Capel Curig
OS Grid Ref:- SH 720582
A favourite of walkers and climbers alike, the small village of Capel Curig huddles beneath the dominating shadows of Moel Siabad (2,860') , Y Glyderau and Y Carneddau and the looming mass of Snowdon, Wales highest mountain, at 3,560 feet can be seen in the distance.
The Snowdon Massif from Capel Curig
The village, which is spread out along the road to Holyhead, is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in Wales. It is home to the National Mountain Centre, Plas-y-Brenin, which specialises in the highest quality mountain climbing and canoe training and has a dry ski slope.
The village gains its name, which means Curig's Chapel, from its small church set in an ancient graveyard on the Llanberis road. Traditionally, the church is said to be a sixth century construction, founded by St. Curig, a Celtic Bishop.
St. Julietta's Chapel, Capel Curig
The village has hotels and a small school, along with shops selling selling crafts and a wide range of mountaineering equipment. An old stage coach satnds outside the Tan-y-Coed Hotel.
Llyn Mymbyr, by the village is around 3/4 mile long, with a depth of 30 feet. A delta halfway along the north shore, dissects the lake. It is now frequently used for canoeing activities.
In the early seventeenth century, Capel Curig was renowned for harp making, its main industries today are tourism and agriculture.
The Ugly House
The famous Ugly House or Ty Hyl at Capel Curig houses the headquarters of the Snowdonia Society. The houses origins are uncertain, but tradition states that it was constructed in the fifteenth century by two outlaw brothers, built with boulders that weigh several tons each. It was constructed under a Welsh customary law, which decreed that if a person was able to build a house between sunset and sunrise, and have a fire burning in the grate with the smoke coming out of the chimney by dawn, he could claim the land as his own.The admission price of £1 covers entry to the attractive gardens and woodland nature trail.
Opening times:- 7 days a week, Easter - Oct, 9.30am-5pm.