12 Apostles in its lower half. Thomas Pennant said the fountain was "inclosed in an angular wall decorated with human figures, and before it is the well for the use of the pious bathers." In later times, the well and its surroundings fell into neglect. Richard Fenton's 1808 visit to the well found that the building which formerly enclosed the bath had fallen in and was ruined with the "bath choaked up." By 1880, little evidence of the former buildings on the site remained. Attempts were made to revitalise the site; some bridges were built over the stream, and small statues were again brought to the area surrounding the well. The well remains a popular place for pilgrims; some churches have visited the well to conduct baptisms using the water of the well. The site of the well was named a Grade II Listed Building in the National Historic Assets of Wales on 29 November 1999. I had a dip in the holy waters, which was incredibly cold 🥶. However, afterwards I felt about ten years younger and some people even said that I looked ten years younger 😳. I would recommend a visit to St. Dyfnog's well, but please be very careful if you have any type of heart condition as the water is...

This really is an amazing hidden gem. The well is near the church on an unassuming footpath. Follow the stream. A lovely, fairly flat (wheelchair accessible) picturesque woodland walk. The well is said to have healing properties which pilgrims have visited for hundreds of years,the place does feel tranquil and holy. There are (quite steep) steps with no handrail leading into the water itself....so if you are taking a dip, it may be good to take someone with you to steady you. Wild swimmers were there when we were. They were a...

Lovely little spot. I parked right by the church but it wasn’t ideal - not sure where is better. Anyway, you can walk up from either the right or the left of the church (route is clearer on the left) and find the magical little forest dell with the well. Someone has been in before me so the water was stirred up, but there’s a checkerboard tiled floor down there. Had a little dip,...