The Holy Well Of St Dyfnog, Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh, North Wales

## Overview The Holy Well of St Dyfnog is a historic sacred spring nestled in the wooded hillside above St Dyfnog's Church in the village of Llanrhaeadr, near Denbigh in the Vale of Clwyd, North Wales. Dedicated to the 6th-century Welsh saint Dyfnog, this well has been a place of pilgrimage and devotion for well over a thousand years. St Dyfnog (also spelled Dyfnog or Dyfnog ap Medrod) is said to have been a son of Medrod, a figure of early Welsh nobility. According to tradition, Dyfnog practised severe asceticism at this spot, standing beneath the cold cascade of the spring as a form of penance. The well became renowned for its reputed healing properties, particularly for skin ailments and rheumatism, and drew pilgrims from across Wales and beyond throughout the medieval period. The church itself, dedicated to St Dyfnog, is celebrated for housing one of the finest medieval stained-glass windows in Wales — the magnificent Jesse Window, dating from 1533, which miraculously survived the English Civil War by being hidden by local parishioners. The well and the church together form a site of considerable historical and cultural significance in the Welsh landscape. The spring water flows down through natural rock formations into a large stone-lined pool, set within a tranquil wooded enclosure above the churchyard. The well chamber retains elements of its medieval construction and has been partially restored over the centuries. Historically, the water has been used as a drinking and bathing source by pilgrims, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently verified in modern times. ## Directions 1. **By car**, head to the village of Llanrhaeadr, which sits just off the **A525** between Denbigh and Ruthin in Denbighshire, North Wales. 2. Look for **St Dyfnog's Church** (postcode area **LL16 4NL**), located next to **Anvil Pottery** — a useful landmark. 3. Parking spaces are available near the church for those arriving by car. 4. Enter through the **church gate** and walk up through the **cemetery**, bearing to the **right**. 5. At the **top of the graveyard**, you will find an entrance in the stone wall that leads into the **woods** beyond. 6. Follow the short woodland path — the well is only a brief walk from the churchyard wall. **GPS coordinates:** 53.16058, -3.378575 ## What to Expect The Holy Well of St Dyfnog is a peaceful and atmospheric site. The spring water cascades down through mossy rocks into a substantial stone pool, surrounded by mature woodland. The setting feels secluded and contemplative, despite being only a short walk from the village church. The well area retains a sense of deep antiquity. Visitors often remark on the stillness and beauty of the wooded enclosure, which contrasts with the open churchyard below. The pool itself is sizeable — historically, pilgrims would immerse themselves in the water as part of their devotions. The site has been reported to be easily accessible during daylight hours. However, it is unclear whether the church gate is locked at night, so daytime visits are recommended. The path through the graveyard and into the woods is short but may be uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advisable, especially in wet weather. While visiting the well, it is well worth spending time in **St Dyfnog's Church** to see the remarkable **Jesse Window** — a masterpiece of late-medieval stained glass depicting the genealogy of Christ from the root of Jesse. The combination of the ancient holy well and this extraordinary window makes Llanrhaeadr a uniquely rewarding destination for anyone interested in Welsh heritage, sacred landscapes, or the history of natural springs in Britain.