Ynyscynhaearn (pronounced Unnesscunnhairn) sits on the former island (Ynys) in Llyn Ystumllyn at the end of an ancient causeway. St Cynhaearn (a man of princely birth who embarked on a monastic life on the death of his father fighting the Saxons) is said to have first worshipped here in the seventh century (with the 1892 Gestiana recording burials from 730AD). The nave is 12th century and the north transept is 16th century, but in architectural terms it is the extraordinary interior which makes it special.
Although it is NOT necessary to enter the building to find the cache, the church is open daily, so do push the door open (you have to turn the surprisingly heavy handle) and have a look inside. There are postcards and books for sale.
The church served as the parish church for a broad area until Porthmadog provided itself with its own place of worship at the end of the 19th century. A church hall in Pentrefelin was later used for worship to save the walk up to the church. The church hall was designed by Clough Williams Ellis of Portmeirion fame.
Park in Pentrefelin and walk up the tarmaced path to the church, just under a mile up hill. This cache can also be combined with several other local caches to make a lovely walk. There are blackberries along the path in season. Make sure to leave the gates as you found them to ensure sheep and cows stay in the right places. A left turn shortly after leaving the church along the marked footpath takes you across the fields back to the far end of Pentrefelin.
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here
http://churchmicro.co.uk/
There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page that can be found at
http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html
Cache placed with kind permission of Rachel Morley of the Friends of Friendless Churches