Mynytho and surrounding rural Llŷn

In its elevated position, Mynytho has some of the most spellbinding views of the Llŷn. Cars will regularly pull over simply to get a glance of the enthralling sight that is the St Tudwals’ islands lying like lazy turtles in the glassy ocean. Full of winding and exciting footpaths and steeped in history, Mynytho is a wonderful place to have a short break from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. 

One of the most prominent features of Mynytho is a small tower which stands on top of the hill surveying the area, almost like a sibling to the tin man of Llanbedrog. Known to locals colloquially as ‘pot jam,’ the little tower is not in fact the jar where higher beings keep their marmalade, but an old windmill. The ‘jam pot’ is actually called Foel Twr and though it was never successful as a windmill thanks to the whirl of crosswinds on the hill, it has remained a focal point for visitors and locals alike over the years. The walk up to it is not an arduous one but is certainly worthwhile, as from this vantage point there are bewitching views for miles and miles around. Mynytho is a real treat for anyone into their walking, as the aforementioned footpaths are perfect for ramblers of all varieties.

Another sight of historic interest that Mynytho boasts is the memorial hall. Though it might seem strange for a village hall to be given such a status, this hall is unique because of its huge significance in the history of the struggle for recognition of Welsh culture and the Welsh language, Cymraeg. A plaque adorns the hall with an englyn –a type of poem completely unique to the Welsh language- by R. Williams Parry engraved on it, celebrating the love and shared commitment that went into its masonry and building. So significant is the memorial hall, that schoolchildren from the area study its history, along with the ground-breaking poem as part of their curriculum.

Mynytho is just one of the many villages of rural Llŷn; the whole area is a plethora of stunning views and cultural history. Dotted around the patchwork of green fields are locations that could rival any foreign holiday destination with their closeness to the beach, vantage point for incredible views, and refuges for tranquillity. A few days on the Llŷn is as beneficial as any spa break! Highlights include Aberdaron, often dubbed ‘pen draw’r byd’ which translates as ‘end of the world,’ and is the last stop before the infamous Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) and Porthdinllaen whose unique on-beach pub, the Ty Coch was recently voted third best beach bar in the world. There is also Rhiw, home to a National Trust manor house whose grounds are transformed by nature’s hand into a first a blanket of pure white snow drops in the early days of Spring, then a halcyon quilt of tinkling blue bells later on in the year. 

Every corner of the Llŷn is magical and unique. From quaint village potteries, to beach pubs, to coves of teeming rock pools; there is simply nowhere quite like it.