Holy Wells of North Wales
For centuries springs and wells have been regarded as places of special holiness. Many are dedicated to early Celtic saints of the 5th and 6th centuries, and some were believed to possess particular healing properties. Pilgrims would often travel considerable distances in hope of a cure. Many remain places of living spiritual significance today.
Wells Along Our Routes
St Gwenfaen's Well is one of the best-preserved well chambers on Anglesey, situated near the edge of a cliff on the coastal path near Rhoscolyn. Dedicated to a saint associated with the healing of mental illness, it was customary to offer of two white quartz pebbles into the water. The well is still blessed every year on the 4th November, St Gwenfaen's feast day.
Also on Anglesey at Penmon, St Seiriol's Well is believed to date to the 6th-century monastery founded there by the saint himself.
Seiriol and his friend St Cybi are said to have regularly walked to meet one another at the Clorach Wells near Llannerchymedd - two springs directly opposite each other on either side of the road, though little evidence remains of them today.
On the Llŷn Peninsula, St Cybi's Well at Llangybi has been a place of healing pilgrimage for centuries and a natural stopping point for pilgrims travelling to Ynys Enlli.
Further information about holy wells and springs can be found in Ian Taylor’s comprehensive guide wellhopper.wales/