St Cybi's Well
Hidden holy well with possible pagan origins
Nestled amid trees in a secluded spot at the base of Garn Bentyrch in Eifionydd (Gwynedd), this ancient holy site possesses an unmistakeable air of magic. Dedicated to Cybi, a 6th-century saint reputed to have lived in the area (the church in nearby Llangybi also bears his name), the well’s waters have long been believed to hold healing properties.
Today you can see two well chambers alongside a more recent caretaker’s cottage dating from the 18th or 19th century. Despite its association with St Cybi, it’s possible that the well’s sacred status may be pre-Christian in origin.
Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 31st March | Open all year |
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Open all year — during reasonable daylight hours |
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Visitor information
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 2 – Easy
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
Health & Safety
Care and attention must be paid when visiting this monument. It will be regularly exposed to the natural elements and may be slippery or muddy underfoot.
Appropriate footwear for the season and type of monument must be considered prior to your visit. Please only attend during the set opening hours, these have been chosen for your safety i.e. appropriate level of lighting.
Many of our monuments are located at areas of height, attention must also be paid therefore to the surrounding areas, ditches and moats when visiting.
Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas. Please do not climb over or through any fixed installation.
Any handrail provided should be used to help you safely navigate historic steps, as these may be uneven and may be of different height.
As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.
Climbing may result in serious injury.
There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.
There may be shared access or neighbouring farmland that may involve the presence of grazing cattle or farm animals.
Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.
Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety
Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales
The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Deep water
Directions
Google MapGrid Ref: SH427412. Lat/Lon: 52.9456, -4.3420
what3words: ///butterfly.combining.book
To reach the well you will need to climb stiles and cross a marshy field on a rugged stone causeway.
No designated parking.
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