The visitor to Penmachno Hall will find a host of attractions even closer to hand, with secluded forest walks over stepping stones to the secret waterfalls of the Glasgwm valley starting at the doorstep. Ty-Coch riding stables is situated in the forested hills just behind the hall as is Ty Mawr Wybrnant, the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, who originally translated the bible into Welsh.
Forest track behind Penmachno Hall
Penmachno is steeped in history and legend. Wybrnant (The valley of the gwiber) was named after a beast of legend, a huge snake that could fly, that was said to inhabit the valley.
Historians will be fascinated to view early Christian gravestones dating from AD540 in the local church, the latin engravings a testiment to the Roman influence which had been prevalent in the area.
Penmachno boasts some of the oldest houses in the Conwy Valley and a traditional smallholding with 19th century farmhouses and outbuildings may be seen at Ty'n-y-Coed Uchaf. Further information on this and Ty Mawr may be found by accessing the National Trust Website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Penmachno came into its own as a quarry town with the last quarries closing as late as the 1950's. Predominantly a farming area, village life centres around the local pub, The Eagles. Although it currently does not offer bar meals it provides a traditional atmosphere and the piano in the bar area is often used for live musical performances and impromptu Welsh sing-a-longs - www.eaglespenmachno.co.uk
Conwy Falls
The Conwy Falls (Rheadr y Graig Lwyd in Welsh) is well worth a visit, although the cafe , with its pink paintwork paying tribute to its designer, William Clough-Ellis (who also built Portmeirion), is currently closed.
For a detailed local history of Penmachno and the surrounding area please visit www.dilan4.com
