{"product_id":"9781902302973","title":"Walks Around Penmachno and Ysbyty Ifan in the Snowdonia National Park","description":"Lying within Snowdonia National Park, and close to the tourist hotspot of Betws-y-Coed, is a little known area of attractive river valleys, enclosed upland pasture, open hills, forest and moorland. Within this fascinating landscape can be found two historic Welsh speaking villages. \nPenmachno stands in the beautiful secluded fertile Machno valley, on an important drovers’ route and near Roman roads. St Tudclud’s church built in 1859 on the site of two earlier churches, contains several inscribed late 5thC\/mid 6thC stones, providing evidence of early Christianity in the area. This traditional farming community grew during the 19thC and contained over 1,700 people by 1871, boosted by work at a nearby woollen mill and slate quarrying at Cwm Penmachno, an important quarry village. Ysbyty Ifan (‘hospice of John’), lying a few miles to the east, stands at an important crossing point of the Conwy river on a network of ancient routes to Anglesey, Bardsey Island, Mid-Wales, Chester and London, used by drovers, travellers and pilgrims. Around 1190 the Hospitaler Knights of St John of Jerusalem built a church and hospice here, which for many years provided shelter and refreshment for those who passed by. The village was also famous for its animal fairs, which attracted cattle dealers from far and wide.\nMuch of the area, encompassing the Machno, Eidda and Upper Conwy valleys, is part of the Ysbyty estate, once owned by Lord Penrhyn, and since 1951 managed by the National Trust. It is one of the Trust’s largest agricultural estates, featuring over 50 tenant farms. It is a delightful area to explore on foot, with a good Rights of Way network, which has recently been upgraded. \nThe 24 walks in this book visit places of interest, including Tyˆ Mawr, old slate quarries, upland reservoirs, and waterfalls. They feature old drovers’ routes, a stunning upland quarry tramway, and breathtaking views. They range from easy valley walks to more demanding hill and moorland treks.","brand":"David Berry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52205830373640,"sku":"9781902302973","price":5.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0945\/8519\/2712\/files\/9781902302973.jpg?v=1770799277","url":"https:\/\/www.ffolio.wales\/products\/9781902302973","provider":"ffolio.wales","version":"1.0","type":"link"}