Dinas Emrys Trail

Route Description for Dinas Emrys Trail

From the car park, take the footpath perpendicular to the road leading into the woods. Reaching a fork, stay left for the more direct route, although you have the option to turn right and add a short loop to the walk. Continue along this path, cross a small bridge, and reach a beautiful waterfall hidden away in the green forest.

At the next major intersection, turn right and clamber over a stile built against a stone wall. Follow the path, taking your second right—there will be signs for Dinas Emrys. As you approach the hill, the ascent becomes steep and fairly rocky along the final stretch. You’ll arrive at the summit with glorious views of Llyn Dinas. Crumbled remains of an ancient fort will also greet your presence.

According to legend, the Welsh ruler Vortigern wanted to build a castle upon this hill, but every night the construction tumbled in a heap. The wizard Merlin declared that two dragons—one white, the other red—were fighting under the hill, causing the walls to crumble. Digging up the lair, they watched the red dragon finally conquer the white one, and return under the hill in peace. Immortalized in lore, the red dragon is today a national symbol of Wales.