Cantre’r Gwaelod
This legend is of the sunken kingdom which is said to have occupied a tract of fertile land that lay between Bardsey Island and Ramsey island in the area now known as Cardigan Bay in the West of Wales, it is known as the ‘Welsh Atlantis’. Stories of this lost land are told throughout Wales’ legend and folklore throughout the years.
While there is no reliable physical evidence that this place once existed, Welsh antique scholar William Pughe reported seeing sunken human habitations about four miles (6.4 KM) off the Ceredigion coast between the rivers of Ystwyth and Teifi. There is a submerged forest at Ynys Las that one can see for themselves, this is associated with the lost land of CAntre’r Gwaelod. This was the subject of the 2006 production of BBC’s Coast where Neil Oliver visited this place.
Dinas Dinlle
This beach is named for the large grassy mound that towers above; this mound was once home to a Hillfort. This was originally settled by Iron Age settlers before history began in 100 BCE. The fortress of Dinas Dinlle was said to be the home of Lleu Llaw Gyffes, who himself was a storied Welsh hero of legend. The name comes from Din – ‘Fort’ and ‘Lle’ short for Lleu. It is said that he transformed into an Eagle at the end of his life! This is close by to our holiday park!
Snowdon
At the summit of Snowdon, you may notice a large cairn of stones. In Welsh legend, this marks the grave of the giant Rhitta who was known for making capes from the beards of his enemies. Legend has it that when he fought King Arthur, aiming to claim his beard, that he was slain and Arhurt buried the giant under the pile of stones we see today. The Welsh name of the mountain ‘Wyddfa’ translates to‘ pile of stones’.
Bearded Lake, Aberdovey
The ‘bearded lake’ Llyn Barfog is said to have been home to a terrifying water monster. Arthur and his horse Llambria battled the monster and dragged the beast from the water, and supposedly left a footprint in the stone. Today you can see this legendary stone, named ‘Carn March Arthur’ – or the stone of Arthur’s horse.
Ynys Llanddwyn
On the end of Newborough Beach is the isle of Llandwyn, named for the church of Dwynwen, a nun who dwelt at the nunnery here. She didn’t start life as a nun though, she was originally a princess, who desired to marry one she loved. However, her father demanded that she marry another man. To avoid this, she became a nun and lived on the island. For her dedication to love, she is named the ‘Welsh Patron Saint of Love’ – St Dwynwen. You can see the ruins of this nunnery to this very day. The whole of this tidal island is like somewhere from a dream.